Team

Gillian Reid

Gillian Reid, JP, SRN Gillian is a mother of three and grandmother of five, was a magistrate for over 28 years and also Chairman of the Youth Bench which gave her insight and interest in the problems of teenagers and young people. Gill was a Trustee for many years before taking on the role as Patron.

Pandora Christie

Pandora is an extraordinary lady. In and out of foster care during her childhood she has first hand experience of the care system and being homeless. She is now a successful Radio presenter and advocate for young people. She says “My foster carers made me who I am today”. Pandora brings experience, warmth and empathy to the Charity and is key to supporting our young people achieve their dreams.

Anna Savage, Chair of Trustees

Anna is Chair of Trustees and took on this role in January 2025. Anna was a nurse before having children then returned to work for local government in a middle management role. In later life, she returned to university to become a social worker for children and families. Anna is a member of our HR Committee and Finance Committee. She is experienced in listening and supporting emotional and psychological problems, relationships and difficult life experiences and situations which is essential for the charity in supporting our young people. Her interests are trying to stay fit with exercise and diet, interior design, Rockchoir, salsa dancing and taking part in a writing and a book club. She also loves travelling to different parts of the world and has lived in Poland and Spain.

Peter Robertson, Vice Chair

Peter is a retired local General Practitioner (GP) after a 36 year career in medicine. Peter trained and qualified at University of Birmingham. He then spent 7 years as an RAF medical officer working at flying stations, support stations and also Princess Alexandra’s Hospital RAF Wroughton. He spent four months on the Falkland Islands immediately after the cessation of the Falklands War. Peter joined Thatcham Medical Practice as a partner in 1996 and later established a new surgery in the SE of Thatcham, the Burdwood Surgery. Peter is married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren and has lived in Bucklebury since joining Thatcham Medical Practice. I have enjoyed several sports especially sailing and am an enthusiastic rugby supporter.

Tim Dyson, Trustee

Tim’s career began in sales before progressing into leadership roles in the high technology business to business sector. Since retiring he has devoted much of his time to working with young people as a mentor and business advisor. He joined YPACF as a trustee in January 2019 and took over the role of Chair in July of that year. Tim stepped down as Chair in January 2025 and remains a Trustee. He is a member of Thatcham Rotary Club, a keen singer and a poor golfer.

Neil Elsden, Trustee & Treasurer

Neil is a Chartered Accountant with 25 years’ experience advising business and charities or all shapes and sizes. His office chose Bridge For Young People as their nominated charity for 2024 and working with Tracy (BfYP CEO) and her team over the last twelve months gave Neil a real insight into the good that BFYP do on a daily basis. He is excited to be a part of its future. As Trustee Treasurer, he will be bringing his strategic overview to the finance function and continuing the good work and processes already in place.

Martin Webb, Trustee

Martin Webb was an English teacher in small independent schools for thirty-five years before retiring in 2020. He held various management positions such as Deputy Head, Director of Studies and Senior Master. Interests include researching family history in Cornwall and Wiltshire, walking and jogging, as well as being a long-suffering and very patient Everton supporter. He still does some one-to-one tutoring and attempts to write novels and religions books. He was (and still is) a volunteer for the charity and became a Trustee in 2024.

Grahame Pitts, Trustee

Originally trained in design and education, Grahame spent his early working life teaching, youth work and outdoor pursuits. In mid-career he ran his own business making furniture before switching back into education, moving into leadership training with WH Smith. More recently he has run his own business again, helping organisations change – working with teams and individuals to raise performance, confidence and capability. Grahame has been a chair of school governors. Outside of work he is a keen tennis player, writes short stories, still works with wood and is a dedicated dog walker to a cocker spaniel. He enjoys spending time with three grandchildren.

Amanda Collins, Trustee

Amanda joined BfYP, as a Trustee, in October 2025. Amanda is a Solicitor and works for a local firm in the Dispute Resolution department. She was born in Lincolnshire and attended the University of Lincoln as a mature student. Following qualification, she moved with her family to London and has worked in the South and the Thames Valley area for a number of years. Amanda has a keen interest in social mobility and ensuring that our most vulnerable have access to the tools they require in order to thrive. Amanda enjoys gardening, attending live events and DIY.

Heather Luff, Trustee

Heather has a background in Human Resources, in particular, recruitment, training and development and performance management. She has worked as a consultant in large organisations and is experienced in helping to develop people strategies which improve performance and deliver the business vision. She is passionate about helping people to meet their individual development goals and is a trained mentor and coach. Heather’s interests focus on keeping fit, hiking both locally and as part of her love of travelling. Playing golf with friends, reading and cinema are also important as is a growing interest in DIY – well painting really!

Mark Sheircliff, Trustee

Mark is from the Newbury area and went to St Barts School before embarking on a career in IT. He worked for Vodafone as a Senior Manager in Telecoms and IT for many years before working for O2, Hewlett Packard and the Ministry of Defence, where he is currently leading cost saving programmes on the Naval vessels. Mark set up his own Charity in 2008, Starfish Zambia, which provides education for young people in Africa. Starfish now has over 100 graduates and a thriving Junior School with over 200 pupils. He also has experience with property rentals and Houses in Multiple Occupation. Mark is passionate about providing young people with opportunities to fulfil their potential.

Patsy Stone, Founder

Co-Founder Patsy and John set up Children 1st West Berkshire in 2008. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and were foster carers for over 20 years. Patsy and John worked tirelessly for the charity and have great satisfaction seeing its growth and the many successes of the young residents. John did the lion’s share of the initial administration in setting up the charity while Patsy provided the support. Patsy and John continue to support the Charity and it’s CEO.

