Our small team of full- and part-time staff perform a wide range of management, fundraising and administrative tasks as well as running our four core projects: UR4Meals, UR4Jobs and UR4Driving. Their work would not be possible without the support of our dedicated group of volunteers.
Peter Charalambides – CEO
Before taking on the role of CEO at the Upper Room, Peter established a successful career in the housing and charity sectors, holding leadership positions where he drove innovation in tenancy sustainment and championed support for vulnerable individuals. He also founded and ran his own property services business. With a strong commitment to fairness and justice, Peter brings a values-driven approach to his leadership. Outside of work, he is an accomplished artist whose expressionist pieces have been sold worldwide, as well as a devoted family man.
Ashley Robinson – UR4Meals Manager
As the Manager of UR4Meals at The Upper Room, I am passionate about providing essential support to those in need. My role involves overseeing the daily operations of our meal service programme, ensuring that our guests receive nutritious meals in a warm and welcoming environment.
With a deep commitment to addressing homelessness and food insecurity, I work closely with our incredible team of volunteers and staff to cater to the basic needs of our guests. Our goal is not only to provide sustenance but also to offer a sense of community and hope to those facing challenging circumstances.
At The Upper Room, we believe that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and compassion. Through UR4Meals, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our guests, helping to build a bridge to a brighter future.
Tayo Ohieku – UR4Meals Senior Support Worker
In his role as Senior Support Worker at UR4Meals, Tayo helps lead the team, ensuring the smooth operation of meal services for the homeless.
After spending over 20 years in Paris, Tayo returned to the UK in 2022, bringing a diverse background in financial services, customer service, and entrepreneurship.
A former horseman, runner, and swimmer, Tayo is also a polyglot with a keen interest in ancient Chinese history and etymology, alongside a passion for science fiction. His multifaceted experiences enrich his role in supporting those in need.
Sophie Schreiber– UR4Meals Chef
Sophie is a part-time cook at The Upper Room, having joined 1.5 years ago after several years of volunteering with food charities. Passionate about bringing joy through food, she thrives on the challenge of creating nutritious and delicious meals from surplus ingredients.
Outside of work, Sophie is a hairdresser and a dedicated yoga practitioner, embodying a commitment to wellness and creativity in all aspects of her life.
Fadwa Elkamaly – UR4Meals Chef
Fadwa joined The Upper Room initially to cover a shift for the kitchen chef, but her experience quickly turned into a passion for the work and the team. She values the love, respect, and kindness shared in the kitchen, which has enhanced her teamwork skills and culinary expertise.
As a devoted mother, Fadwa enjoys cooking for her family, inspired daily by her children’s encouragement to explore new recipes. Her journey at The Upper Room reflects her commitment to nurturing both her skills and the community through food.
Christina Ellemann – UR4Meals Chef
I have been cooking at The Upper Room since April 2023 having previously volunteered with local food charities. Before that, I worked in education.
Not knowing what food will be delivered can be challenging but I enjoy being creative and at the end of the day, it feels good to have cooked a nutritious meal for guests.
Outside of the kitchen, I’m all about family, friends, seaside and Smarties.
Simon Rafter – UR4Meals Chef
Waldemar Sieniakowski – UR4Meals Support Worker
Waldi is our dedicated support worker at The Upper Room, where he plays a vital role in the charity’s daily operations. Initially joining as a volunteer, he transitioned to a paid position in 2019. His responsibilities include managing deliveries, organising the supplies, maintaining a high level of cleanliness, and overseeing essential tasks like replenishing stock.
Waldi’s commitment to the charity ensures its smooth functioning and supports its mission to assist vulnerable community members. His journey reflects a deep dedication to service and community support!
Sam Drinkwater – UR4Driving Project Manager
As Project Manager for the UR4Driving Project, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals with convictions, as well as young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system, to discover new opportunities, build confidence and self-esteem, and develop a more positive belief in themselves as they work towards lasting change and a sustainable future. I have 6 years of experience with the UR4driving program and over 17 years in Education.
My role involves supporting, guiding, and informing clients throughout their journey on the programme, including sharing my knowledge of the DVSA theory test. I oversee the delivery of the project and work closely with staff and clients to ensure everyone receives the right level of individual support to meet their needs.
I am particularly excited about the new employability programme we are embedding within UR4Driving, which is designed to equip all participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to move into employment.
Outside of work, I am an abstract artist and enjoy spending time in my studio, as well as making the most of time with my family and my two dogs.
