Board of Trustees
Sian Searles
Chair of Trustees
With a wealth of professional marketing experience, Sian has dedicated her career to assisting both large corporations like Sainsbury’s, PwC, and News International, as well as small, innovative start-ups.
Not only has she successfully founded and grown various business development companies, but she has also established strong client relationships with renowned companies such as Deloitte and Australia Post during her time in Australia.
Beyond her business accomplishments, Sian has made a difference in the community as well. She served in Australia on the Victorian Advisory Board for Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity that supports hospitalised children of all ages.
On returning to Winchester, Sian became a Trustee of WYC in 2019. She is the current Chair of the Board of Trustees. She also co-founded the annual Winchester Books Festival in 2022. It has been set up as a Community Interest Company, helping to bring a broad range of authors to Winchester and has been expanded to include children’s authors and to raise money for WYC.
Alison Day
Trustee
Alison is Deputy Director for Children’s Complex Care services for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and is an adult and paediatric nurse, specialising in community children’s nursing care. Alison has strategic, operational management and clinical expertise gained over the past three decades working in NHS acute, community services and most recently within the local Integrated Care Board.
Alison is passionate about supporting the amazing team at WYC who work with children, young people and their parents, giving them the opportunity to talk and be heard in a variety of community settings. Living locally to Winchester, she is married with 3 grown up children.
Alison’s experience includes building strong partnerships with integrated service models across complex systems that mobilise services with measurable benefits for children and families. Alison provides valuable insight into NHS and Local Authority, policies, procedures and advises on topics including leadership to ensure quality clinical care for children, young people, engagement, co-production and safeguarding. Professional networks can be connected to WYC staff to support their important work.
Debbie Lockett
Trustee
Debbie’s professional background showcases her dedication to community service. She established the FirstBite community café in 2016, demonstrating her commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals through workshops and volunteer opportunities. With her experience in community service, volunteer management, fundraising, and social impact project oversight, Debbie brings a wealth of skills to the Winchester Youth Counselling (WYC) Board. Her role as hub manager at Winchester Basics Bank further emphasises her hands-on approach to addressing the needs of the community’s most vulnerable members.
As a WYC trustee, Debbie leverages her extensive local network, connecting the organisation with charitable groups, their leaders, and beneficiaries. Her ability to foster relationships with businesses and identify fundraising opportunities enhances WYC’s capacity for collaboration and resource acquisition.
Debbie’s legacy at WYC would ideally reflect her impact in bolstering community connections, enhancing organisational sustainability, and expanding resources. She aspires to leave a lasting mark by ensuring that WYC continues to thrive, serving the young people of Winchester and making a meaningful difference in their lives through increased support and partnerships.
Natasha Montagu
Trustee
Natasha has worked in the charity sector for 25 years as a fundraiser and CEO and has now made the leap into Higher Education leading a team as Head of External Engagement at the University of Winchester with responsibility for corporate communications, income generation and external relations. During her charity career Natasha has been involved in numerous youth initiatives including inclusive arts, mental health and youth voice projects and now has the privilege of working alongside students every day at the University.
As a Trustee of WYC Natasha brings experience of the sector as well as fundraising, strategic planning and governance expertise. As a Trustee, she will continue to support the Team to build a sustainable financial future, demonstrate our impact and raise our profile in the region.
Natasha is deeply concerned about the extent to which young people are suffering with their mental health and understand first-hand how these challenges affect the everyday life of young people and their families. At WYC the team works tirelessly with young people to help improve their mental wellbeing and give them hope for the future. Natasha feels privileged to contribute to this essential work.
Gareth Bloomfield
Trustee
Bio coming soon…