Chris Boatwright BEM is the Founder and Honorary President of the Kernos Centre, the mental health charity she established in 2003 after recognising the need for accessible counselling and support within her community.
Chris played a central role in shaping Kernos’ vision, values, and development. Her determination, leadership, fundraising, and personal commitment helped transform an ambitious idea into an organisation that has supported thousands of people in the local community.
In 2025, Chris was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of her services to mental health and counselling – a fitting acknowledgement of the many lives she has touched and the lasting difference she has made.
Following her retirement from the day-to-day responsibilities of Kernos and her departure from the Board of Trustees, Chris now serves as Founder and Honorary President. This role recognises her unique place in the charity’s history and keeps her closely connected to its work as a new generation of trustees, leaders, and staff carries its governance and mission forward.
Chris’s legacy is reflected not only in everything Kernos has achieved, but also in its ambitions for the future. The charity’s next chapter stands firmly on the foundations she laid: a belief that everyone should have somewhere to turn when they are struggling, and that compassionate, professional support can transform lives.