Mark – UR4Driving Support Worker
Azmera – UR4Driving Employment & Training Co-ordinator
My role focuses on supporting people to build their confidence, develop employability skills, and take practical steps towards volunteering, training and employment. I have a background in psychology and have a particular interest in rehabilitation-focused work that helps people move forward with their life. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, travelling, and trying new activities.
Ryan McGillivary – UR4Driving Project Co-ordinator
Ryan’s background is in Youth and Community work. He is dedicated in making a meaningful positive contribution to the community and with those facing daily and systemic challenges with minimal resource or opportunities. As a UR4 Driving Project Co-ordinator, Ryan supports the day-to-day work of the service and contributes to the development of the provision. Ryan enjoys sports, movies and reading.
Mike Halson – Communications Manager
Mike joined The Upper Room in 2019 after a career spent in publishing, PR and digital corporate communications. He is responsible for corporate partnerships, social media and the organisation of fund-raising events. Outside work, he enjoys walks (and pub lunches) accompanied by the family dachshunds.
Rubena Begum – Administrator
Veronica Tuke – Finance Officer
Veronica leads on the recording and reporting of TUR’s finances. Her spare time is often spent nurturing the garden and the allotment.
Simon Tuke – Chair (Trustee since 2005)
Having spent 30 years in the advertising industry, Simon brings marketing and design experience, along with financial skills through running his own business.
Greg Barton – Trustee since 2025
Joining the Board in 2025, Greg combines corporate Project and Product Management with charity sector experience, previously leading digital projects for West London Action for Children. He collaborates with the Trustee team to support governance, technology strategy, and operational workflows. In his personal life, Greg enjoys Art History, music, photography, and cycling.
Paul Michael Mawdsley – Treasurer (Trustee since 2014)
Paul has 25 years’ experience in the financial sector in a number of different roles working for a major international bank. Having started his career as a software developer, he has since worked in derivative trading, securities lending and most recently in asset management, managing investment funds for institutional investors
Da Huong Thao Nguyen – Trustee since 2024
A graduate of London Business School and Edinburgh University, Ellie has spent nearly a decade as a fixed income salesperson at various financial institutions. The native Vietnamese brings an international perspective, as well as expertise in business development and corporate partnerships.
Avisha Patel – Trustee since 2024
Avisha joined The Upper Room as a board trustee in 2024. Avisha’s current role is within the Sustainability Team at Advent International, a global private equity investor. Avisha has over ten years of work experience in the private sector, and also founded a UK Registered Charity called Friendsline, bringing mental health support to women in India.
Philip Schick – Trustee since 2020
Phil has been retired from full-time employment for some years. Prior to that he worked in the Healthcare sector for some 30 years, and for a few years ran his own Lifesciences consultancy. His key skills are in international strategic business and marketing, as well as years of experience supporting the charity sector.
Richard MacDonald Shaw – Trustee since 2011
Richard was a partner with Manches Solicitors, and then spent three years with Howard Kennedy as a Consultant. He has also been Treasurer for a variety of charities, and brings valuable expertise.
Bridget Stevenson – Trustee since 2009
Bridget, now retired, has previously worked as HR Manager and Consultant for a variety of law firms and ran an organisation to encourage the development and expertise of HR professionals in the legal world. She has also previously run a business that provided music processing for the academic world.
Charlotte Wood – Trustee since 2020
Charlie works at the Environment Agency, with close links to key organisations across London. Her portfolio includes sustainable growth, environmental infrastructure, natural capital, net environmental gain and climate resilience. Charlie is a Commissioner on the London Sustainable Development Commission, and was a Community Governor for Addison Primary School in Hammersmith for ten years.
The Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Bishop of Kensington
The Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson is the Bishop of Kensington in the Diocese of London. She was formerly Bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishop of Penrith in the Diocese of Carlisle, and Principal of Trinity College, Bristol. She is the author of several books, including, ‘Failure: What Jesus said about sin, mistakes and messing stuff up.’ She lives in London with her husband, who is also a priest. They have two grown-up children; a son and a daughter, and a granddaughter.
Sir Michael Pownall KCB
Sir Michael Pownall spent his career on the staff of Parliament, finishing as Clerk of the Parliaments and Head of the House of Lords Administration. Since retiring, he has been a trustee of various charities, and is now Chair of Kensington and Chelsea Bereavement Care.
Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
Andy Slaughter was first elected to Parliament in 2005 for the then seat of Ealing, Acton and Shepherd’s Bush. Andy served as a councillor in Hammersmith & Fulham from 1986 to 2006, and as Leader of the Council from 1996 to 2005. Between 2010 and 2015 he was a shadow minister, first for justice, including legal aid and advice, and later housing, including homelessness. He lives in Shepherd’s Bush and has been a supporter of The Upper Room since its foundation.