Chris Baldwin (he/him) CHAIR/ TRUSTEE SAFEGUARDING LEAD
Chris is a local award winning song writer and composer, and plays in several bands including Riding the Low. Chris works as the Head of Alternative Education within William Allitt Secondary School and teaches music. He has set up ‘Circularity’ a music based not for profit organisation that explores universal themes and connectivity through music. Chris brings a wealth of experience in music, people management and working across diverse communities and with young people. For Chris is passionate about raising aspirations and increasing life chances within the work of People Express, he lives in Castle Gresley with his wife and two daughters.
Helen Litherland (she/her) TREASURER
Helen is the Operational Lead for Trident Reach the People, a major midlands based charity that specialises in supporting communities affected by domestic abuse, homelessness and/or their mental health. Helen manages services that support families, young people in Care, older people and BME communities. Helen brings a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, human resources, evaluating services, time management, contingency and succession planning alongside engaging vulnerable and at risk groups. Helen loves textiles and singing and is a passionate supporter of increasing access to the arts, she lives in Woodville with her husband and has two children.
Mamuna Altaf (she/her) VICE TREASURER
Mamuna is a qualified ESOL teacher, her experience includes working as an Inclusion Officer, within Adult Education and on major European funded regeneration projects in Birmingham’s most economically deprived neighbourhoods. Mamuna has worked with learning disabled adults, women and children’s groups, young adults and refugee and asylum seekers. Mamuna’s current role is a Senior Community Connector supporting young people with disabilities and autism. Mamuna brings skills in developing Equalities Policy and Action Plans, managing large scale budgets, developing strategic aims and objectives, evaluation, and community engagement. Mamuna believes in the importance of arts and in communities having access to art , to increase well being and bring communities together to share there stories. Mamuna lives in Derby with her two daughters.
Matt Clay (He/him)
Matt is currently Development Manager at Lichfield Garrick Theatre, and has previously worked for Derby Theatre, Derby Live and Curve Theatre in Leicester. He has been associated with People Express for a few years now as part of the Friends of Hatton Salt Brook group and seen the positive impact the charity has made in the village. Matt volunteers as a Dementia Champion for the Alzheimer's Society and fundraises for various charities through running (slowly) or walking challenges and coffee mornings! He lives in Hatton with his husband and cat.
Gray Rodgers (they/them)
Gray is the founder and treasurer of the Swadlincote Aspergers Society - one of the first peer-led support groups in the county - whose inclusive community work was nominated in the national Epic Awards 2018.
Their work in the field of neurodiversity began with writing non-fiction articles for newsletters, magazine Aspergers United, and awareness campaigns, one of which was the National Autistic Society's "I Exist" campaign, the findings of which shaped the Autism Act of 2009 in the Houses of Parliament.
Throughout the pandemic they worked tirelessly as a key worker, yet moving online, they also worked as an expert by experience consultant for Derbyshire County Council, Citizens Advice Mid-Mercia, and the Autism Information & Advice Service. They made contributions to the Derbyshire Autism Alliance meetings, and subsequently invited onto Derbyshire Autism Partnership Board; set up to implement the UK government’s adult autism strategy.
Gray identifies as a proud member of the Neurodiverse community and is a passionate advocate and spokesperson on behalf of vulnerable adults, with their lived experience of disability, learning difficulty, social exclusion, and mental health issues.
Elodie Horsewell (she/her)
Elodie is our youngest trustee at 17, she has lived experience as a LGBTQIA+ non-traditionally home schooled educated teenager. Elodie is passionate about creating more opportunities for young people, no matter what their background or lived experience. She has been on youth forums for mental health services and is confident expressing her views to 'adults who have influence'. Elodie is currently a Scout leader and is studying for a University of Arts London, Level 3 in Art and Design.
Neil Johnson (he/him)
