Our Trustees

Joanne Morley – Chair

Joanne joined the Board of Trustees in 2021 after wanting to be more involved in local charities that make a difference in key communities across the North. With lived experience of her own mental health challenges and also the impact that drugs and alcohol have on individuals and their families, there was an affinity with Project 6 and the work we do.  Joanne has been a senior leader and marketer, bringing over 30 years of experience in the business world, having worked in a range of organisations and her own businesses. This combination of business knowledge, along with her lived experiences means she can bring a blended mindset that supports the growth ambitions of Project 6 along with a deep understanding and appreciation for the challenges that service users/clients face.

I have a strong belief that people matter, no matter what their background or circumstances. I have worked with so many different people in my life, some have helped me when I was at my lowest ebb and I would not be where I am today without that support. And in return, I have always been there to support my friends, colleagues, and clients. Everybody matters and everyone has the capacity for change, so this value is very close to my heart.

Kes Lewis – Vicechair

Kes joined the Board of Doncaster Alcohol Services and stayed on when DAS merged with Project 6.  They believe that addiction is a social problem, not a moral failing or a criminal matter, and Project 6 works to support people to make lasting change in their lives.  Kes is a management consultant by day and a domestic abuse survivor with a passion for Trauma-Informed Practice.  Kes cares deeply about equality, diversity, and inclusion, and is the Board lead for this area, to ensure that Project 6 can effectively serve all the beneficiaries within the South and West Yorkshire area.  They are mid-career professionals and enjoy using their skills to make a tangible and immediate difference to an organisation, and chose Project 6 because of the alignment of values and beliefs about the work Project 6 does.

Everyone Can Change is axiomatic for Kes in their life, because it is only through change that we can become the best versions of ourselves.  It doesn’t matter where you start from: it matters that you work towards improving the world around you, and begins with yourself.  Kes recognises their privilege in being white, middle-class, and a well-educated career professional, and they use this along with their lived experience of being LGBTQ and neurodivergent to challenge others to create inclusive, welcoming, and accessible spaces.  Our beneficiaries can change their lives for the better, and we can change our support to make that easier, and we can change society to reduce the need for that support in the first place.”

Tony Ball – Treasurer

I am a chartered accountant, who recently retired from professional practice.

Once upon a time, I was an accountant for Professor Eric Wilkes, who founded St Luke’s Hospice and SAAS /SASS  (Sheffield Alcohol Advisory / Support Service). In time I found myself being the auditor. When I ceased being an auditor I was pleased to be a trustee and, through the merger with Project 6, I am still here and hopefully still contributing.

As an accountant, I have developed a niche specialty in auditing, accounting, and being a trustee for many charities, and we are expected to know the relevant law as well.

I have no lived experience and very little personal exposure to alcohol and substance misuse but was always brought up to treat everyone equally and with respect. To an auditor, the tea lady and receptionist are just as important as the Managing Director.

I know I do not have the training to offer any direct practical help to our service users, but I can provide technical backup to those who do. Colleagues have been kind enough to call me a safe pair of hands. I take that as a compliment.

Sarfraz Arif

I once completed a Social Work placement with Project 6 and I am delighted for the opportunity to be part of such a crucial organisation focused on supporting individuals struggling with drug and alcohol-related challenges.

As a social worker, I had the privilege of working with families and individuals with learning disabilities in Bradford. This experience allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the importance of providing support and guidance to those in need.

I am also the director of a business consultancy company specialising in property, tech and digital assets. This role has given me a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape. With experience in strong leadership and strategic planning, I believe these skills will be invaluable in guiding Project 6 toward a sustainable and impactful future.

Pam Essler

A teacher by background, I became involved with the NHS as a layperson many years ago following a poor experience of hospital care for my then-young son. Over the years I have been on the boards and committees of a range of NHS organisations always with a focus on using patient experience to plan and deliver high-quality care. A by-product of this involvement has been that I have gained experience in many areas of organisational governance which I have then been able to apply to my work in the voluntary sector.

I am always aware through talking to patients and carers that there is a wide range of things that affect their health and wellbeing and these are often best addressed by voluntary sector organisations who have the time and focus to help them deal with issues they are facing. I had long admired the work of Project 6 supporting people, within my community of Keighley, to deal with their substance dependencies which were often having a devastating effect on their lives so was delighted to be invited to join their board a few years ago. Although the organisation has grown and now provides support across a much wider geography it remains focussed on the communities it serves thus staying true to one of its key values “people matter”

Umar Iqbal

I am a qualified NHS Pharmacist Advanced Practitioner, with over 10 years of experience working in community practice. I have a real passion for delivering quality care and support to patients, to help improve lives. I have an interest in reading in my spare time, and further enjoy regular walks with my wife and two boys – who keep me very busy outside of work!

I decided to join project 6 as a trustee, as serving communities and charity are central to my personal values and beliefs.

Quentin Marris

Quentin originally trained as a mental health nurse and worked for 10 years in the NHS. He subsequently spent 25 years in the voluntary sector and another 6 years as a freelance manager. During this time he worked for various organisations, developing and managing health and social care services in many different locations across England. He has worked in the fields of mental health and learning disability but the largest part of his career was spent in the substance misuse arena. Quentin was a registered Mental Health Nurse and holds a Diploma in Management Studies. Now retired, he wants to use his years of experience to help Project 6 continue to thrive in a competitive environment, as a member of a Board that provides effective governance and guidance to the organisation.

Quentin says: ‘I am proud to be part of an organisation like Project 6 that believes in people and their ability to change’.

Jane McGeagh

Jane joined the Project 6 Board of Trustees in 2021 as she’s keen to help achieve lasting change with a charity whose values she’s passionate about, having supported a close family member who struggled with alcohol and seeing the effects on him and her family from a young age.

She has over 30 years experience of working in both the public and private sectors. Most recently holding senior positions leading complex operational, financial and commercial delivery, significant organisational change including in major cross-Government transformation programmes, together with leading associated communications and stakeholder engagement activity.

Jane is a proud member of the LGBT+ community, was her organisation’s anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination champion for four years, and is a strong advocate for ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Everyone can change is the value that is important to me. I believe we all do or experience things that we might regret or not want to repeat. It’s just part of being human. And when or if people want to bring about positive change in their lives I believe Project 6 will be there to help them to help themselves, no matter how tricky or tough it may be. Having witnessed first-hand all sorts of situations, and felt the accompanying mix of emotions including love, anger, guilt, and pride, I truly believe that having caring, expert support available is absolutely essential.

If you have any questions or would like to contact us about the governance of Project 6, please email us at governance@project6.org.uk.