Our work wouldn’t be possible without our trustees, specialist volunteers and staff who lead and guide us.

Our Trustees

Anjelica Finnegan (Chair)

I moved to the York area at the end of 2023 and I've been looking for the right opportunity to give back to my new local community. As a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, I am a passionate advocate for the safety, health and wellbeing of all women, especially those recovering from trauma. I was excited therefore to see that York Women's Counselling Service was looking for trustees.

Rather than follow a linear path, I've been lucky to be able to consciously pursue employment opportunities that best enable me to affect positive change.

I have held management and strategic positions within policy, research and frontline practice. Through these opportunities I have been able to, for example, build coalitions with external partners that resulted in national policy change improving the operating environment for small charities, create accessible content to help charities better manage their finances, and create and project manage a new service that re-imagines the way that a local authority responds to domestic abuse. I am excited to bring the skills and knowledge that I have gained throughout my career and volunteering to the YWCS trustee board and ensure that we can continue to deliver our vital work.

Imogen Bellerby (Treasurer)

As a beneficiary of counseling in my childhood years, my husband’s role working in community mental health and through the support work I have done in the past in a managerial capacity for staff dealing with stress and trauma, I feel an affinity with the YWCS aims.

I have worked in the private sector in a finance and accounting capacity for over 20 years, with experience across a variety of organisations. My professional career and outside of work volunteering has not been limited to finance. A role your sleeves up and help mantra is what I bring and hope will beneficial  to YWCS.

Joy Cullwick

I am passionate about promoting access to high quality and affordable counselling and psychotherapy so am delighted to be involved with YWCS as a specialist volunteer.

I bring to this role the skills and experience gained from over twenty five years as a psychotherapist, counsellor, supervisor and trainer. I was a Senior Accredited Member of BACP and UKCP registered Gestalt Psychotherapist working in York NHS, Relate and private practice. My training work includes over ten years as a senior lecturer on the BACP accredited MA/ Diploma course in counselling and psychotherapy at Leeds Metropolitan (Leeds Beckett) University.  

I am committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice and worked with the Clinic for Boundary Studies (formerly ‘The Prevention of Professional Abuse Network’) to educate health and social care professionals about the importance of professional boundaries.

In the 2021 - 22 civic year I had the privilege of being Lady Mayoress of York. It was important to me to host an event at the Mansion House to say ‘Thank you’ on behalf of the city to those who were addressing the tsunami of need for mental health support created by the pandemic. As a keen supporter of women’s empowerment it was also a joy to celebrate women with an event to mark International Women’s Day.

Esther Knight

I bring over a decade of experience in the fashion industry with a focus on sustainability, ethical leadership, and circular business models. As the founder of Fanfare Label, an award-winning sustainable denim brand, I’ve led strategic and creative initiatives that challenge traditional systems and prioritise social and environmental responsibility.

Alongside my professional career, I lecture at leading UK universities, teaching the next generation about fashion for positive change. I’m particularly passionate about championing women’s empowerment and mental wellbeing—values that align deeply with the mission of York Women’s Counselling. I am honoured to contribute to an organisation that provides such vital support to women across the region.

Clare Forsyth

I am a qualified psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist with experience supporting clients who have experienced trauma, relationship difficulties, and other life challenges. My professional background includes working therapeutically for local charities and organisations in York, Scarborough, Malton and Northallerton, and I now work with clients in private practice.

I am particularly interested in how we make sense of difficult experiences and find our way through them. A question that often emerges in my work is, “What happens now?” and I am continually struck by what can happen when people are given the space and support to explore that question.

I became a trustee of YWCS because I want to support this small organisation that makes a significant difference in the lives of local women. I believe strongly in the importance of accessible and affordable services that provide the warmth and kindness needed to foster greater understanding, confidence, and hope.

Sarah Nicholson

I am a UK Government Civil Servant with extensive experience across multiple departments and policy areas and expertise in policy making, legislative processes, and EU negotiations, and more recently in corporate organisation.

Currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the Director of Science and Technology at the Home Office, I play a pivotal role in promoting science, innovation, and technology. My responsibilities include developing and delivering key projects, maintaining strategic networks, and overseeing governance, finance, and HR processes.

Outside work, I enjoy staying active at the gym, walking my dog Indy, and supporting my son's Rugby League team

Carmel Offord

I’m so proud to have joined York Women’s Counselling (YWC) as a trustee. YWC's work providing long-term, trauma-informed counselling for women is genuinely inspiring. After more than a decade working in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector, I’ve seen just how vital this kind of consistent, accessible support can be and, unfortunately, how difficult it can be to find. It’s been wonderful getting to know the team and seeing their passion and commitment up close. I’m really excited to play a small part in supporting the incredible work the staff and volunteers do.

Jen Saunders

I moved to York in 2014 to pursue a career opportunity at a much loved and local food brand, I have spent the last 10 years focusing on my career development across a variety of commercial and strategic roles, of which I continue to enjoy today. 

I am passionate about equity and equality for women, and wanted to exercise the combination of my professional capabilities with the genuine interest and belief that all women should feel heard, seen and supported, hence joining the great charitable organisation of YWCS.

Our staff

Ruth Linton, Director

I’m thrilled to join the team at York Women’s Counselling Service, and to help further women’s empowerment and advocacy in this beautiful city. I grew up surrounded by strong, compassionate women, so politics and feminism came naturally to me, and lead me to pursue studies in gender, sexuality, and human rights law.

I have just about ten years of experience in charity operations and administration, where I developed a solid background in operational management, fundraising, and community outreach. A few years ago, I decided to take a leap into entrepreneurship and started a business that promotes cycling and sustainable travel, and to live and travel in Italy. This experience broadened my horizons and enriched my professional journey, providing fresh insights that I’m excited to bring back to the charity sector.