Chief Executive Officer
The role of the Chief Executive Officer is to provide inspirational leadership, vision and direction.
Karen Greenhow
CEO
Client Focused, Trauma Informed Therapist
I joined The Birchall Trust (formally known as South Cumbria Rape Abuse Service) in November 2008 as office administrator and I instantly knew I was now part of a therapeutic family and the seed of passion was planted and ready to grow. As part of my induction training I attended a 10 week counselling skills course and from that moment I knew I wanted to know more about counselling and the impact this has on people’s lives. After completing the 10 week course I enrolled at the University of Cumbria on the Degree in Person Centred Counselling. This journey was amazing and I graduated in May 2014 with a 2:1. Since 2014 I have continued to practice as a counsellor and attended various training events over the years. After attending Babette Rothschild’s 12 day training in 2016 my practice changed forever. I understood the importance of being a Trauma Led counsellor, especially with people who have experienced sexual trauma in order not to re-traumatise them and also to give individuals the vital coping strategies for them to use in everyday life.
Just as I was graduating Jean, Manager was retiring and the role of CEO became vacant. I believed that along with my professional/ personal skills and passion I would be able to
succeed at this role so I applied and was ecstatic when I was offered the position.
On the 1st June 2014 I become CEO for this amazing charity, I was so proud to be able to carry on the vision which Christine Birchall started in 1991.
That seed of passion has now grown considerably and I will to continue to strive to help everyone regardless of their gender, age, culture, sexuality etc to gain a life of happiness and contentment.
Counselling Co-Ordinators
The role of Counselling Co- Ordinator is to coordinate and manage a safe, professional and accessible face to face counselling and the counselling team.
Jan Athorn
Adult Counselling Co-ordinator
Client Focused, Trauma informed Therapist
5 years ago when I found Birchall, I knew instinctively it was the place I wanted to work as a counsellor. For me personally, working with survivors of sexual crimes was an area that felt close to my heart and one I wanted to make a positive impact in. I just wanted to help people to lead the life they wish for after such world shattering events. In August 2018, I joined the staff team as the Adult Co-ordinator, this role really gives me an opportunity to shape the quality of the service we deliver and support our counselling team to provide a therapeutic experience our clients absolutely deserve.
I am immensely proud of The Birchall Trust, it is a privilege to be part of such a special organisation that changes lives and gives hope for a brighter future to so many.
Kim Robinson
Under 18’s Counselling Co-ordinator
Client Focused, Trauma informed Therapist
I started working at the Birchall Trust in June 2017, in the position of Under 18’s Counselling Co-Ordinator, supporting the team of counsellors and therapists working with children and young people accessing therapy. I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to join such a well-established and much respected charity, having heard so many wonderful things about the amazing therapeutic work it offers to clients of all ages.
It is a privilege to work alongside the Counsellors and Play Therapists who work with passion and commitment, using their exceptional skillsets, knowledge and experience and sharing them with Birchall Trusts young clients.
Everyone involved with The Birchall Trust has special and unique working roles to fulfil. I value and appreciate my role within an immensely hard working, dedicated and supportive team, which inspires me to achieve my part, in helping develop the best service we can offer to our clients.
I am a Cumbria Domestic Abuse Champion and attend the Cumbrian network meetings. I also sit on the LSCB Furness Practitioners Forum and the Children and Young People’s Voluntary Sector Group
Office Staff
Our small dedicated trauma informed staff team are able to engage sensitively with all our clients; they have collectively have a wealth of experience and excellent business and administration qualifications.
Jeanette Staunton
Administrator Trauma Informed
Hi I am Jeanette. I am an Administrator and I started working at The Birchall Trust in May 2015. Although we only have a small office it is a very busy one. Every day is different and sometimes challenging but worth it as I know the impact each and every conversation can have on a client. It is nice working with a team of people who are so kind and caring and knowing that we all share the same passion to deliver the best service we can to our wonderful clients.
Alice Walsh
Administration Assistant
I started working at The Birchall trust in April 2019 and I work in the office as an Administrative Assistant. I love working here; it’s really rewarding helping the clients even if I’m not helping them directly. It’s so important that everything is organised and ready for helping the client through their journey.
Debra Jessett
Freelance Fundraiser and Service Development Co-Ordinator
I took over as the Fundraising and Development Co-ordinator in June 2019. It has been a steep learning curve over the last few months but I have enjoyed getting to know Team Birchall and felt very inspired when I attended the AGM in October.
Although I have just started working for the Trust on a more long-term basis, I have developed a good understanding of its work over the years through a number of initiatives that I was involved with, including a feasibility study and a lottery evaluation.
What came across to me during this time is the excellent service that the Birchall Trust provides and the real impact that it has on people’s lives. When I interviewed people as part of the lottery evaluation, it was very humbling to hear their stories and the difference that the service had made.
I bring to the role of Fundraiser a variety of experience. I not only ran a Charity myself for a number of years, but also have worked as a Grants Officer and more recently have worked freelance in the Voluntary Sector providing a variety of support to local charities. I have also run my own business, Inspirational Ceremonies, for the last 13 years and provide personal non-religious ceremonies throughout the North West.
I hope to bring to this role a friendly and warm style of working as well as the ability to think strategically and creatively.
I live in Kendal with my family and dog, Harmony. In my spare time I enjoy undertaking a wide variety of outdoor activities with my family including walking, cycling, camping and canoeing.
In 2018 I started running and have taken part in a couple of local park runs as well as St John’s Hospice’s Colour Dash. I also enjoy singing and have been a member of two local natural voice choirs for over 10 years
Steve Robson
Freelance Consultant
Steve has had links with The Birchall Trust since 2009.
During this time he has been Chair of Trustees and also our past Adult Counselling Co- Ordinator. Steve is now our Freelance Consultant and assists us with Policies and Procedures and quality standards.