Helen Anthony, Chair.  Helen worked in public relations and contract management for Toyota Motor Manufacturing. She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2021 for her services to supporting the homeless in Chester and has been an integral part of Soul Kitchen for the past 9 years since the early days at the ‘magic roundabout’. Helen is responsible for registering SK as a charity and developing the Soul in a Bowl and Second Bite projects.

Gail Harrison has worked in sales, procurement and training and development. For the past 5 years she has been running a small Chester based leadership and culture consultancy. Gail became a Trustee in 2023, having been a previous volunteer at Soul Kitchen.

James Morgan Jones also joined the board from being a volunteer at Soul Kitchen where he gained an understanding the complexities of those we  support.  ‘Mogs’ has 25 years experience of strategy development and performance management in local councils.

Kathryn Laing, Secretary. Katie’s background is in fundraising and she worked for the Railway Children charity for 23 years before retiring two years ago. Katie became a Trustee in 2022 and has been a volunteer for six years. As well as taking on the role of Secretary, is also currently responsible for our volunteers.

Alison Reaney, joined the Board in 2025. Alison is a Team Leader for Complex Cases within the Housing Options team at the Council.  She has been involved in housing for over 30 years and has experience of dealing with those with poor mental health, addictions and those entrenched on the streets.

Special Advisor to the Board

Steven Hesketh is our Special Advisor to the Board. His role formalises our ongoing partnership. Known in the industry as The Hospitality Hero, Steven brings years of experience from running The Chester Townhouse, as well as running The Art of Hospitality events and operating a soon to be Hospitality Academy. Through these ventures, he has consistently championed inclusive hospitality that aims to uplift both individuals and communities. In his advisory role, Steven will work closely with the board to help shape strategy, scale Soul Kitchen’s impact, and develop programmes that further partnerships like The Sunset Café.