Our Trustees

Mr Rob Swift (Treasurer / Company Secretary)

Rob Swift has been a trustee for 8 years following his retirement as a chartered accountant, working predominantly in the Commercial sector (for an advertising agency and also consulting engineers), and finally in the public sector for Bristol City Council. He and his wife both grew up in North Somerset and have lived in Nailsea for 35 years; with 5 children and 10 grandchildren and, when time permits, he enjoys watching rugby and playing tennis.

Dr Mary Backhouse (Chair)

Mary has worked as a GP in Nailsea since 1990. She and her family live locally. She is involved in the local church and community and enjoys the role of Chair of Trustees for Wellspring.

Sue Jenner

Sue previously worked for 12 years as a Counsellor for Wellspring counselling before leaving in 2018 to run her own private counselling practice. She has many years of previous work as a social worker and probation officer. Sue’s experience of working with clients in Wellspring means that she really values the contributions made by the whole Wellspring team where clients are enabled to access ethical, affordable counselling and mental health support at times of need.

Isla Hobbs

Isla Hobbs works locally at Backwell School as a wellbeing and future plans mentor for sixth form students. She really enjoys supporting young people as they move into young adulthood.

She has 3 children of her own and they moved to Nailsea from Bristol 6 years ago. She loves being outdoors and is a keen hillwalker and really appreciates being able to have great walks around the local area.

Trisha Chisnall

Rachel Dunn

Rachel has worked as a volunteer receptionist for Wellspring since 2017, becoming a trustee in 2020. She lives in North Somerset and works as a Civil Servant.

Revd Astrid Tiesema-Samsom

Astrid arrived in the area in 2017 to take up the position of the Rector of Pill, Portbury & Easton-in-Gordano.  With an international background, she has family living in three different countries which makes for a nice range of holiday destinations!  She likes comedies and mysteries, either as books or as films, and enjoys days out in the country or visiting a city, and spending time with family and friends. Astrid says it is a joy to work with people and to see them flourish. As an honorary Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers at Portbury Dock, she can be seen there from time to time as well.

Rev. Morey Andrews

"I moved to Nailsea 3 1/2 years ago as I was appointed Rector of Wraxall with Failand churches and also Minister for Trendlewood.

Prior to this I worked in many roles of the church (CoE), and in many places around the country.

I was a chartered surveyor before changing professions.

I have been married 32 years and have 4 adult children. Amongst many interests, I am treasurer for Nailsea Running club and run at least 3 times a week to keep the aged body moving.

I have a passion for engaging people where they are at in life and am committed to supporting Wellspring as continue their vital work."