Chris Hickford - Founding Director
Chris was one of the founders of Eikon back in 1995. He is a qualified youth worker and became our first employee, working 2 days a week for the charity in the early days.
After the first year, Chris became our first full-time youth worker, working in the community and in Fullbrook School. Five years ago he became the director of Eikon and as a result does less face-to-face youth work than before. This works for everyone, especially the young people as he is no longer as young as he likes to think he is!
Chris likes to play most sports and vigorously takes part in most, if not all, of eikon's sponsored events. However, his love of food does occasionally get in the way of his status as an athlete!
Chris is married to Clare and they have two children - Emily (6) and Archie (4). They live in New Haw.
"I am as energised about our work as the day we first started. In 13 years we have helped many people - but quite clearly our work is not yet complete. I am very committed to ensuring that we do so much more to support people in need over the next 13 years and the next 13 after that!"

 

Jo Graham - Operations Manager
Jo started working for eikon in August 2006. She is married to Simon and they live in Addlestone with their cat, Samson.
Jo spends her time fundraising, organizing residentials, writing letters and answering the phone, as well as some youth work.
In her spare time, Jo is a foster carer looking after young people who live away from home.

 

Affy Harris - Relational Youth Worker & Connexions PA
Affy has been with Eikon since May 2007 and is thoroughly enjoying the challenges her role presents. Affy is based at Fullbrook School, Addlestone as Relational Youth worker and Connexions P.A and provides support for Eikon's team of Connexions P.A's. "I love working with young people, knowing that no day will ever be the same! Life is not easy, but for some young people it is downright painful. It is a privilege to work alongside those who are struggling and empower them to resolve the issues, worries, and concerns they are battling with. I am always amazed and proud of the ability young people have to overcome difficulties and flourish" Affy has a BA in Youth and Community work and Applied Theology and gained a JNC accreditation from Oxford Brookes University. In her spare time Affy is a bit of a drama queen and enjoys being involved in her local amateur dramatics society acting in plays, music reviews and pantos. She is also a keen reader and a bit of a sci-fi fan!

 

Lea Newbery - Relational Youth Worker & Connexions PA
My name is Lea Newbery and I work for Eikon as a Connexions P.A and Relational Youth Worker based at Rodborough School. My office is upstairs in the Language Block and there is an Eikon sign on the office door.
I work with students on a one to one basis and also run some group work sessions. The students that come to see me are sometimes referred by themselves by just popping in to ask for an appointment or filling in a request form and popping it in the Eikon referral box in reception. Young people come to see me for a variety of reasons, including friendship issues, family problems or difficulties within school. Sometimes the school will make suggestions of students that may benefit from talking to someone and I will have a chat with them and let them decide if they want an appointment.
I am also involved with our Young carers Group which runs once a fortnight and is open to any one who has a caring responsibility for a family member. Details of meeting times can be found on the peer support notice board in the foyer of the LRC and new members are always welcome.

 

Maddy Robertson - Relational Youth Worker & Connexions PA
Maddy started with Eikon in September 2008 and is based full time in Bishop David Brown (BDB) School in Woking as a Relational Youth Worker and Connexions P.A.
"I'm loving my new role at BDB as each day brings new challenges and rewards. It is particularly inspiring to see young people overcome the obstacles in their lives that could have so easily hindered them, and I love that I am able to share and support them in that journey".
Maddy recently gained a B.A in Social Work from The University of Birmingham and is about to buy her first home in Woking with her partner. In her spare time Maddy is a bit of an adrenaline junky and enjoys socialising, reading and watching films.