Our staff are a small, long-serving team of befriending workers and coordinators. Many have been with THFN for years, which gives the people we visit continuity and familiarity — something that matters enormously when you are housebound and rely on a small circle of trusted people. Every member of staff holds an enhanced DBS check and is a Dementia Friends Champion.
Rita Chadha
Interim Chief Executive
Rita Chadha joined THFN as Chief Executive in October 2023, following nine years of leadership by Rajesh Kalhan. Rita brings extensive experience from across the voluntary sector — including former roles as Chief Executive of the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (2006–2017) and Chief Executive of the Small Charities Coalition during the pandemic. She specialises in governance, equity, fundraising, and the interface between the voluntary and statutory sectors. Rita sits on the board of Befriending Networks and London’s Air Ambulance.
Clara Djondo
Client Services Administrator (part – time)
Clara began working at THFN in 2017 and joined us from Haringey Age UK. She has over 30 years’ working in administration, 10 years of that in the charity sector. Clara likes that no two days are the same in her role and is motivated by the changes she sees THFN has on older people’s lives.
Shumi Khan
Advocacy and Befriending Coordinator (part –time)
Shumi joined THFN in March 2026
Breenda Lawrence
Befriending Advocate
Breenda has worked for THFN for over 30 years, moving to the borough from Mauritius. Her vast knowledge and experience in Adult Social Care systems means that she is an expert in getting essential services for our clients. Breenda is fluent in Hindi and Patois.
Shirajul Islam
Befriending Advocate (part-time)
Shirajul began volunteering for THFN before becoming a staff member over 12 years ago. He is fluent in Bengali and Sylheti, and has an extended knowledge of the Adult Social Care and Benefit systems which he uses to benefit and empower our clients. He lives locally and often promotes THFN’s work in the community.
Shaleha Begum
Befriending Advocate
Shaleha joined THFN in the Summer of 2022. She has a background in advice and advocacy work and has been working in Family Support Worker for over ten years; supporting the community with their benefits, their rights to access services and help budgeting. She is fluent in Sylheti and has a good understand of few of the other community languages. ShaIeha is passionate about her work hopes to bring positive change to the lives of the people she supports at THFN.