What the charity is about
The preservation and protection of the physical and mental health of LGBTQ+ persons suffering from stigma or bias by the provision of Mentoring or Counselling and support for such persons and by such other means as the trustees may from time to time decide.
The preservation and protection of the physical and mental health of LGBTQ+ persons who are disabled by such means as the trustees may from time to time decide.
The promotion of equality and diversity by providing support to LGBTQ+ persons and by raising awareness of issues that may affect that community.
Meet Our Trustees
Impactful Lives is supported by a dedicated team of trustees who bring their experience, passion and commitment to our mission. Together, we help guide the charity, strengthen our impact and ensure we continue supporting LGBTQ+ people across Hertfordshire.
Andrew Waite is the Founder and Chair of Trustees of Impactful Lives and brings more than 30 years of experience in charity leadership, community development, education and social inclusion. A proud gay man and long-standing Hertfordshire resident, he has dedicated his career to supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities and creating lasting social change.
Andrew's career began in the voluntary sector, where he established a children and families charity that exceeded its targets and outcomes. Following its success, he gifted the project building to Watford Women's Centre, where it continues to serve the local community today. He later became Chief Executive of a Mencap charity and subsequently served as Chair of Trustees for Barnet Mencap, providing strategic leadership, governance and organisational development.
Alongside his charity leadership roles, Andrew worked as Business Development Manager for the University of Bedfordshire and developed 23 accredited training programmes to support charities and community organisations. He holds qualifications in Early Years Integrated Centre Leadership and Adult Education (PGCE/QTLS), bringing extensive experience in learning, mentoring and capacity building.
Recognising the lack of specialist support available to LGBTQ+ people, Andrew led several years of research into LGBTQ+ inequalities, mental health and access to public services across Hertfordshire. This work highlighted significant levels of isolation, discrimination and suicidality, ultimately leading to the creation of Impactful Lives to provide direct support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities.
Andrew has worked closely with Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) on LGBTQ+ inclusion and co-wrote the NHS Trust's Gender Identity Policy. He is also an active member of the Gay Professionals Network (GPN) and works with statutory and community partners to improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ people.
Andrew Waite
Samantha West
BIO COMING SOON
After a 33-year career as an NHS children's nurse, I retired in 2025, having spent most of my working life in Children's Intensive Care. It was a fast-paced and demanding environment, but also one of the most rewarding. Caring for critically ill children and supporting their families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives taught me the importance of compassion, communication and putting people at the heart of everything you do.
I first became involved with Impactful Lives after volunteering at the Pride Picnic through GoVolHerts. As the parent of a trans daughter, I was looking for support for her and discovered the welcoming community that Impactful Lives provides. Seeing the positive impact the charity has had on my family inspired me to give something back, and becoming a trustee felt like a natural next step.
As an LGBTQ+ ally, I'm passionate about helping create safe, inclusive spaces where people feel accepted, supported and connected. Since joining the charity, I've enjoyed volunteering at community events, helping to raise awareness of our work and supporting our outreach activities. I also attend the LGBTQ+ Carers Group, where I've built meaningful friendships with other parents who share similar experiences.
As Treasurer Trustee, I'm looking forward to learning new skills while bringing my experience of teamwork, empathy and supporting people through challenging times to help Impactful Lives continue making a difference in our communities.
Berni Tollady
BIO COMING SOON
Tony Lankester
Freya is a marketing director with over 15 years of experience in B2B technology, currently leading a team across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. She brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, campaign development, and data-driven marketing to her role as Fundraising Trustee at Impactful Lives.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Freya knows first-hand the difference that visible, accessible support can make. That personal connection drives her commitment to building the financial foundations that allow Impactful Lives to reach more people across Hertfordshire.
Since joining the board, Freya has led the development of a fundraising strategy spanning grants, corporate partnerships, community fundraising, and digital channels, with a focus on long-term, sustainable income growth.