The Somewhere To Go Foundation Team

Leaving is only the beginning. These are the people who help with what comes next.

Strong governance and accountability sit at the core of everything we do.

Your safety comes first. Always.
Women trust us with their stories, their children and their safety. We don't take that lightly.
Every member of our team and every volunteer holds a Blue Card and has signed a confidentiality agreement.
It's all on file, no exceptions.
We're a registered charity, and we answer to the community that backs us.

A small local team, a lot of heart

  • Yentl Skewes

    Founder & Managing Director

    Yentl founded Somewhere To Go Foundation from her own lived experience of domestic and family violence and the challenges of rebuilding life beyond it. Her vision was to create the kind of support she wished had existed during her own journey.

    As Founder and Managing Director, Yentl leads the Foundation's vision, strategy, partnerships and growth, working to establish meaningful and sustainable support.

    Alongside leading the Foundation, Yentl remains actively involved in the everyday life of the Centre, from welcoming women and completing intakes to packing hampers with the team. She is passionate about creating a space where every woman and child feels seen, valued and supported, while building something that creates lasting change.

  • Shelley Spencer

    Head of Programs & Therapeutic Development

    Shelley leads the development and expansion of Somewhere To Go Foundation's recovery and education programs, helping shape the services we offer women and children rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence.

    Having developed our flagship BLOOM program, Shelley continues to design and implement evidence-informed, trauma-informed programs that respond to the evolving needs of our community.

    Her role encompasses program development, facilitation, participant support and the strategic expansion of our recovery services. As the Foundation grows, we envisage Shelley's role expanding into a full-time position incorporating her psychology qualifications and direct client support, alongside leadership of our therapeutic programs.

  • Jean Chopping

    Restore Studio Lead (BCouns, MMH, AThR)

    Jean is a trauma-informed counsellor and registered art therapist who brings her experience and passion for creative healing to Somewhere To Go Foundation. She also runs her own practice, Brighter Pathways Counselling & Art Therapy.

    As the lead of Restore Studio, Jean creates a safe and supportive environment where women can explore their experiences, process emotions and reconnect with themselves through therapeutic art.

    Every Tuesday, Jean generously dedicates her day to the Foundation, facilitating group women/child classes as well as one on one for those working towards a group class. Her work provides a gentle and meaningful pathway to healing, particularly for those who find it difficult to express their experiences through words alone.

  • Emma Makepeace

    Administration & Operations Coordinator

    Emma plays an essential role in the day-to-day operations of Somewhere To Go Foundation, helping ensure the Centre runs smoothly and that women and children receive a warm, welcoming and well-organised experience.

    Her role encompasses coordinating client bookings, volunteer schedules, program administration and the many moving parts involved in delivering our services. Working closely with the team, Emma helps keep communication, systems and daily operations on track.

    As the Foundation continues to grow, Emma supports the development of operational processes that allow our programs and services to run efficiently. Her organisation, attention to detail and commitment to the Foundation help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

  • Ebony Naker

    Centre Host

    Ebony is one of the welcoming faces of Somewhere To Go Foundation, helping create the warm, safe and inviting environment within our Centre.

    As Centre Host, Ebony helps care for both our spaces and the people who visit them. From welcoming women and children as they arrive to preparing refreshments, setting up programs and ensuring the Centre is ready each day, she plays an important role in making every visit a positive experience.

    Ebony also provides care and supervision for children while their mothers participate in recovery programs, giving women the opportunity to focus on themselves knowing their little ones are nearby and cared for. Her role reflects our belief that the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone's recovery journey.

  • Megan Zischke

    Systems & Set-up Consultant

    Megan brings a passion for organisation, efficiency and creating systems that genuinely work for the unique needs of not-for-profit organisations. She plays an important role in helping Somewhere To Go Foundation build the operational foundations needed to support our growing services and community.

    Through her work with the Foundation, Megan helps develop and implement practical systems, streamline administrative processes and establish structures that make our day-to-day operations more efficient and sustainable.

    She extends her work through Spring Forth Co. and her experience and thoughtful approach help ensure that as the Foundation grows, the systems behind the scenes grow with it, allowing our team to spend more time focusing on the women and children we support.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of a charity like ours. Many hands really do make light work, and as Somewhere To Go Foundation continues to grow, we need more people willing to give a little of their time to help us keep the Centre running.

Whether you can help every week or just once a month, there is a place for you. Our volunteers can join a regular weekly or monthly roster and assist with the practical, everyday things that make it possible for us to continue showing up for women and children rebuilding after domestic and family violence.

A few hours of your time can make an enormous difference.

LEARN HOW TO HELP

Our Board and Advisory

Yentl Skewes

Founder and Managing Director

Yentl built Somewhere To Go from almost two decades of lived experience of domestic and family violence and the systems surrounding it. She leads with deep understanding, clarity and purpose. Her vision drives the foundation's mission to bridge the gap between crisis and long-term recovery.

Matthew Vale

Director and Secretary

Founder of the Mount of Olives Foundation and a qualified teacher, Matthew brings hands-on charity leadership and grant writing to the board. He contributes strategic oversight and a solutions-focused mindset, ensuring strong decision making and organisational direction.

Lisa Bruton

Director

As the Director of Arise Sanctuary, creating transformative spaces where women find strength and direction. A speaker, author and international retreat director, she brings thoughtful, values-driven leadership and a board presence that reflects both compassion and accountability.

Jenny Gilpin

Advisory

With a decade of leadership across a UK anti-trafficking charity with ten safe houses, Jenny brings transformative experience in restoring women's lives. She offers a steady, grounded approach and a deep commitment to community, supporting the foundation's growth with integrity and care.

Luke & Grace Wightman

Advisory

Multi-franchise owners of Tommy Gun's Original Barbershop, Luke and Grace bring business acumen, scalability insight and operational discipline. Known for their people-first approach and community involvement, they support our long-term vision for sustainable growth and national expansion.