Meet our team

The people behind the work.

Our team

Our national charity is driven by a passionate team of staff, trustees, patrons and young volunteers.

We lead with heart and versatility, along with our core values, and our work is built on evidence and the desire to see change for the next generation.

From Cardiff to Glasgow, we are all united by the same belief: that every LGBT+ young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. And every young person should grow up knowing that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated.

“The staff are extremely supportive and hard working. Just Like Us is incredible and I’m so glad to be a part of it.”

A Just Like Us ambassador

Our staff

Our small but mighty senior leadership team works across programmes, communications and development to deliver our work in schools and with young people across the UK.

Laura Mackay

Chief Executive of Just Like Us (she/her)

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Sidonie
Bertrand-Shelton

Director of Programmes and People (she/her)

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Amy Ashenden

Director of Communications and Engagement (she/her)

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Helen Whittaker

Director of Development (she/her)

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Careers at Just Like Us

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Trustees

Our board of trustees brings together expertise from across business, law, education and beyond. They provide strategic oversight and governance to make sure we’re making the biggest possible impact.

Chris Paouros

Chair (she/her)

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Gillian Bowen

Trustee (she/her)

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Sal Morton

Trustee (they/them)

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Natasha Christie-Miller

Trustee (she/her)

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Rory Smith

Trustee (he/him)

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Owen Francis

Trustee (he/him)

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Tom Adams

Trustee (he/him)

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Niels Pedersen

Trustee and Treasurer (he/him)

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Our founder

Just Like Us was founded by Tim Ramsey in 2016 with a simple but powerful idea: that hearing real LGBT+ stories could change school culture for the better. Tim’s vision – of LGBT+ young people using their voice to make change – remains at the core of everything we do today.

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Our ambassadors

Our ambassadors are the heart of Just Like Us. They are 18 to 25 year olds, trained to use their voice to inspire change for the next generation. They speak from lived experience to teachers, pupils, parents, journalists, government and workplaces.

Through our Ambassador Programme, they build public speaking skills, access career mentoring, attend CV and employability workshops and connect with a community of LGBT+ people who get it.

“I decided to volunteer with Just Like Us because I wanted to ensure fewer LGBT+ teenagers faced what I did. I couldn’t be happier I did so!”

Silver, a Just Like Us ambassador

Our patrons

We’re proud to have the support of people who share our belief that no young person should have to hide who they are.

Lauren Rowles is a three-time Paralympic gold medallist and parent, making her a powerful advocate for LGBT+ young people and their families.

Dr. Ronx brings energy, visibility and fierce commitment to our mission, showing young people on TV and in classrooms that the world needs all of us.

Our vocal supporters

“To see LGBTQ+ inclusion celebrated in schools would have made such a difference in feeling seen, supported, and accepted. I’m so proud to support Just Like Us in making that a reality.”

Jonathan Bailey

“When I was growing up, I felt entirely invisible. Today’s young people deserve so much better than this and the charity Just Like Us is making sure they get it.”

Sandi Toksvig

“Just Like Us has been a brilliant resource for me as a parent, they help you understand what these young people are actually experiencing, and what you can do about it. That’s why their work matters so much.”

Annie Mac

“The increase in LGBT+ bullying is an indication that there is more work to do. Such behaviour can have lifelong consequences and by supporting Just Like Us and using their message with your own children you will be making the world a kinder, more accepting place.”

John Bishop

Donate today

LGBT+ young people need our support more than ever

In these increasingly difficult times, LGBT+ young people really need our support and demand for our programmes is growing. Please will you make a donation to Just Like Us today?

A small amount monthly may be more manageable and would help us commit to long-term projects.

Young people’s stories

“I can live the life I was always meant to live.”

Discover how Just Like Us is changing LGBT+ young people’s lives, like Scout’s, by joining our mailing list.