Our Trustees
Chair - Greg Headley
Greg joined the team of Trustees in 2023 though he has been connected with OBF for several years through his previous work at Homeless Link. Greg is committed to social justice and improving the lives of people who don’t get what they need to live their best life possible. He believes that community empowerment is the answer and that we all have a role and responsibility to play in co-creating a better world.
Greg now lives in Newcastle Upon Tyne with his beloved garden for company whilst working in a national role for the Making Every Adult Matter coalition (MEAM).
Treasurer – Jayne Pugh
Having been there at the birth of the original non profit organisation, One Big Family, it seemed right that as the charity evolved and we registered for charity status, that I would go on to be a trustee/treasurer. In 2017 we rolled out the outreach work in Yorkshire and I also lead on that.
The work that One Big Family does in its communities is vital and I have seen first hand the difference we can make to peoples lives. The unique approach taken by the Charity in its approach to homelessness is key to its success.
My day job in Private Client Insurance could not be further from the work the charity does. My passion lies with the charity and I am committed to, with the other trustees, staff and volunteers taking the charity forward and helping many more people in the future.
Board Secretary - Jayne Pardesi
I have volunteered for One Big Family for 3 years. I started as a cook and helping at the soup kitchen and soon became interested in the wider work that the charity does so offered my services as a trustee. I have a banking background and use my knowledge to help write funding bids to enable the work of the charity to continue. I am a very active volunteer as well as being a trustee and will help in any aspect from fundraising to helping at the winter night shelter. I am very passionate about the holistic approach that the charity adopts and have completed trauma informed practice training so that I can fully understand the ethos of the charity. My ambition is to build on the work already taking place and increase our funding so that we can expand the work we do so that we can help more people in Medway.
Trustee – Charlene Malone
I started working with One Big Family in 2017 when I first met Liz and Darren through my role at the Pentagon Shopping Centre. We supported the charity with donations to the homeless in the way of a beauty box that customers use to donate hygiene items. The Pentagon began to get more involved with the charity with myself completing the ultra-walk which I have done now for the last 6 years!
We continue to support the charity with donations and money through events and money pots in shops and I speak with Darren and Liz often about individuals of concern and the general issues in the Town Centre. I have been a trustee for 2 years now and love what the charity does for the community.
What sets us apart in terms of support is the way in which we help everyone on an individual basis providing counselling where needed and working tirelessly to ensure that no one is alone or without care. The charity really is as the name describes - One Big Family.
Trustee – Graham Hill
My name is Graham Hill and I have been involved with One Big Family since before Covid 19. My initial contact with this organisation was around the time that it was getting involved with the Winter Night Shelter based at the Emmaus Christian Centre.
At the time I was the Church Secretary, and we were looking at how to support this need in Medway. Negotiations with the United Reformed Church Synod, who own the premises, took place to develop a sound working arrangement and looked like becoming a costly legal exercise, until all those involved sat round a table and concluded that a more cost-effective agreement was possible. That agreement still stands as OBF continue to have an active role in providing for the most vulnerable during the winter months and throughout the year in various ways based at the church.
Having been a volunteer for the soup kitchen, my role has been serving teas and coffees.
From these involvements I was asked if I would consider being a Trustee.
More recently I spend time with the residents of Dukes House on Friday evenings.
Trustee – Zara Martin
Zara Martin has been working with One Big Family since 2017 and joined our Board as a co-opted Trustee in February 2024. With extensive NHS and private sector experience she brings a unique perspective to the Board and is supporting the team with operational development and business planning. Having grown up in Medway she is passionate about ensuring people have access to the services they need when they need them.