John Stone, Founder

Co-Founder Patsy and John set up Children 1st West Berkshire in 2008. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and were foster carers for over 20 years. Patsy and John worked tirelessly for the charity and have great satisfaction seeing its growth and the many successes of the young residents. John did the lion’s share of the initial administration in setting up the charity while Patsy provided the support. Patsy and John continue to support the Charity and it’s CEO.

Tracy Underwood, Chief Exec

Tracy Underwood has over 15 years’ experience working in the healthcare and charity sectors, within the National Autistic Society and for Sue Ryder as National Service Improvement Manager. In this role she was pivotal in leading Hospices across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire to achieve their Outstanding CQC Inspection rating. Tracy grew up in Newbury, spent many years touring the world working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before returning to the UK and finding her ‘calling’ working in the charity sector. Tracy loves travelling, walking her dog and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Sarah Calvert, Support Services Manager

Support Services Manager Sarah has a Youth and Community Hons Degree. She has been working with young vulnerable teenagers and adults since 2005 and is an experienced support worker. She has recently returned from a position in Thailand to join our Charity. In her spare time she likes to go to the gym, being creative and when permitted, snowboarding holidays.

Emily Tembo, Support Team Lead

I have an HND in Business Studies. I started working in Social Care in New Zealand in 2002 before moving to UK where I continued working in Social Care, then I developed a passion for young people driven by wanting to make changes in the young people’s lives. I have over 10 years of experience working with vulnerable young people in Supported Accommodation and other settings. I enjoy going for early morning walks and travelling. I also like cooking and baking in my spare time.

Lauren Kingham Specialist Support Worker

Specialist Support Worker Lauren has an Hons degree in Criminology with Psychology. She is an experienced support worker with four years at Priors Court as an Autism Practitioner, leading a Team. Lauren enjoys being creative (especially with our young people) and spends time pottery painting, walking the dogs and time with friends and family.

Amy Haines, Specialist Support Worker

Specialist Support Worker Amy has an Honours degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies. She has over 6 years’ experience of working in the homelessness, mental health and prison settings dealing with complex needs. Amy has two children with her partner. She enjoys cooking, baking, yoga and spending time with her family. She is learning to speak Russian!

James Chakanyuka, Specialist Support Worker

A dedicated social care professional with over a decade of experience working with young people across residential, educational, and community settings. Holds a Master’s in Development Studies and a BA in History, complemented by extensive training in Safeguarding, Trauma-informed care, Autism awareness, and Mental health. Experience in managing youth entrepreneurship programs, training, and evaluation. Also has operational expertise from roles in recruitment, executive support and service coordination. Likes movies, exploring new technologies and spending meaningful time with young people and his children.

Blessing Unukpo, Specialist Support Worker

Specialist Support Worker Blessing Unukpo is a passionate support worker and women empowerment leader. She has worked at Calcot Services for Children for six years, supporting young people to improve their quality of life. She is currently a Specialist Support Worker at The Bridge, helping young people and supporting their daily needs. Blessing is also the Head of EmpowerHer Women’s Group, where she supports over 200 women from different backgrounds to focus on their health and wellbeing. She has experience in pastoral care and community support. She holds a first degree in Business Management with a 2:1 from London Metropolitan University. She has recently been accepted to start a Master, MSc in International Business Management, a one year full time programme beginning in August, delivered online and on weekends.

Amy Murray, Specialist Support Worker

Amy is currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and has a strong interest in mental health and advocacy. She is passionate about supporting young people to build confidence, resilience, and independence. Before joining the charity, Amy gained experience working in a primary school, where she developed her communication skills and a nurturing approach to helping others. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, going on adventures, and has recently taken up motorbike riding — always ready to embrace new challenges and experiences.

Henry Perks, Finance Officer

Finance Officer Henry has worked as an accountant for five years before joining BfYP. He attended Kingston University where he gained a BSC in Chemistry. He now enjoys not just supporting the charity, but also working closely with our young people with their money management. Henry loves skiing, cooking and hiking.

Lee Shergold, Fundraising Manager

Fundraising Manager Lee has 8 years’ experience working as a fundraiser, working with national and international charities. With experience all the way from street fundraising to multi-million pound sponsorship. Lee has also got a Hons degree in Sport Science and Physical Education and previously worked as a specialist PE teacher. Working with children in deprived areas and SEN children. In his spare time, he spends time with his 3 children, coaching a youth football team as well as playing football and boxing.

Lucy Lubbe, Office Manager

Office Manager Lucy joinied Bridge for Young People in February 2024, as Office Administrator. She has a PA Course – Level 3 Diploma and spend over 10 years in retail management. Lucy has 2 children with her partner and 2 sausage dogs. She enjoys spending time baking with her daughters and being outside.

Joanne Jackson, Volunteer Coordinator

Jo joined Bridge for Young People in October 2025 as a Volunteer Coordinator. She was previously a Corporate Affairs PA at PepsiCo Intl, and before that a Marketing Secretary with Walkers Crisps (yes, she has met Gary Lineker on several occasions). Jo has 2 grown up daughters, 3 cats and a Hearing Dog for the Deaf called Cillian. Jo is Deaf with a Cochlear Implant and is a proficient lip reader. She enjoys walking her dog, gardening and crafting.

Richard Harper, Caretaker/Maintenance

Jimmy Heath, Live In Supervisor

Live in Supervisor

Alison Singleton, Live in Supervisor

Live in Supervisor

Stella Ji, Live in Supervisor

Live in Supervisor