Nicky Young

Nicky works locally as a GP Practice Manager along with being Trustee for Colchester CMA Debt Centre, she also sits on the board of trustees for Beacon house ministries supporting the homeless community as well as being a Curate within the Church of England.

Her passion is to help those that are seen as not having a voice to become enabled to be heard and empower them to be an active part of their local community

Andy Neill

Andy joined us as a trustee having been been involved with supporting our clients for many years, he ran an charity based Job Club for a long time as well as being an excellent befriender and part of our previous drop-in service.

Andy is also a Senior Consultant Solicitor and is passionate about trying to support the less fortunate. He coordinates directly some programmes in Uganda, this includes building a school and offering housing to the destitute. He has also been assisting persecuted victims with successful asylum applications to the UK.

Michael Roberts

Hello, I’m Michael Roberts I have been serving as a trustee and treasurer of CCDC since 2018. I started volunteering for CCDC as a Befriender and saw the positive impact and hope that our work brings for families.

I was invited to become a trustee in 2018, and it has been exciting to see our local centre grow and increase our services in this time. I attend St Johns Church in Colchester with my wife, Jo, and our 2 children, Zoe and Jaeden. I enjoy watching football and support Liverpool, I also enjoy running, going to the gym, and playing drums.

Revd Dr Sara Batts-Neale

I’m the Chair of trustees of Colchester CMA Debt Centre

I was ordained 2016 and joined the University in June 2020 after completing curacy (on-the-job training) in East London and Coggeshall. Prior to ordination I was a specialist legal & business research librarian.

As well as Anglican Chaplain, I am licensed as an associate priest to the adjacent C of E parishes in Wivenhoe & Colchester. I am passionate about inclusivity and social justice. I also contribute to training of new lay & ordained church leaders, write for a national series of Bible reflections and is closely involved with Colchester Citizens.

Toby Bull

My name is Toby. I am a primary school headteacher as well as an accomplished and multitalented musician. When I’m not busy with work I enjoy time with my family and working on my musical abilities.

My role as a trustee of CMA is to support with governance, strategy and leadership.

Sian Simpkins

Sian has been a CCDC trustee since 2020 . After a career in Whitehall, Sian now works for Chelmsford Diocese and is married to Matt, who is Priest in Charge at St Leonard’s, Lexden.

Sian has been involved with the Debt Centre in various places since 2013 when she first volunteered as a befriender. She has been a Money Coach and also the Life Skills Manager in Colchester.

Sian is also part of the Children’s and Youth team at St Leonard’s, and sits on the Steering Group of the English for Women project, based in Chelmsford, which supports women from any country for whom English is not their first language.

Ruth Woodman

I’m Ruth and I am very excited to have joined the Colchester CMA Debt Centre team. I have been a supporter of the centres work for many years, and have volunteered as a Money coach for my church in Sudbury and seen how it has helped many people to manage their money, live their lives.

Budgeting skills are not enough to help those with more serious debt problems of course, and I am really pleased I can now come alongside people in their journey out of debt. Community Money Advice has such an excellent, professional and Christ-centred approach and the Colchester CMA Debt Centre is a great bunch of people so I could not be in a better place!

Bec Taylor

I am Bec, Assistant manager for Colchester CMA Debt Centre.  I have been aware of the Debt Centre and the wonderful work that they do for years and had a small insight into it when my husband became a befriender a few years back.

Seeing how befrienders gave support inspired me and gave me a heart and compassion for those struggling in this area.  I love the community of Colchester, having lived my whole life here and I’m excited to be able to serve this community in a new way.  I long to see people released from the chains of debt and am excited about this journey that I am about to embark upon.

Paula Goddard

I am Paula, centre manager for Colchester CMA debt centre. My own journey started as a client in 2013 and this ignited my passion for all the things that the Debt Centre worked towards, walking the journey with those that have lived similar experiences and the opportunity to be a voice for those often not given the chance to be heard. The thing I love most about my role is being able to see God work miracles in every life we connect with.