Trustees and Patrons
Trustees (Board members)
Here are our board members, the people who advise and guide the charity on its management and its direction. Our trustees work together to direct Off the Fence through its long term and short term objectives, ensuring we stay on track and accountable to everyone involved in what we do. The Board of Trustees, sometimes known as the Board of Directors, all give their time voluntarily and receive no renumeration for their services.
Paul Young
Paul along with his wife Wendy is the founder and CEO of Off The Fence and has led the charity for nearly 25 years. His vision is to end social and spiritual poverty in Brighton & Hove, engaging with individuals to create a new level of hope in the City. With a missionary background and as a church minister, he is invited into churches and business groups to talk about about the work of Off The Fence. His other passions are family and football, managing to support his wife and three daughters, the Seagulls and Chelsea all at the same time!
Rebs DuPreez
Although originally hailing from South Africa, Rebs has been resident in Burgess Hill for several years and attends The Point Church.
She is a fully qualified Occupational Therapst and has elected to take safeguarding as her special area og Board responsibility.
Hannah Lancaster
After 6+ years in the Fundraising department at Off The Fence, it was an honour to be asked to step onto the board last year. And what a first year to witness as a trustee! Gods goodness and provision has been above and beyond anything I’ve ever known. Thanks be to him and the incredible team steering the ship at Off the Fence, frontline and behind the scenes.
Gary Schulz
Gary is a long-time supporter of Off The Fence dating back to his days at Baldwin Scofield.
In 2014 he left to set up his own chartered accountancy practice, G. Schulz and Co. based in Horsham.
He acts as the Charity’s Treasurer.
Greg Peacock
Greg gave his life to Christ at 27. Thereafter he attended church with his family, serving in roles of church secretary. treasurer, missions, maintenance, music, men's ministries. Served the Lord in para-church ministries within Australia and overseas. Prior to retirement he was owner operator of a manufacturing business. Married to Jill 50 years and can proudly boast 5 children and 16 grandchildren.
Matt Weir
Matt Currently works as a Maths teacher, having spent 25 years in the finance sector. He loves golf and Brighton & Hove Albion and attends Bishop Hannington Memorial Church.
Jean Cooke
Jean has been a Trustee of Off The Fence for nearly three years, since retiring from a career in sports management. She is married, with two sons, and a member of The Point Church, Burgess Hill, where she met Paul and Wendy and first heard about Off The Fence and wanted to get involved.
Graham Hollebon
Graham is married to Karen with two grown up and married sons. They live in Burgess Hill and are members of The Point Church. He spent over three decades working in financial services in a variety of senior management roles before taking early retirement in 2019. Graham joined the Board of Off The Fence five years ago to support Paul and Wendy in delivering their vision for the vulnerable and needy in Brighton and became Chair in 2018.
Max Mkandwire
Max moved here from Zimbabwe some years ago and has built a family and a business in Hove. He is a qualified electrician and travels across Sussex working as a contractor. He has a wife and three sons and is a passionate supporter of the charity.
Patrons
Our patrons are much valued ambassadors with long experience in local government, national politics, charity work, sport and the entertainment world. They support us with publicity, advocacy and by association.
Dr Rodney Queen
Rodney is a long time patron and supporter. Based in Macon, Georgia USA he is Senior Pastor of Central Fellowship Baptist Church.
Michael & Maureen Chowen
Michael is Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex and Maureen is High Sheriff of East Sussex. They are business leaders and philanthropists. They provide access to the business community and the recognition of the Queen’s representative. He was awarded a CBE in 2015 for services to charity.
Claire Martin OBE
Hove-based Claire is one of the best female jazz vocalists in the world. Claire provides a vital link into the entertainment industry.
Bruno Saltor
Ex-player and club captain at BHAFC and now a member of the coaching staff. Bruno has a heart for the work of OTF and is able to help us access support and funding from a variety of sources.
Peter Kyle MP
Peter has been the MP for Hove and Portslade since 2015. Before this he overcame difficulties with severe dyslexia to return to school aged 25; going on to complete a PhD. He has also worked as an Aid worker and for ACEVO, the umbrella body for the voluntary sector.
Cllr Dee Simson
As a Councillor with a responsibility for helping the most vulnerable and as Mayor of the City 2018-19, I have always admired, supported and promoted the amazing innovative work and education carried out by Off the Fence and Gateway Women’s Centre. I am proud to be a Patron.
Graham and Rachel Potter
Graham and Rachel Potter have signed up as patrons
after Rachel organised a charity Wellness Event in Hove for 100 people. Graham holds an Under 21 England cap, and graduated in 2005 with a degree in Social Sciences.
He has always been an advocate of clubs and players taking a frontline role in the communities they serve.
George Verwer
George Verwer is an Evangelist and is the founder of Operation Mobilisation, a Christian missions organization. Both Paul and Wendy started their mission careers with OM which led to George’s connection with our charity. George has written several books on various Christian themes. He is a passionate advocate of radical discipleship as the only legitimate option for people who believe in Jesus.
Mayor’s Charity
We are currently one of five chosen Mayor’s charities. We held this honour last year and for three of the six years before that. This means that we enjoy a close relationship with the civic heart of the City and work closely with other nominated charities on shared events and community support. The current Mayor of Brighton & Hove is Cllr Lizzie Deanes
Cllr Lizzie Deanes Mayor of Brighton & Hove
We have been privileged to have been chosen as the Mayor’s Charity on many occasions including the current year. This allows us to use the Mayoral coat of arms on our letterhead and be represented by the Mayor - currently Cllr Lizzie Deanes.
Please donate to our work today.
Please help us continue to deliver vital services to those most in need in Brighton & Hove.