Stephen lives near the city of Wells and loves Somerset. He was ordained as an Elim minister twenty-five years ago. Previously Stephen worked as a housing lawyer and was the CEO of a Homeless Charity providing outreach to rough sleepers. He helped pioneer an innovative rural direct-bed hostel and the introduction of Housing First in Mendip.

Stephen is also a Director of a Somerset-based social enterprise letting agency. He works part-time as a consultant trainer and charity advisor and is a Trustee of Churches together in England.

Stephen believes that everyone has the right to a home and ease of access to health care, particularly in the areas of mental health, multiple, and complex needs. He is a passionate advocate and speaker for those who ‘fall through the net’ of support services and he embraces diversity.

Geoff is a retired headteacher who worked in forces schools for the vast majority of his working life. He began supporting homeless people in 2017 on a volunteer basis. This grew over the years and became a passion. Great support can lead to great success in turning peoples lives around. Geoff’s support as a trustee of this trust will be to try and help it be as effective as possible. The trustees will aim to make the greatest difference.

Jonathan is a retired Chartered Engineer who spent 35 years leading an engineering services consultancy, delivering nationally recognised low-energy design solutions across commercial, industrial, and historic buildings.

In parallel, he serves on the leadership team of a thriving, multigenerational local church with a strong commitment to serving its community.

He is married, with two adult children and four grandchildren.

Since my teens, I’ve been passionate about justice, restoration and hope for people living on the margins, both in the UK and overseas. Most of my career has been spent working with small and medium‑sized charities in their foundation or start‑up phases, helping build structures that genuinely serve vulnerable communities. I spent 30 years with Viva (viva.org), advocating for children at risk in a wide range of roles, most recently as a trustee from 2022 to 2025. Alongside this, I’ve volunteered in day centres, homeless shelters and soup kitchens in Oxford and across Latin America, always learning from the resilience and dignity of those I served. From 2017 to 2023, my husband, children and I lived as Wardens of Windsor Hill Wood, a refuge for adults facing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. I’m now delighted to be part of the Connect Community Trust, supporting those affected by rural homelessness and isolation.