Our team

Meet our staff

Every Changes Bristol staff member cares passionately about improving the wellbeing of people in Bristol.  We can be contacted individually and are open to people getting in touch.

Alessandra G (she/her) - Co-Director & Befriending Service Manager

Alessandra is our Co-Director and oversees the Telephone Befriending Service.  She joined the team in December 2020 to lead and expand our befriending service, deliver training and support our volunteers. Outside of work she loves art and illustration, enjoys reading and exploring the countryside.

alessandra@changesbristol.org.uk

Louisa Woods (she/her) - Co-Director & Service Manager

Louisa is our Co-Director and oversees the Peer Support Groups Service at Changes Bristol. She started her role in September 2021 and takes care of the Peer Support groups, along with the volunteer and staff facilitators. She’s a big foodie, cheese enthusiast, keen crafter and nature lover.

louisa@changesbristol.org.uk

Alex Serjeant (he/him) - Office Administrator

Alex ensures the smooth running of the office and gives support across a range of fundamental areas in the organisation and administration for the charity.  He has a huge passion for mental health from his own experiences and joined the charity as a volunteer befriender and facilitator, he then fell in love with it and joined the team.  He is a big fan of films, music, running, going to gigs and is a huge dog lover.

alexserjeant@changesbristol.org.uk

Anna J (she/her) - Cost of Living Service Manager

Anna is passionate about the power of community and connection for recovery and wellbeing. Outside work she loves spending time in forests and wild places, gathering wild plants and fungi, cooking and reading. 

anna@changesbristol.org.uk

 

Freya Calwell (she/her) - Deputy Services Manager

Freya joined Changes in 2021 as a volunteer facilitator, and became Deputy Service Manager in September 2022. In 2023, Freya became Deputy Services Manager, which means she now Deputises for both the Peer Support Groups Service and Befriending Service. She is passionate about the benefits of peer support and talking about mental health. Outside of work, she loves hanging out with dogs, winning board games, and eating too much chocolate.

freya@changesbristol.org.uk

Elysia Ponzetta (she/her) - Fundraising & Communications Officer

Elysia has been part of our Fundraising Committee since 2019 and has helped with the organisation and running of many of our fundraising events. She was so passionate about the work that Changes do that she decided to come and work for us! In her spare time she loves reading, board games and playing Stardew Valley.

elysia@changesbristol.org.uk

Sayam M (she/her) - Project Worker

Sayam started as a volunteer for peer group support in 2020 and finds great value in the work that Changes does. She is a lover of art, music, movies, cultural activities and loves working with people and connecting with them.

sayam@changesbristol.org.uk

 

Steven Hay (he/they) - Befriending Volunteer Coordinator & LGBTQIA+ Project Worker

Steven joined Changes Bristol as a facilitator for our LGBTQIA+ group in 2021 and shortly after joined our Befriending team as a member of staff. They are also our LGBTQIA+ Project Worker. Supporting others and continuing the conversation around mental health and equality is a huge passion for Steven and would encourage anyone struggling in any way to reach out for support and talk. In his own time, Steven enjoys travel, music, films, animals, photography exhibitions, Lego and reading a good book.

steven@changesbristol.org.uk

Claire Valentine (she/her) - South Bristol Project Worker
Claire joined changes in July 2023 as a Project Worker for South Bristol.
Claire has a passion for social care and mental health in a variety of contexts, and is keen to do anything possible to break down barriers and stigma for people struggling with their mental health and trying to access services.
Outside of work Claire has a love of music, singing, travelling, food and animals, most of all dogs! 
 
Jen Witts (she/her) - Project Worker

Jen joined Changes Bristol in January 2021 to deliver the many new Peer Support Groups in South Bristol. She comes with a passion for all things that support positive mental health, especially the transformative healing power of sharing and listening to each other in safe spaces. She is a self confessed course junky, hedge witch herbalist and a dedicated bookworm.

Jen@changesbristol.org.uk

Kate Ashley (she/her) - LGBTQIA+ Project Worker
Kate joined the team in 2023 and promotes and supports our LGBTQIA+ groups. She is passionate about supporting queer mental health and building community. Outside of work she’s a huge bookworm and also loves cycling.
 
Ishola S. (E-Shore-lah) He/Him | Project Worker

Ishola (ikr, what a beautiful name 😊) Is a project worker, here at Changes Bristol. Ishola loves to help people however way he can, but also understands that sometimes, people just want to be heard. His ability to actively listen combined with his skills and talents, is one of the reasons Ishola is here to listen, support, build and promote well-being, especially with men of color and with their represented communities. ✌🏾

ishola@changesbristol.org.uk

 
Daniel Paul (he/him) - Placement Student

Daniel joined Changes as a Placement Student in 2023 and is passionate about mental health. Specifically, he loves supporting groups for people to share their lived experiences and help each other. Outside work, he enjoys listening to music, journaling, and talking walks.

daniel@changesbristol.org.uk

Emily Simmonite (she/her) - Placement Student

Emily joined Changes in 2023 as a placement student. She is passionate about mental health awareness and support, and the importance of charitable work in making that possible for everyone. Outside of work Emily enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family and reading.

emily@changesbristol.org.uk

Registered address

Changes Bristol
Barton Hill Settlement
41-43 Ducie Road
Lawrence Hill
Bristol
BS5 0AX

Charity Details

Registered Charity Number
1167828

Registered Company Number
08914724

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