Hugh Donald

Hugh is the Interim Manager of Place for Hope. He has a passion and commitment to discovering effective ways to address differences, particularly in our faith communities. Formerly a lawyer, Hugh was involved in the early days of Family Mediation in Scotland, practicing as both a family and commercial mediator. On leaving the legal world behind he was invited by the Church of Scotland to develop and promote the work of Place for Hope, overseeing its transition to an independent charity in April 2015. Hugh retired as Director of Place for Hope in 2016, but returns to returns to accompany us during this period of transition while Place for Hope look to recruit a new Director. Hugh is married with two adult children and papa to two grandchildren.

Something that gives me hope...

Is that my grandchildren will grow up in a more peaceful world and where diversity is celebrated.

Helen Boothroyd

Business Development Manager

Helen’s passion for justice and peace has underpinned her development work for various ecumenical organisations over many years. Her role focuses on strategic planning, sustainability and fundraising. Helen is a member of the Methodist Church and lives near the sea in North Lancashire. She loves walking and birdwatching around Morecambe Bay, and at holiday times she and her husband can be found in their caravan anywhere in the UK!

A quote I love…

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King (quoting Theodore Parker)

Neil Wykes

Administrator and Bookkeeper

Neil is responsible for many day-to-day tasks - from the smooth running of the virtual offices to booking venues, tracking finance and fixing spreadsheets! Having worked full-time for several years within the voluntary and corporate sector in Scotland, managing offices, databases and accounts, Neil now works part time with Place for Hope. He spends the rest of his week as a wedding photographer, and Lego Master Builder alongside his young son.

A quote I love...

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Robert Frost

Abdul Rahim

Training Manager

Abdul is a mediator, facilitator and trainer with over ten years experience in facilitating complex multi-party, multi-issue dialogue processes within and between local authorities, the third sector and communities. A practicing Muslim, Abdul has worked across England, and more recently in Scotland using civic mediation processes to build understanding and relationships across communities where racial and cultural tensions are evident. He has experience of international conflicts, working with survivors of the Tsunami Disaster in Sri Lanka, and with marginalised Roma communities in Slovenia. 

A quote I love...

I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Gilda Radner, actress and comedian (1946-1989)

Natalie Barrett

Communications and Client Care Manager 

Natalie looks after words, websites and people! She is the main point of contact for those reaching out for support or training and ensures that the work, ethos and message of Place for Hope is communicated in a clear, accessible way. Natalie lives by the sea with her photographer husband and their son, Indiana. She plays roller derby and loves nothing more than a cycle next to the beach, with her wee boy racing along ahead of her!

A quote I love…

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me) it’s always ourselves we find in the sea. – E. E. Cummings