Meet the RFA Team

Reading Family Aid goes back a long way...

The original idea came from a group of people helping young mothers at Katesgrove House in Reading in the 1950s. Click here to learn more about our early days. We became a registered charity in 1993.

RFA is staffed entirely by volunteers and run by a small committee. We don't employ any staff or maintain any premises, so we're able to keep our overheads to a minimum. We spend most of the money that we raise on our programme of activities for the children and families we support.

The Reading Family Aid Management Committee

Anna Gilbert, Chair, Publicity & Trustee
I joined Reading Family Aid’s Publicity team in 2023 - I had been looking for some voluntary work that I could easily fit around my full time job, and this was the perfect fit. I became Chair in 2025, and continue to look after our social media activity. Since joining I have also enjoyed helping with the Toys and Teens Appeal, plus some summer fetes and outings. It has been so heart-warming to receive feedback from the families who have directly benefitted from our Christmas gifts and outings. Outside Reading Family Aid I work in university administration, and enjoy fibrecrafts, art and swimming in my spare time.

Laura Windisch, Secretary, Toy Project Manager & Trustee
I’ve lived in Reading for pretty much all of my adult life, since I became a student here in 1980. When I was about to retire from my 30+ year career in University admissions in 2019, I looked for a volunteering opportunity. Having volunteered for the Toys and Teens appeal in the past, I was very happy to see that the post of Toys and Teens Appeal Project Manager was available. The Appeal encompasses all that I love about living
in Reading – people are so enthusiastic, generous and compassionate. I became Secretary of Reading Family Aid in
July 2020 and now fulfil both roles on the Committee.

Paul Cooper, Vice Chair, Publicity & Trustee
I have been volunteering for Reading Family Aid for over 10 years. When I moved to Reading with my family I was looking for some volunteering opportunities that would make a positive impact on local children's lives and I could immediately see that RFA was making a real difference. I started as the Publicity Manager, and have since taken on numerous roles from governance to fundraising and helping out on the vans during the toy collection week. I enjoy running and climbing, and I'm passionate about the environment and building a more sustainable future.

Carolyn Cheney, Treasurer & Trustee
I grew up in Reading and now live here with my family. My involvement with Reading Family Aid began when I volunteered for the Toys and Teens Appeal. Seeing the dedication of the volunteers, the generosity of local people and the difference the appeal makes to children and young people encouraged me to become more involved with the charity and join the Committee. Professionally, I work in finance and am pleased to use these skills to support the charity in my role as Treasurer. I am also a member of the Toy Project Sub-Committee and lead our London Marathon fundraising activities.