Cornwall’s Georgia’s Voice names new chair and trustees

A charity that started in grief has just handed its future to a new set of hands. Georgia’s Voice, Cornwall’s only dedicated mental health charity for young women aged 18 to 25, has appointed a new Board of Trustees and a new Chair, with support from Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments.

A new chair steps in

David Teasdale-Hughes takes over as Chair of the Board of Trustees, bringing leadership experience from values-led, community-focused organisations.

“As the dad of a teenage girl, it’s incredibly important to me that Georgia’s Voice thrives and is here for every young woman who might need us,” David said. “I’m thrilled to work with such a passionate and talented group of people. This charity is special, and I’m honoured to help guide its future.”

Who else is on the board

Julie Allen continues as a Trustee, drawing on decades of frontline work supporting adults with learning disabilities and a belief in women’s collective strength.

The new Trustees join with a wide spread of backgrounds. Kate Venner is a charity leader with more than 20 years in the voluntary sector and a governance focus on young people’s wellbeing. Florence Bate brings PR and communications experience to raise the charity’s profile. Mark Mackenzie is a public service transformation leader with 35 years delivering large-scale change. Casandra Perez is a financial accountant with a commitment to empowering women. And Kora-Lee Holmes offers strategic, governance and organisational development insight drawn from NCVO and international humanitarian work.

From a grassroots idea to a lifeline

Georgia’s Voice has grown a long way since 2021. What began as a grassroots idea now runs weekly peer-support groups in six locations, a counselling partnership with Cornwall College, wellbeing activities and a community hub.

Founding CEO Sophie Alway said the charity was “born from heartbreak, hope, and the belief that young women deserve better.”

“Today, we support hundreds of women across Cornwall, but the need is growing, and so must we,” Sophie said. “This new board of trustees brings extraordinary skill, compassion and lived experience. Their leadership will allow us to expand our reach, strengthen our services, and transform the future of young women’s mental health in Cornwall. This is the beginning of something truly powerful.”

What comes next

With the board in place, the charity says it is now positioned to broaden its reach. The plans include expanding the number of group locations, increasing counselling provision, enhancing crisis support and building new strategic partnerships across Cornwall.

Georgia’s Voice works to prevent suicide in young women aged 18 to 25, offering peer-support groups, counselling, wellbeing activities, crisis support and community connection in spaces where young women can be heard and supported.