team wren
Who we are:
Kate Middleton
Chief Executive
I was diagnosed with Lupus at 17. I have since been diagnosed with 3 further autoimmune diseases. It has always been, and will continue to be a fight, but increasingly the battle is less lonely.
I began as a History teacher in London. With the outbreak of the European Refugee Crisis, I moved to Greece and worked in refugee camps across the Northern region for two years. On my return I worked for The Listening Place; an incredible organisation that supports suicidal people with face-to-face listening support.
The model of support inspired me to create the Wren Project. I believe in the power of listening to support people. I know how feeling heard can help. The Wren Project is a place for people to feel supported, listened and valued.
Read Kate’s story.
Kim Morris-Jones
Director of Administration
I am proud to be part of the Wren Project as I strongly believe in supporting people with chronic disease. Previously, I worked and volunteered for the British Red Cross, and worked part time as a support worker. I recently finished my degree at the University of Liverpool, studying Business and Sociology. Through my experience working with vulnerable people, I see first-hand the interconnection of physical and mental health. I have also seen close friends and their families struggling with chronic conditions and I absolutely believe that anything that improves their quality of life should be a priority. Working at the Wren Project has allowed me to pursue my interest in the more organisational/administrative side of charities and, as a result, I have had the opportunity to learn a huge amount and develop skills in new areas.
Phoebe Welsh
Operations Director
I believe in listening as a powerful way to offer support to people going through difficult times. I was introduced to the concept at the Listening Place, an organisation I’ve been part of since 2019, and where I met Kate, our CEO.
As the Wren Project's Operations Director, I work to provide support to our Wrens and Volunteers, as well as ensuring the Wren Project's operations are running smoothly.
Sophie Rihm
Volunteer Manager
Since joining the Wren Project in 2021, I have seen first-hand the power of active listening, and how holding space for someone to verbalise their thoughts and feeling can be incredibly helpful in times of distress.
I grew up in Switzerland and moved to the UK in 2012 for school and university. I worked within the grassroots refugee response in Greece for three years where I focussed on recruiting and supporting volunteers. I am very happy to channel this experience into the wonderful volunteers that are the heartbeat of the Wren Project.
Development Director
I’m a Chartered Engineer with 25 year’s experience of leading and developing professional Engineers in the rail industry. Throughout that time I always sought creative approaches to training and leading. I am also trained in delivering Mindfulness based programmes for depression and have over the last 6 years volunteered in active listening to help people who feel their life is not worth living to explore their feelings and challenges. Over the last 4 years I have trained people in listening and lead training programmes to develop the innate listening skills that I believe sit within everyone. I have seen and experienced myself that listening relationships that provide space and stillness for distress to be met and courageously explored, help reduce feelings of isolation and create a space for change. I’m passionate about finding creative ways to train and develop listening skills and am developing and leading training programmes for both new volunteers and ongoing development for existing volunteers within the Wren Project.
Nick Tedstone
Nicola Chantler
Communications Manager
I’m really proud to be part of the Wren Project and supporting people through all of the complexities that come with autoimmune disease. I believe that listening is a powerful tool that can give us greater insight into our own unique journey and foster greater self-compassion and awareness.
As Communications Manager, I’m passionate about sharing the message of support that the Wren Project offers. By making our mission more widespread, we can offer community and support to anyone on the often confusing and lonely road post diagnosis.
With over 15 years experience writing and editing for some of the UK’s leading publications and websites, I started working with small businesses, brands and start ups in 2014, specialising in those looking to make a positive impact in the world, like The Wren Project. When I’m not supporting the unique work of the Wren Project, you will find me teaching yoga and mindfulness to children, families and adults.
Stella King
Operations Officer
Before I joined the team as operations officer, I had been volunteering for The Wren Project for over a year. Through both of these roles, I have developed a deep commitment for providing a space for people experiencing difficulty to talk.
As Operations Officer, I support the Operations team with the day-to-day running of the charity, as well as looking after our Wrens during their journey with us.
