ACTIVATE TEAM
Activate is supported by a dedicated team of trustees, two part-time staff members, and a nationwide network of volunteers who generously give their time and talents.
We are also incredibly grateful for the special team that comes together specifically for our annual weekend away, helping to make this part of our journey so meaningful. Their support during this event is invaluable.
Together, all of these efforts equip, inspire, and encourage the church and individuals to reach out to their communities and share the message of God. As we celebrate Activate’s 60th anniversary, we are excited for what lies ahead!
Fiona Castle OBE
Since becoming a Christian, Fiona has always been passionate about friendship evangelism. She has consistently encouraged others to look outward, to share their faith in the workplace, among friends, and within their own spheres of influence.
In 2025, after more than 60 years of faithful service, Fiona stepped down as President of Activate. While she has laid down that formal role, she remains very much part of who we are and what we do. Her heart, wisdom and ongoing involvement in projects continue to shape and strengthen Activate’s life and mission.
Activate Your Life – Board of Directors and Trustees
Provide governance, oversight and spiritual direction, ensuring Activate remains faithful to its vision and charitable purpose.
Bekah Legg
DIRECTOR / TRUSTEE
I’m a mum, a friend and a Bibi (Granny in normal language, but who’s normal?). Relationships really matter to me. I write and speak about family, faith and flourishing.
Fundamentally, I love to help people know who God created them to be and step into his plans. I lead Restored, an organisation committed to speaking up about violence against women, equipping the church to stand against domestic abuse and supporting survivors. It’s a job that brings together everything I love.
It’s a real privilege to be a Director for Activate and support this amazing team.
Hayley Nock
DIRECTOR / TRUSTEE
Hayley works as a Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about people, Jesus’s mission, community, and the difference God can make. She loves gathering people, cooking for her guests, gardening, and exploring new places and cultures.
She is married to Rob and they have two grown-up kids and four grandchildren. Hayley loves going to the Activate Days Away around the country to empower and encourage women, and engage in meaningful conversations with people.
Sheila Bridge
DIRECTOR / TRUSTEE
Author, blogger and part-time village vicar, she has been involved with Activate for many years and brings both pastoral heart and thoughtful leadership to the team.
She loves walking her dog around the village and chatting to people, which she happily describes as ministry. She enjoys explaining faith using Lego mini figures, riding her bike, reading poetry and swimming in a local lake.
Her passion is helping people see that faith connects naturally with everyday life, conversation and community.
Emma Talbot
DIRECTOR / TRUSTEE
My day job is Head of Customer Success for an Insurance company, loving strategy, detail and spreadsheets, the main core of my job is focussing on clients and building relationships. Having been raised and grounded in the local church, I love community and strongly believe that it really is all about relationships, whether in work, church or having a coffee with a friend. I live in Manchester and when I’m not working I love spending time with my friends and family, I’m a foodie and love travelling, also love the odd jigsaw every now and again!
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & STAFF TEAM
Lead the day-to-day running of Activate, shaping vision, communication and national connection.
Rhiannon Goulding
Activate Your Life – Chief Executive Officer
Rhiannon Goulding loves juggling projects, inspiring faith journeys and creating spaces where people feel they truly belong. She is CEO of the charity Activate Your Life, which encourages women to share God’s love in authentic and everyday ways.
Alongside Activate, she serves as Community Pastor at Tanterton Christian Fellowship in Preston, is an independent member of a local authority Fostering Panel, and sits on the Diverse Christian Parent National Steering Group. She writes regularly for Woman Alive on parenting, family life and finding God in the ordinary moments.
Rhiannon is part of a blended family with six children and has a deep commitment to community, belonging and inclusion.
Rachel Allcock
Head of Operations and Communications
After 10 years working part-time for Activate in roles including content writer, project manager and events assistant, she returned to teaching a couple of years ago and (mostly!) enjoys managing the school library as well as teaching a few English and Geography lessons.
She still gives a couple of hours each week to Activate and particularly loves writing, listening to people’s stories and helping shape conversations that encourage faith and connection. She enjoys chatting, shopping, hugging, wearing red outfits, serving at her local church and baking cakes for any occasion that feels even vaguely celebratory.
Her heart is for stories, community and creating spaces where people can grow, laugh and feel at home.
CORE OPERATIONS TEAM
Support the planning, organisation and practical running of Activate throughout the year, helping turn ideas into action.
Sarah McKerney
I’m a passionate speaker with a Master’s in Biblical Studies. I serve actively in my local church — from making coffee to preaching — and I love contributing to the Activate Weekend Away and Away Days around the country. I co-host a podcast that explores big questions of faith, and I approach learning as a lived practice, not just theory. When I’m not speaking or serving, I enjoy campervan adventures, walks with my dog Peggy, and listening to The Archers.
Esther Tregilgas
Serving Activate for many years as our technical support and disco diva. Esther works for the Bishop of Blackburn. She loves nothing more than exploring the countryside, walking her gorgeous dog Ribble, wild swimming and relaxing with a bit of knitting.
Debbi Barnett
With my family & team I run St Andrews Bookshop, you’ll usually find me throughout the year running pop-up bookshops at many of the big festivals. We even have our own annual Literature Festival! I am passionate about the written word- especially when it points to the Glory of Jesus. I love running, travelling & walking in the countryside when I'm not selling books! I am passionate about helping people grow in their faith & knowledge through the Christian book ministry & witnessing how books change lives!
ACTIVATE EVENTS TEAM
Plan and deliver our Weekend Away and Days Away, creating welcoming spaces for women to gather, grow and connect. We are supported by a wonderful team of speakers from across the country who generously give their time, talents and gifts to encourage, teach and serve the Activate community. Here are just a few of the team. Behind the scenes, we also have an incredible tech team, website team and many others who faithfully support, organise and care for our wider Activate family, including our valued supporters.
