Our Team
Action East Devon’s services are delivered by a dedicated team of 5 part-time staff members, guided by 5 experienced Trustees and supported by 9 committed volunteers. Together, we bring decades of professional experience, local knowledge, and genuine passion to support young people’s mental health across East Devon.
Our Wellbeing Workers operate from community centres and remotely throughout the region, bringing warmth, professionalism, and real-world understanding to every interaction. Many of our volunteers have been with us for years, offering continuity and wisdom that young people truly value.
The Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and robust governance, overseeing operations through regular reporting on business planning, work programmes, budgets and staffing. Each Trustee brings specialist expertise and unwavering commitment to our vision, mission and values.
Meet the Team
Angela Lloyd
Wellbeing Worker
Ange has worked with young people for many years and connected up with the charity after starting up a youth group in her own village with the then CEO, they worked well together and he suggested she go for this new role that was coming up in Ottery St Mary. Ange now delivers 1-2-1 mentoring to the young people of Ottery St Mary, she also works alongside Jenny to deliver the two peer support groups in Ottery St Mary.
Ang Higgins
YOuth Volunteer
Axminster
After 26 years teaching, with 16 focused on young people with special needs and autism, Ang completed a counselling diploma and worked as a Bereavement Counsellor. She now runs a private practice specialising in young people, those with additional needs, and bereaved clients.
Carole Grimsley
Youth Volunteer
Ottery St Mary
Having personal experience of the hugely beneficial impact of Headlight on a member of her own family Carole was inspired to join the group as a Volunteer.
She feels privileged to be able to help young people to feel supported and gain confidence in a way that is compassionate and supportive.
Chris Botham
Chair
After a career with HMRC in specialist and leadership roles, Chris channels his energy into local charities, particularly those supporting young people’s mental health. He sees Action East Devon’s direct, local approach as critical and truly inspirational.
Fiona Anderson
Trustee
A coach with nearly 20 years’ experience working with leaders and NHS staff, Fiona volunteers directly with Headlight in Axminster. She’s witnessed firsthand how overstretched services have become and sees Action East Devon as essential for helping young people build confidence and resilience.
Graham Fice
Vice chair
Graham’s university management career ran parallel to lifelong charity involvement. Now retired, he finds great satisfaction working alongside staff, volunteers and fellow Trustees to maintain and develop services across East Devon.
Jenny Kim
Wellbeing Worker
As a qualified therapist and coach, Jenny facilitates two Headlight groups in Ottery St Mary alongside Ange. She finds it incredibly rewarding to support people during difficult times and on their unique journey through life.
Judith O’Neill
Trustee
From her first play scheme onwards, Judith knew young people would be at the heart of her career. After decades in youth and community work, followed by senior management in further education, she now runs an educational management consultancy and is delighted to support Action East Devon’s vital work.
Lola Coombs
Wellbeing Coordinator
Lola had worked in primary schools delivering 1-2-1s, had qualified as a counsellor and was volunteering for Headlight when a role came up and everyone told her to go for it. Lola is now our Community Coordinator, linking the Headlight service into vital networks and partnerships across East Devon, she also works as a Mental Health Support Worker in Axminster and Seaton assisting in the delivery of Peer Support Groups and delivering 1-2-1 support to the young people. Lola is also an Equine Therapist with her own consultancy and spends time in nature with her horses and animals.
Lorraine Hansford
Youth Volunteer
Ottery St Mary
Recently relocated from Exeter to Budleigh Salterton, Lorraine works full-time for Parental Minds supporting parents and caregivers. A former youth worker and Exeter University researcher, she volunteers to stay connected with young people now her own children are in their twenties. She feels privileged to meet the creative, kind, funny and thoughtful young people at Headlight.
Mattie Austin
Youth Volunteer
Axminster
Currently working in an Axminster shop while hoping to train as a therapist, Mattie is passionate about art, baking, reading, writing and caring for animals. A choir member in Bridport and participant in local arts and crafts classes, she previously worked for the eating disorders department at Devon Partnership NHS Trust. Living with epilepsy doesn’t stop her pursuing activities she loves, including time with her two cats and fish.
Marion Saunders
Youth Volunteer
Ottery St Mary
A qualified Learning Disability Nurse since 1986, Marion began volunteering with Headlight in 2015 after spotting a newspaper advert, moving to Ottery St Mary in 2017. Now semi-retired and enjoying camper van travels with her husband, this mother of three is passionate about watching young people grow and gain confidence through new experiences.
Michelle Upsher
Youth Volunteer
Ottery St Mary
As a working mother of two young adults, Michelle has an insight into the many pressures young people are under. She has volunteered in formal roles, as treasurer or as a parent helper, in the many sports and social groups her children have attended. As a result of being on the receiving end of invaluable volunteer support herself during recent cancer treatment, she wanted to give something back to her community to show her gratitude. She thinks the staff at Headlight do amazing work supporting the young people who attend and is happy to help in any small way she can.
Molly Mayfield
Charity Manager
Working behind the scenes, Molly fine-tunes the inner workings of the charity and supports the Wellbeing Workers to deliver their community roles. She collaborates with trustees, staff and volunteers while connecting with practitioners across East Devon. She is the mother of a young family and believes that the peer support model in Headlight can make a real difference to the lives of young people.
Rebecca Colwill
Youth Volunteer
Seaton
IA qualified Integrative Counsellor continuing studies to work with children and young people, Rebecca brings almost twenty years of teaching experience in East Devon primary and early secondary schools. With a BSc in Psychology and extensive HR and business management background, she understands how challenging it can be to join a group and aims to be welcoming, compassionate and non-judgemental.
Stacey White
Wellbeing Worker
Running evening Headlight sessions as the Group Facilitator for Axminster and Seaton, Stacey plans sessions and covers important wellbeing topics with her groups. Stacey finds great value in learning from her young people and listening to their needs.
Stacey also leads on the social media platforms for the Headlight service, she ensures that the voice of the young people is heard.
Knowing she’s playing a part in changing young people’s lives gives her a real buzz.
Sue Morris
Outreach & Development Manager
With a background in marketing and fundraising within the charitable sector, Sue is excited to support the Headlight team and help launch new services in Honiton and Sidmouth. Her focus on children and young people’s mental health makes this role a perfect fit.
Rachel Burns
Youth Volunteer
Seaton
Rachel genuinely enjoys supporting young people and helping them feel safe, listened to, and understood. She is pursuing a masters degree in Social Work. She enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and loves to travel and explore. She brings empathy, patience, and enthusiasm to every role and is keen to learn from others while offering dependable and relatable support.
