Relatives & Residents Association
We support, inform and speak on behalf of older people in care
We support, inform and speak on behalf of older people in care
The R&RA is a charitable company limited by guarantee, with an elected Board of Trustees who are responsible for running and directing its activities.
The main work of providing help and support to individuals and families on care issues (in particular the much praised helpline, which offers top quality expert advice, free and unbiased, to any caller on a daily basis) depends on our full-time care advisers who each have many years of experience in the field.
The guidance and training aids for which the R&RA is so well known reflect this experience and that of our Trustees and volunteers. The fund of knowledge and expertise we are able to draw on is reflected in our campaigns and initiatives, so that when we speak out on an issue, we are listened to.
The Trustees
Judy Downey Chair and CEO
Dr Susan Chesters
Trish Davies
Emma Jones
Des Kelly OBE
Veronica Monks
Richard Hawes, Co-opted Trustee
Nari Ghandhi, Co-opted Trustee
The Team
Emma Williams
Emma joined the Relatives & Residents Association in 2012 as a Helpline Worker. She provides support to older people, their relatives and friends who have queries about care. Emma also leads on our policy work and manages our projects, including producing our publications. Emma has been working in the charity sector for over 20 years with a specific interest in improving the lives of older people. She originally worked as a senior caseworker for Anchor Hackney Staying Put, working to help older residents remain in their own homes through grants for adaptations or vital repairs to their homes. She then worked at Counsel and Care, a charity working with older people, as an Advice Worker before joining the Relatives & Residents Association.
Trevor Greenidge
Trevor joined the Relatives & Residents Association in 2011 as an adviser on the helpline. He provides individualised support to older people, their relatives and friends who have queries about care. As well as contributing to our projects, campaigns and policy work, he also looks after our website and social media platforms. Trevor began his work in the charity sector in 2005, as a generalist adviser for the Citizens Advice Bureau, where he supported people with a myriad of issues including debt, immigration, and social care to name a few. After several years there, he decided that he wanted to focus on improving the lives of older people, and so in 2009 started working as an adviser for Counsel and Care, before joining the Relatives & Residents Association.
Helen Wildbore
Helen joined the Relatives & Residents Association in 2019. As Director, Helen is responsible for the operational management of the organisation, including oversight of our services, campaigns, projects and policy work. Helen has over 15 years’ experience of working in third sector and academic organisations on human rights and equality. Previous positions include Policy and Programmes Manager at the British Institute of Human Rights, Healthcare Engagement Manager at Bliss and Researcher at the LSE. Her expertise lie in using human rights law to improve care and health services. Helen is passionate about improving care services so that older people can live with dignity.
Stephen Lowe, Volunteer
Clare Yates, Volunteer
In addition the R&RA depends on invaluable professional help from
David Watson GDW Associates, Systems and Business Consultant
Ernest Muller Em Associates, Graphic Design
Georges Olivier AAYG Ltd, Accounts Maintenance
David Terry FCA Ramon Lee & Partners, Independent Examiner
Roshani Perera, Ramon Lee & Partners, Independent Examiner
Bob Walters, Video Producer Consultant
Janice Gardener, Independent Consultant
Sue Toole, Independent Consultant
The R&RA gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support of the 
including in particular the grant funding that made the introduction of this new website possible.
We have no endowments or guaranteed funding so rely on the loyalty of our members and the support of our generous donors to continue our work.