Steve Best Chairman of Trustees Expand After 36 years with Abbey National/Santander, Steve took early retirement and has been volunteering for Barnabus since, in the Beacon and helping our van driver Alan. He is passionate about helping people off the streets, and seeking permanent solutions to their often complex problems. Steve is married with two grown up boys and four grandchildren and is a former treasurer for the Chester and Stoke District of the Methodist Church. He loves playing rock-n-roll with a local band Phoenix Boys and singing with Manchester’s very own Halle’ choir.
Tim Elston Treasurer Expand Tim is a partner in Percy Westhead & Company, a firm of Chartered Accountants in Manchester City Centre. He joined Barnabus as a trustee in 2013 and uses his accounting experience in his role as treasurer to provide support and advice to the board and our finance staff. Tim is married with two children and can often be found supporting at the side of a sports pitch or doing a spot of gardening. He is also treasurer of his local scout group.
Joanne Bliss Secretary Expand Joanne qualified as a nurse in 1993 and has spent the majority of her career in the NHS as a District Nurse. She is married with 2 grown up children, a foster daughter with learning difficulties and a cheeky bulldog called Denzel. In her spare time she loves to sing at her local church and with a community choir.
Sarah Lavelle Trustee Expand Sarah originally joined the Barnabus team in 2009 as a volunteer at The Beacon on Monday nights - a position she enjoyed for a few years. She trained in private practice and qualified as a solicitor in 2011 before making a move to an in-house legal team four years ago, gaining commercial contracts experience within the healthcare industry. Sarah enjoys swimming, hiking and good coffee!
Matt Lacey Trustee Expand Matt moved to Manchester to complete a MSc in Management at Alliance Manchester Business school. Since then he has worked in a range of digital roles from start-ups through to FTSE 100 global agencies, leading teams and operating at board level. Matt brings expertise in marketing & communications, data & digital and leadership & strategy. Matt is married with a young daughter. He is a member of Vinelife Church Manchester. His hobbies include cooking, running and reading.