Riverside Counselling Service is thrilled to announce the appointment of Catherine McLaughlin as its new Chair of Trustees.
Catherine brings extensive leadership and governance experience from a distinguished career in the NHS, specialising in paediatrics, alongside senior charity and board roles. She moved to Henley-on-Thames in 1990 from London, and has longstanding roots in the local community.
Well known in the rowing world, Catherine is connected to Henley through family and community life. She married an amateur rower who competed for Henley and Upper Thames, and Catherine is a member of Leander Club, Remenham Club and Henley Royal Regatta Stewards. She also supports the Henley Masters Regatta each year, helping with prize giving.
Having retired from full-time work at the end of 2024, Catherine now serves as Chair of the Royal Berks Charity, Non-Executive Director at Royal Berkshire Hospital, and Chair of Riverside Counselling Service.
Catherine said: “I’m really passionate about supporting Riverside’s work and the community it serves. Access to affordable, effective therapy is becoming increasingly important in this troubled world, especially when statutory services are not always able to respond. I’m committed to strong financial stewardship, creative partnership working, and nurturing both trustees and staff, so that together we can build long-term resilience and continue making a positive difference for our community.”
Riverside Counselling Service CEO Sophie Wellings said: “We’re delighted to welcome Catherine as our new Chair of Trustees. She brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to community, and a strong track record in health and charity leadership. Her guidance will help us deliver our long-term vision while strengthening Riverside’s resilience and sustainability. I’d also like to thank Adrian Marsh, who has served as Chair for nine years, for his outstanding dedication and service to Riverside.”
Catherine added: “I come from a large Irish family spread far and wide, so keeping in touch is a big part of my life, as is travel and my wonderful circle of friends from years working in hospitals across the country. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out walking with my red-headed diva cocker spaniel, Lottie.”
Riverside also welcomes Catherine Crawford, Fiona O’Shea and Aki Olver to the Board of Trustees, further strengthening the charity’s governance and expertise.