Sir Terry Waite became President of Newmarket Open Door shortly after his release from captivity in 1991.

During his ordeal, Sir Terry spent 1,763 days in captivity, including four years in solitary confinement. This profound experience gave him a deep understanding of the loneliness, fear, and despair that can accompany hardship and isolation.

Sir Terry’s remarkable compassion and insight have shaped his lifelong commitment to supporting those facing homelessness and social exclusion. His empathy, humility, and enduring dedication make him a much-loved and inspirational President of Newmarket Open Door.

Kerri brings extensive leadership experience from the health and social care sector. Formerly a CQC-registered individual, she oversaw compliance for complex services supporting people with profound disabilities and significant health needs, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and person-centred care. As Chief Operating Officer, Kerri provides strategic leadership across Newmarket Open Door, working closely with colleagues, trustees, and partner organisations to ensure the charity delivers safe, effective, and compassionate services. She is committed to strengthening the organisation, supporting innovation, and helping create opportunities that enable people to thrive.

Natalia brings extensive experience from a career in children and families social work, where she supported individuals through complex circumstances and worked closely with a range of professionals and community services. Her background has given her strong expertise in safeguarding, communication, partnership working, and building positive relationships.

Passionate about bringing people together, Natalia works with businesses, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen support for Newmarket Open Door. She is committed to creating opportunities that help young people and those in need thrive.

Tracey joined Newmarket Open Door in 2000, beginning as a volunteer before moving into a staff role as a support worker. Over the years, her responsibilities expanded, and she now serves as Administration and Business Support Manager. With over two decades of service, Tracey has been integral to the organisation’s growth, witnessing the transformation of Portland House from seven to nineteen bed-spaces. Deeply committed to the charity’s mission, she takes pride in seeing former residents thrive and build independent lives.

Since joining Newmarket Open Door in 2017, Sonia has led services supporting homeless young people, helping them secure safe, permanent housing and build the skills and confidence for independent living. With a background in housing and social support, she brings extensive experience in partnership working and frontline service delivery. Sonia collaborates with West Suffolk Council, social services, probation, police, the NHS, and training providers to create pathways to stability and opportunity. Her leadership is central to the charity’s mission, bridging the gap between immediate housing needs and long-term independence.

Carla worked as a primary school teacher for many years, supporting children in the early stages of their lives and helping them grow in confidence and independence. Her passion for helping others led her into charity work, and she now manages the Newmarket Open Door Charity Superstore, where she continues to make a positive difference to young people and the wider community.

Known for her hardworking and bubbly personality, Carla is passionate about creating welcoming and supportive environments and enjoys being part of an organisation that helps people move forward positively.