In 1992 our organisation actually began by helping Russian orphanages. This was within three years of the USSR being disbanded and at a time of political vacuum and vulnerability. Boarding schools in the UK offered help with funding a year’s education in their schools in close liaison with Russian orphanage directors. It provided the children with a grasp of English with which they could progress more effectively back in Russia on their return.
Theo Trust was established in 1998. This separately funded those who having returned to Russia needed extra support with their well-being and education. It is a small charity with low overheads. Some of the running costs are met privately.
Ironically from the beginning of March 2014, in the aftermath of the Ukrainian Revolution and the Euromaidan movement, protests by pro-Russian, anti-government separatist groups took place in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, collectively called the Donbas region. As a result of this we ceased to cooperate with Russia and moved our allegiance to families in Ukraine who had been displaced by this invasion.
Russia’s large-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to the mass exodus of millions of refugees fleeing to safety, We have been actively involved in helping such families now in the UK, by helping them integrate into the local community and providing sponsors, help with application procedures, job opportunities, schools, GPs, dentists etc and providing English language tuition.
Trustees
Chairman: James Archer
James spent 9 years in the RAF flying fast jets before moving to British Airways. He now captains the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and travels to most areas of the world. James ran a link of the Chernobyl Children Lifeline Charity in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, prior to joining Theotrust in 2007. He took over the Chair of the charity in 2021. James holds Level 1 Safeguarding qualifications.
Treasurer: Jonathan Soar, FCA retired company director
Jonathan qualified as a Chartered Accountant whilst working in private practice and shortly afterwards moved into the engineering industry. For the rest of his working life Jonathan was involved in the manufacture of components for the motor industry. Jonathan’s interests include the outdoors, sailing and classic cars.
He joined the Theo Trust as a Trustee and Treasurer in October 2020.
Vivien Soar: retired school teacher
Vivien had several years experience working as a teacher in primary education for the state sector. After a career break, having a family, Vivien moved into the private sector to teach English as a foreign language at a preparatory school. Over the next 20 years she became very involved in helping disadvantaged students from oversees. Vivien’s interests are varied and include outdoor activities, skiing, sailing and travel.
Vivien joined the Theo Trust as a trustee in October 2020.
Richard Theobald: founder member and retired head teacher
Richard retired in 2000 after 21 years as headteacher of two boarding schools. From 1990–2019 he worked as a volunteer carrying out home visits for national charities that funded places for vulnerable children in boarding schools. In 2008, he and his wife retired from active care. He is a keen cyclist and led school biking parties in the UK, Europe and the USA. He still enjoys supporting contacts in Russia.
Rachel Wootton, retired Equity Fund Manager
Rachel spent her career working in the Financial Sector in the UK and Germany. She has since worked in primary schools both in the UK and Hong Kong, now dividing her time between the two while working as a tutor. She has been involved in educational and childcare charities since 2006.
Rachel joined Theotrust as a trustee in November 2023
David Wynne: Retired Deputy Headmaster and Modern Languages Teacher
David has spent the majority of his working life in education. During this time he initiated various fund raising schemes, mainly for the benefit of children’s charities. Of late he has helped locally with the settlement of Ukrainian families within the Homes For Ukraine scheme. An avid fan of musical theatre, he’s also a class 1 football referee!
David joined Theotrust as a trustee in November 2023
Kay Wright: Volunteer Worker
Kay currently works as the School Business Officer at a primary school in Ashbourne (16 years). She is also the Clerk to Governors.
Kay has a full enhanced DBS certificate and is trained in all aspects of Safeguarding. She is an elected member of the village church PCC. Until last year Kay was the Parish Safeguarding Link for the Ashbourne Benefice, providing help and support to clergy and church members in the 5 churches. Kay is currently the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer for Ashbourne FC.
The work of the Theo Trust is managed by its trustees who are appointed for three years and may be re-elected. At the AGM held in November the accounts are presented, and the Trust’s safeguarding policy is reviewed. Other meetings are called when there is a need for discussion. Personal details are stored and processed in line with the General Data Protection Regulations.