About Us

Helping Hands' UK Team

Debbie Newman

Debbie founded Helping Hands in 2004 after working with young school children in rural Uganda for a year. Since then she has spent her time enabling others to get to know these children and their communities and so find ways to be involved. Her agricultural background (University of Edinburgh) and teaching experience have combined in this rural work, and the latter is proving vital as many UK children are now connecting through links with their schools and churches. Originally from Scotland, Debbie now lives just outside Oxford.

Our Trustees

Mark Gyde is the Chairman of the Trustee Board. He guides us with financial insight as an accountant and with a huge heart as the man who set up "A Father to you". Mark and his wife, Fiona, are committed to seeing the love of God touch the many children in Uganda who have not known a father’s love.

Philip Pike is an energy conservation engineer who works for Oxford University. He has lived and worked in Kenya and Zambia for several years. Together with his wife, Deborah, he brings a very practical and fresh approach to discussions and decision-making. He also brings a clear desire for the local people to benefit from sustainable solutions.

Ali Wisbey is a Senior Compliance Manager working in the Restructuring Department of KPMG. She has already used her training skills in working with the Ugandan team on recording and planning and brings a sharp business head alongside a huge heart for the children.

Our UK Team

See Helping Hands Ugandan Team.