Meet our trustees, partners and team members

Helen Garnett

Hello there, I'm Helen, Chair Trustee and founder of Sing For Joy, gospel choir leader, a wife to a wonderful supportive husband and mother to four incredible adult children.

I am extremely passionate about the power of singing in choirs and its ability to change lives and communities.

Being a professional musician, vocalist and music facilitator of some 35 years, I myself have first hand experience of how singinging in a choir has an ability to touch people's souls.

Music brought me out of a very dark period in my life and I made it my mission to share my testimony and joy through my talents, gifts and experiences in the hope that others may experience the power of a love of music. We look forward to being faithful to our calling and delivering music projects here in the North of England and beyond. We thrive on collaboration, networking and putting community the heart of all we do. I'm extremely thankful for an amazing team of dedicated passionate people in our charity family, who are dedicated to bringing inspirational music to the masses.

Jeannette Robinson

Hi, my name is Jeannette and I am honoured to be a trustee and secretary for this inspiring charity.

I am married with 1 grown up daughter, 4 grown up stepchildren. And 8 grandchildren one of whom lives with us as we are his special guardians.

I am a retired Police Officer of 32 years service and a very busy Foster Carer to some special children who need looking after. Through my Policing career and fostering I have worked closely with disadvantaged communities developing social resolutions to targeted issues and delivering trauma informed care and support to children and families.

I have first hand experience of the power of music and the positive personal impact on young people and the communities they live in. Encouraging self esteem, pride, a sense of purpose and pure joy where darkness and hardship have prevailed.
I have sung in groups and choirs most of my life and I'm excited be part of Sing For Joy UK's journey. In particular to see upcoming projects, offer young people access to this genre of music and its powerful influence.

Paul Hastie

My name is Paul Hastie and proud to be a trustee and treasurer of For Sing For Joy .I am married with two grown up children.

I have 37 years accountancy experience working in an accounts office and I have also had experience doing book-keeping for a charity in the past. I'm passionate about community through music and look forward to seeing the fruits of the charity.

My love of music stems from watching my wife who is a member of the fabulous East Yorkshire AFO Choir and Hot Gospel.

Paul Garnett

Hi there and I'm Paul and proud to be a trustee of this amazing charity. I support the charity in their endeavour to be portable in its mission. Being a time served engineer, and a health and safety officer I offer advice on the equipment needed along with practicalities of facilitation the many workshops we provide. I also act as a roadie and transport manager helping with everyday logistics. I have many years experience and I'm a great problem solver, I thrive on overcoming obstacles that can often crop up in music performance. I look forward to seeing the mission grow.

Anne-Marie
Hinks Benstead

Hi, my name's Anne-Marie, and I'm very happy to be part of the team - supporting the mission with communications across social media platforms.

I'm passionate about singing and belong to several choirs.

With a background in brand impact and quality, along with many years involved in training teams of people across the globe, I'm experienced in delivering information in ways that are designed to be eye-catching and memorable.

I am very much looking forward to bringing my skills to the table in support of the aims and vision of Sing For Joy UK.

Antoine Robinson

Hi, I’m Antoine Robinson, joint Musical Director and Advisor for Sing For Joy UK.

I’m excited to join this incredible charity and bring my musical journey to the team. With nearly 50 years in music, I’ve developed a unique approach that combines classical training, jazz, and gospel, along with a love for playing by ear. My repertoire covers hundreds of songs across various genres, and I love interpreting and reinventing familiar tunes in fresh, soulful ways.

As joint Musical Director, I’m here to help shape our musical vision and create powerful, inclusive experiences through choir music. I look forward to working alongside each of you to build a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone’s voice can shine.

Jan Clark

Hi, I'm Jan, and I'm thrilled to be involved with this wonderful charity and advise on all things safeguarding.

I'm married with two amazing grown-up children who we love spending time with. I have years of experience working in childcare settings where I was 1st point of contact for Safeguarding whilst working for my local education authority. I'm now retired but have never been busier! I can't imagine a life without music. Being a member of many choirs - including a gospel choir - I can say with confidence that music and singing are truly life changing! I'm so excited to see the ongoing potential of this charity realised and to see choir music change lives.

James Groves

My name is James and I’m the Production Manager for Sing For Joy UK. I’ve spent many years working in the entertainment industry, sound engineering and providing PA systems for a number of acts including Sheridan Smith, Billy Ocean, Michael Ball and Tony Hadley. I have a strong faith and an absolute love for music and feel its an absolute honour to make the many singers and productions we support, sound their very best. I love to see the projects and enjoy the diversity of the projects we are involved with along with the joy it brings to many people

Melissa Pullen

Greetings, I'm Melissa, a proud member of the Sing For Joy social media team. My deep-rooted passion for music and singing has been a lifelong journey, beginning with my teenage years performing in bands and as a solo artist, extending through my late thirties. Today, I proudly hold the role of a soprano singer with Hot Gospel.

Being a part of Sing For Joy has opened doors for me to not only share music, concert updates, and choir information from across the UK and Europe but also to delve deeper into the enchanting world of singing in choirs. This platform has introduced me to a diverse array of talented artists and musicians, enriching my musical journey in profound ways.

Moreover, during challenging times, Sing For Joy, has been a source of solace and strength. Beyond my involvement in this wonderful community, I lead a fulfilling life as a married stepmother. My daytime profession involves working with a dedicated hospital referrals team, a role that brings me immense satisfaction. My heart brims with love for my job, music, singing, and the beautiful tapestry of life itself.

Hannah Leach

I'm Hannah, and in my current role as Lead Lay Chaplain for 15 schools across Lincolnshire, I work closely with Head Teachers and staff to deliver chaplaincy services to all of our young people in the trust. I oversee a team of chaplains who work directly with the schools, and I love supporting them in this role to help our young people explore their values and develop meaningful connections.

We facilitate this in various ways, including day retreats, assemblies, large-scale events, classroom discussions, and leading music for prayer and worship with all staff and students.

My passion for music and its ability to unite people and bring joy is a significant part of my life. I'm a proud member of Hot Gospel, and it has been a wonderful blessing.

I'm eagerly looking forward to contributing to the growth and success of Sing For Joy in schools and being our schools liaison officer.

Liz Lindsey

Hi, I’m Liz I love singing and have the pleasure of singing in choirs for one of my hobbies.

I am excited to join the team of Sing For Joy UK. I currently work in the healthcare sector and also run my own business as a Celebrant. I have had previous experience and success in project management.

I will be working as part of the team in sourcing funding and creating funraising activities.

I am looking forward to being part of the journey to help people access music and bringing the joy and creativity into everyone’s lives.

I’m John and I’m the external press and media liaison for Sing For Joy UK.

Before working with this great charity I was a television journalist for many years at ITV Calendar in my beloved Yorkshire and the North of England, as well as in London for ITV Breakfast and briefly in the USA.

I have also dabbled in radio, newspapers and magazines and held other front facing press roles. More recently I served with two police forces as a press and marketing officer.

I play bass guitar for Hot Gospel. I’ve played music since before I can remember, having done countless gigs all over the UK for the love of music (and bass) as well as professionally in my twenties when I didn’t have a bad back.

Communication, connection, support, compassion and a sense of fun and adventure have always seen me through my life. I recently rediscovered my faith, which has opened the door to gospel music and to Sing For Joy UK. I’m proud to promote and be involved with their inspiring work and mission.

I live at the seaside where I’m a full time carer for my wonderful Mum.

Any stories? Want to know more? Get in touch. Just don’t call me at 3am please…!

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