For over 70 years, we’ve been alongside Elmbridge’s older community – reducing loneliness, strengthening independence and improving wellbeing where it matters most. Our work is rooted in compassion, local knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges later life can bring.

Behind every number is an older person in Elmbridge feeling less alone, more supported and more confident about the future. This is the real impact of CHEER over the last year: 

Charlotte Chatwin

Charlotte has been part of CHEER since 2010 and is now our Project Lead. She draws on a broad mix of skills and experience to support the people we work with, while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Charlotte brings calm, kindness and a steady hand to every situation. Away from work, she loves the autumn and winter months — the perfect time to curl up with a Christmas film and one of her three dogs.

Irene Belcher

Irene joined CHEER in 2019 as Events Lead, bringing her background in PR and event management to shape our programme for clients, volunteers and stakeholders. She thrives on working with people and is dedicated to building a warm, supportive CHEER community. Outside of CHEER, Irene organises local fundraising events and nurtures her creative side through life drawing and painting – particularly pet portraits and birds – bringing the same passion and care to everything she does.

Ellie Cardy

Ellie joined CHEER in 2023 and is passionate about helping people feel valued, heard and connected. With experience in support, safeguarding and volunteer management, she brings empathy, confidence and practical problem-solving to her befriending role. Ellie enjoys meeting people and offering a supportive, steady presence. Outside work, she loves going on adventures with her son — and one of their favourite outings is watching the Changing of the Guard in Windsor.

Jayne Mather

Jayne joined CHEER in 2023 as Benefits Lead and has since helped hundreds of clients access the financial support they deserve. She brings over 24 years of medical experience from roles at St Peter’s Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital and the Surrey Ambulance Service, along with valuable insight from her work in Community Services across two local councils. Jayne is passionate about supporting others and is known for her patient, reassuring approach. Outside of work, she enjoys researching her family ancestry.

Martin Jancar

Martin began volunteering with CHEER in 2018 and soon became an assistant with the Parkinson’s group, stepping into the coordinator role in 2019. With the support of dedicated volunteers, he has helped the group grow into a much-loved Monday fixture at the Claygate Centre. Martin brings warmth, energy and organisation to every session. In his spare time, he enjoys racquet sports and outdoor pursuits, exploring London’s museums and attractions, and travelling to experience new cultures and cuisines.

Helen Ross

Helen joined CHEER in late 2024 as an Assistant, supporting the weekly Parkinson’s group. She brings over 15 years of NHS experience as a neuro-physiotherapist and is currently completing a PhD focused on how health professionals can empower people with neurological conditions to self-manage. Helen is passionate about helping others maintain independence, confidence and wellbeing. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, tackling escape rooms and building Lego creations.

Julian has lived in Claygate since 2015 with his partner, two of their sons and an enthusiastic Labradoodle. A CHEER volunteer since 2018, he joined the Board in 2020 and became Chair in 2021. Julian runs his own consultancy business after a wide-ranging career in senior roles across large corporations, SMEs, start-ups and the public sector. He brings strategic thinking, warmth and steady leadership to the charity. In his spare time, he enjoys music, gardening, travel and playing water polo.

Christine served as a Councillor for Walton South for 15 years, including six years as Cabinet Member for Social Affairs. She first connected with CHEER as a Council Nominated Observer and has worked closely with local organisations such as Walton Charity, Home Support Elmbridge and Relate West Surrey. Her career also includes 24 years as a Civil Servant with MAFF/Defra and roles in housing and healthcare governance. Christine brings deep local knowledge and experience to the Board. She lives in Walton-on-Thames.

Claire has over 20 years’ experience in Arts & Health, blending creativity with strategic planning, partnership working and inclusive leadership. Before joining CHEER, she was Head of Music Delivery at Music in Hospitals & Care and previously worked across leading theatres including the Royal Court, National Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe and Lincoln Centre New York. Claire is also an Arts Award Discover and Explore facilitator. She has a keen interest in fine art and sculpture and enjoys music and family time.

Julian has lived in Elmbridge since 1966 and has two sons and five grandchildren. His career was centred in ICT and major project management within international banking. Alongside his work with CHEER, he has volunteered with Citizens Advice, served on school appeals panels and was a trustee of Rentstart. He enjoys amateur theatre and choral singing, and has a lifelong fondness for golden retrievers, having grown up with them from the age of three.

Janis has been a CHEER volunteer since 2014 and joined the trustee board in 2016. She lives in Hinchley Wood with her husband and brings a wealth of international and professional experience, including time working in Zaire and senior roles in financial services and consultancy. She has also run her own business delivering projects for major financial institutions. Janis is thoughtful, calm and community minded. Her leisure interests include playing bridge, music and long walks.

Lisa moved to Walton-on-Thames in 2007 and lives with her husband, children, Frankie the dog and two much-loved cats. She joined the CHEER trustee board in 2023. After a 25-plus-year career in HR and Talent strategy within a global professional services firm, Lisa now runs an HR consultancy supporting organisations locally and nationally. She brings strategic insight, people-focused leadership and a warm, practical approach to the Board. Lisa enjoys strength training, yoga, music and time with family and friends.

David is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and began his career in teaching before moving into industry. He has held senior finance roles across a range of sectors and is currently Finance Director at Age UK Sutton. David joined CHEER’s Board as Treasurer in 2023 and volunteers with our Parkinson’s Group. He brings financial expertise, steadiness and a genuine commitment to community support. Outside of CHEER, David is a Director of Corinthian-Casuals Football Club.

Steve joined CHEER as a volunteer in November 2025 becoming a trustee in January 2026, primarily to formulate and implement CHEER’s branding, marketing and communication strategy. He brings over 40 years’ experience in marketing and design. He has led his own creative agency for more than 35 years, helping organisations connect with people and inspire positive change. A long-term East Molesey resident, Steve is married with two grown-up children and enjoys music, exercise, socialising, travelling and football.

What our clients say about us