Announcement of new Chair for FSW

The Bishop of Chichester, President of Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Support Work, has been pleased to appoint Mr Richard Bickersteth as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees in succession to Mrs Alyson Heath, who stands down at the AGM on Thursday 25 July 2024, having served her full term of 9 years.

Mr Bickersteth was born in St Leonards-on-Sea and grew up in Ashburnham. His business career has included working in the music, toy and games, and children’s television industries before returning to live in Ashburnham. He has also been involved in youth work leadership as a volunteer, throughout his life. Having served as High Sheriff of East Sussex for 2023/24, Richard is actively involved with various local charities as a trustee, and was closely involved in the creation of a new role, the Rural Officer for East Sussex, arising from a partnership between The Ashburnham Thanksgiving Trust and the Diocese of Chichester.  He is Chairman of the East Sussex Prayer Breakfast, Patron of the Penhurst Retreat Centre and has served as a Bishop’s Champion of Family Support Work for 5 years.  Richard is married to Rachel, and they have three adult sons.

The Bishop of Chichester said “It is a tribute to Richard Bickersteth that he has agreed to take over from Alyson Heath as Chair of the FSW trustees, just as he completes his year of duty as High Sheriff of East Sussex.  Richard comes from a family steeped in service to others in the name of Jesus Christ.  His personal commitment to this aspect of Christian faith is an affirmation of so many others who live out this calling through the work of FSW in our parishes and local communities.”

Mr Bickersteth said: “This generation of families and young people are growing up with pressures that many of us never had as we were growing up.  I have been so encouraged to see all that Family Support Work does to help support families struggling with these issues.  I am honoured to be appointed to this role as the charity continues to serve families across Sussex.”