About Us

Steph was a teacher for 25 years, and is a Parish Councillor in Northwood, Cowes, where she lives with her husband, cockapoo, Hydea, and sometimes their three nearly grown up children! She loves working in the community and is particularly keen on improving the lives of young people and their families. Steph is also a Lay Worship Leader in the Cowes Cluster of churches.

Abbi is thrilled to be part of the team here at SWAY. She has been a member of Apex Church in Cowes since 2014 where she is part of the music team and helps to run a monthly womens’ breakfast. She has worked in banking and the charity sector. Her main passion is helping others to help themselves, whether that is giving information or pointing people in the right direction to empower them to move forward.

Kathryn moved to the Island from Birmingham and has worked extensively with children and families through Children’s Centres, the local authority Inclusion Team, and a range of charities and church initiatives. She is passionate about being part of the local community and working alongside others to make positive changes for families and neighbourhoods. Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys spending time with friends, going on outdoor adventures, and exploring new places.

Olivia lives in Ventnor and has a keen interest in art and music. After studying A Levels at Brockenhurst College, she is now studying at Moorlands College, Christchurch, on a three-year course, and is gaining valuable experience working with young people. Having been part of SWAY as a young person for about five years, Olivia has seen first-hand the impact of SWAY’s work across different communities. In the coming year, she will be involved in youth groups, projects, and activities across the South Wight.

Peter brings over 30 years of experience as a Mathematics teacher to his role as Trustee. After retiring from Ryde School in 2018, he continues to teach part-time at Cowes Enterprise College. He also studied Theology at Spurgeon’s College and now serves as a Reader at St Mary’s, Brighstone. He is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren. His interests include playing squash, mountain climbing, reading C.S. Lewis, and listening to Bob Dylan.

Joanna built her early career in environmental land management and income generation across Africa and Asia, working with both private and voluntary sector organisations. After settling on the Island, she managed government funding through the public sector before establishing her own recycling manufacturing business, which she has run for the past 12 years from her working farm in Chale. Joanna is a founding trustee of SWAY and also serves on the board of Sustainable Chale, promoting renewable energy at the local level.

Andrew has been a Trustee and Treasurer of SWAY since 2016. Before moving to the Island in 2001 to work in full-time Christian ministry, he had a successful career as an accountant in the Midlands. He and his wife, Geraldine, live in Lake, and their two adult children now have families of their own. In addition to his work with SWAY, he serves as treasurer for several Island charities and has extensive experience working with children and young people, including as a Scout Leader, Boys’ Brigade Leader, and church youth coordinator.

Maurice is a retired Local Government Officer who worked as an Inspector of Weights and Measures and Trading Standards Officer for several local authorities, including the Isle of Wight County Council, West Sussex, and Kent. After retiring, he returned to the Island, where he worked for AJ Wells & Sons Ltd as a Process Auditor and later for the Isle of Wight Council as an Enforcement Officer. In 2014, he became one of SWAY’s founding trustees. He is passionate about helping young people develop self-confidence and achieve their full potential.

We are so grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Why not join us?