Meet the Team.
Revd Trevor Thurston-Smith: Director
A native of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Trevor is a priest in the Church of England. Ordained in 1986, he has experience of parish ministry and hospital chaplaincy in the dioceses of Sheffield and Lichfield. He first became involved in HIV Ministry in 1990 when he began to work on a voluntary basis with gay men affected by HIV in Derby and Derbyshire and he undertook specialist training in HIV ministry in London.
Having left full-time/parish
ministry for several years, Trevor worked for a Social Services Department
and for a charity providing support for people recovering from mental
ill-health. He has experience
of developing specialist housing initiatives for people with mental health
problems and, more recently, was a regional Community Projects Manager for
a large national charity.
Trevor moved to Leicester to become Director of "Faith in People with HIV" in February 2005. He is also the Bishop of Leicester's Chaplain for people affected by HIV. This involves him in encouraging the Anglican diocese to respond positively to the many challenges of HIV both globally and locally.
In addition to his HIV work, Trevor is actively involved in several local churches where he regularly leads services. He is committed to working for a more inclusive church which genuinely welcomes and affirms people regardless of their HIV status, sexuality or any other issue.
Michelle Overton: Women & Families Support Worker
Michelle is a white British woman in her thirties who was born in Leicestershire. She joined the team of "Faith in People with HIV" in September 2008 having had a longstanding interest in HIV work. Michelle has extensive experience of working in the voluntary sector and has recently completed a Diploma in person-centred counselling.
Having worked previously for Women's Aid Leicestershire Ltd as a Domestic Violence Outreach Worker, Michelle has experience of working with diverse needs such as mental ill health, substance misuse, learning difficulties and low self-esteem. She was co-author of a confidence and self-esteem building programme and has also delivered workshops to young people on healthy and unhealthy relationships.
In her current role as Women and Families Support Worker, Michelle offers support to woman, children and families infected with and affected by HIV through one to one work, running family day trips. women's groups and other specialised areas of support.
Other team members:
Administrator: Julie White
Volunteer Assistant Chaplains:
Revd Pam Bolas
Revd Frances Knight
Faith in People with HIV is registered in England and Wales as a Charity (No: 1102534) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (No: 3318773)