We’re excited to announce the appointment of Professor Greta Defeyter OBE as our new project ambassador!
Greta (OBE FRSM FRSA FHEA FBPs FA4C PhD CPychol) is the Dean of Social Mobility and Policy Engagement, Professor of Developmental Psychology, and the Director of the ‘Healthy Living’ Lab at Northumbria University. She has published numerous scientific and policy papers on children and young people’s wellbeing, food insecurity, school breakfast clubs, affordable food clubs, the Holiday Activities and Food programme, school meals, and has led numerous co-design projects with the UK Government and senior stakeholders to ensure that young people’s voices are not only heard but acted upon in terms of policy and practice. In 2023, she led a coalition of partner organisations to codevelop, with young people, a holiday and food programme for teenagers (HAF Plus). HAF Plus has now been recognised by the UK Government and provides a delivery model for many local authorities, including all London Boroughs in which the HAF Plus model provides a foundation for programmes that provide opportunities to 250,000 young Londoners. In 2025 she became President Elect the RSM Food and Health Section and was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her services to Education.
Greta said; “I have worked with St Chads on co-developing programmes that make a real difference to the community members that the charity serves. These programmes include the introduction of a fantastic food market, co-location of services, and the charities innovative implementation and delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food programme. Working alongside Leanne Coxon and her team has been truly inspirational, and I have witnessed the difference that St Chads has made to thousands of families. I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to become an ambassador for this wonderful, people-centred, charity and I pledge that I will do all that I can to support St Chads. Thank you for having me!”
