Our trustees have an important role in helping to shape the future developments of Acorns
Our board of trustees bring together a wide range of skills and experiences to ensure that Acorns is working towards our aims and objectives and continuing to meet the needs of the community.
Our current board members are:
Fabienne Thompson (Chair)
Fabienne is currently Head of Prevention, Serious Violence Duty and Prevention Lead on the National Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Programme for NHS England. As a previous service user, Fabienne knows first-hand the impact Acorns can have on children and young people in North Tyneside and Northumberland, and is passionate about supporting and developing this service which is very close to her heart. With a history in frontline delivery of domestic and sexual abuse services across the North East and Yorkshire, Fabienne brings with her both operational and strategic experience. With experience in public health management and commissioning who has worked across both the public and voluntary sector, Fabienne is keen to share her knowledge and experience of partnership working, service development and whole-systems working, and give back to an organisation that provided her with so much as a young girl.
Keith Williamson
Keith Williamson joined us in June 2020, and is a proud Geordie, having lived all his life in the area. After leaving school at 16, he trained as a Chartered Accountant. After working for various firms, he spent a number of years as Finance Director for two different companies before setting up his own practice which he ran either alone or in partnership, for 30 years, until his retirement. During that time he served on the Board of the North East Chamber of Commerce and the Committee of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants, and has much experience of charity governance and financial management.
David Lovenbury
David spent thirty years in the recruiting and staffing industry before entering the creative and digital space with JUMP, one of the leading agencies in the North East. David then set up his own business, Pale Fountain Ltd, supporting businesses in creative, digital and tech. His core skills are lead generation, outreach, networking, business development and engagement. Beyond work David is a Trustee of three charities, an NE LEP education adviser, school governor and Princes Trust mentor. His hobbies are music, travel, sport and supporting Stoke City FC. David is married to Lorraine, and has a daughter Lara, who now lives in Toronto.
Sarah Charlton
Sarah is a therapist currently working in an addictions service. She has worked in the charitable sector for several years and has frontline experience working with women facing multiple disadvantages, including domestic and sexual abuse. Sarah has a passion for trauma-informed care and currently delivers training for a national charity. Sarah brings skills in systems thinking, reflective learning and critical analysis. Outside of work Sarah likes taking her miniature labradoodle Frida on long walks, doing yoga, meditating and learning new things.