In March 2025, Aster Group’s Charities and Enterprise Director, Cam Kinsella, had the honour of meeting one of our newest corporate supporters, Alex Challoner.
 

 
Alex is an inspirational independent thought leader on public affairs, corporate reputation and brands, with a background in local journalism.

Alex founded his own successful public affairs and public relations agency, Cavendish Communications. He now works for himself as an independent consultant, supporting businesses to maximise their communication capabilities and grow their brand externally.  All whilst balancing family life and working to make a difference in any way he can.

Enham Trust landed on Alex’s radar through his previous PR agency, but when asked what drove Alex towards becoming one of our most recent corporate partners, he told us about his long-standing connection to the work we do and the difference we made to someone very close to him:
 

“[My late brother was] a successful scientist before he developed the signs of schizophrenia. He still wanted to be able to contribute, he still wanted to be able to make a difference to people and the community, and one of the hardest things we found as a family was trying to find a way of allowing him to do that.”

 
Upon their search to find a service that would both support Alex’s brother to maintain his independence and ensure he had access to the right level of support in line with his needs, they came across our Direct Payment Support Service.

With the support of our team, Alex’s brother received regular access to the support and guidance he needed to manage his Direct Payment and was supported to lead a healthy life where he could exercise choice and control and continue to make a difference.
 

“I think when people see people with either physical or mental disabilities, they put them in a box. But it’s really hard for those people to get out of that box.”

 
This is something we hear all too often and it is our mission to bust the myths and assumptions made surrounding disability. Through our work, supporting more than 7,000 disabled people every year to live, work and enjoy life, we empower people like Alex’s brother to live the life they choose, their way.

Time passed and Alex decided he’d like to give back to the Trust by extending the offer of his expertise in communications, PR and brand.

Upon visiting us at our main site with our Group CEO, Bjorn Howard, Alex was blown away by the sheer size and scale of Enham Trust and what we do beyond our Direct Payment Support Service, including care, housing, supported employment and more.
 

“I was really excited when I went down to Enham to see how opportunities were provided for people to contribute to their community, to do something and to enjoy life. I think that’s really valuable because that’s not happening enough."

“Go down to Enham… Go down there! Go and see what is happening down there and it will blow you away. I'm not going to give a spoiler, but there's one particular thing that they do down in Enham and I can guarantee you it will change all your perceptions – and it's amazing.”

 
We’re thrilled to be working with Alex, building upon our pre-existing connection and seeing what comes of this exciting partnership in the future.

If you fancy following in Alex’s footsteps and being a part of our developing future as a corporate partner of Enham Trust, we’d love to hear from you! Your skills and expertise could make a real difference.

There are also many other ways to get involved and support our vital work. Get in touch to find out more or browse our website for more information, fundraising and volunteering opportunities.
 

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