Richard Piggott
Manager
With 25 years of living and working in Brighton I was asked by the founders to set up the Trust in late 2013. Once this was achieved, and the funds invested sustainably, I was invited to stay on and manage Homity’s establishment. Now, 10 years on, I can honestly say it has been life changing and so rewarding. My extensive and varied commercial business skills (from Civil Servant through Sales & Marketing to Wine Educator) have been invaluable in helping with the Trust's wide ranging demands. From initial contact through formal grants applications and due diligence checks to site visits and grants payments. The variety of amazing organisations that I have seen and worked with is truly humbling. None of this would have been possible without the support and flexibility of our small team and helpfulness of other charitable enterprises. Long may it continue.
Ella Macpherson
Founding Trustee
I have been in the music industry for over 30 years and run a small record label and my own tour accounting business in central Brighton. I founded the Homity Trust in 2013 looking to provide a more personal approach to giving to those who need it most in and around our amazing and diverse city. To be able to react quickly and cut through some of the red tape associated with donating is our strength and we pride ourselves in being an approachable and supportive group of Trustees. I have a particular interest in women’s issues and continuing to support those who are trying to relieve local issues caused by poverty. It has been an honour and a privilege to set up this charitable Trust..
Justine Cobb
Founding Trustee
My background originally stems from the fashion and clothing industry. However latterly I worked at a senior operational level in the finance sector, and helped develop a successful Brighton based start up. I have lived in and around Brighton for more than thirty years and I was proud to be invited to become a founding member of the Homity Trust. I have been humbled by the extent to which people give and care for others, and what we do at Homity brings comfort to those who receive our funding. For me, supporting people who find themselves impoverished or lonely is fundamental.
Marcus Pescod
Trustee
I have had a varied career from training and development within the Retail Customer Service sector, local Apprenticeship Assessor to administrative duties with the NHS. It has been an honour to become a part of the Homity Trust. Having the opportunity to instantly make significant differences in the lives of people that may otherwise be unable to engage with the necessary services, through hardship and adversity. As a gay man, I am proud to be a member of the LGBTQI+ community and am committed to supporting equality and diversity for all. I am passionate about supporting the devastating effects of mental health, and continuing through Homity to support those that give people the foundations to empower themselves.
Kate Elms Grants Administrator
My background is in magazine journalism but, on moving to Brighton 20 years ago, I started working in the museum and archive sector. My main interest was public engagement with local history, which led to collaborations with community groups and volunteers from across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, and outreach work to widen access to heritage.
At The Homity Trust, I’m involved in the assessment of grant applications. It’s incredibly rewarding - since joining the Trust, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the fantastic projects supported by Homity, and have seen first-hand the difference they are making in their communities. The dedication and creativity of the people behind these initiatives is truly inspiring, as is the outstanding work they do to address a range of challenges resulting from inequality and financial hardship.
