Befrienders Limited, the charity behind GibSams and GibSilver, has announced that Peter Montegriffo will step down as Chair, with Julian Santos assuming the position as from 1st July. 

A statement from Befrienders follows below:

Befrienders (Gibraltar) Limited, the charity behind GibSams and GibSilver, announces that  Peter Montegriffo KC will step down as Chair on 30 June 2026 after almost five years in the  role. Julian Santos KC will assume the position of Chair from 1 July 2026. 

Peter first became involved with GibSams in 2017 at the invitation of the charity's founder,  Marie-Lou Guerrero, before taking on the role of Chair in 2021. During his tenure, the  organisation has undergone a period of remarkable growth, expanding from a suicide  prevention helpline into a broader mental wellbeing charity delivering a range of community  services, including the successful launch of GibSilver. 

Reflecting on his time with the charity, Peter Montegriffo KC said: 

"It has been an extraordinary privilege to witness this organisation mature, professionalise  its services and become an integral part of the extensive mental wellbeing support now  available to our community. As GibSams approaches its tenth anniversary, it feels like the  right time for a new Chair to lead the organisation into its next stage of development." Peter also paid tribute to the volunteers, trustees, staff and supporters who have  contributed to the charity's success over the past decade. 

Chief Executive Officer Brenda Cuby said: 

"Peter's leadership has been instrumental in helping shape GibSams into the organisation it  is today. His wisdom, integrity and unwavering commitment have strengthened our  governance while always keeping our mission and the people we serve at the heart of every  decision. On behalf of everyone at GibSams and GibSilver, I thank Peter for his outstanding  service and friendship." 

The Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Julian Santos KC as the new Chair. Julian Santos KC brings extensive legal expertise, significant governance experience and a  longstanding commitment to community service. He has a strong understanding of the  values, ambitions and strategic direction of the charity. 

Commenting on the appointment, Peter Montegriffo KC said: 

"Julian brings the right combination of experience, integrity and genuine passion for our  work. I have every confidence that he will provide excellent leadership for both the Board  and our CEO as the organisation continues to develop." 

Julian Santos KC said: 

"It is an honour to be appointed Chair of Befrienders (Gibraltar) Limited. Peter leaves an  extraordinary legacy, and I am grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me. I look 

forward to working alongside our trustees, CEO, staff and dedicated volunteers as we  continue to strengthen GibSams and GibSilver and ensure that vital mental health and  wellbeing support remains available to everyone in our community." 

The leadership transition comes at an exciting time for the charity. As it prepares to  celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2027, GibSams continues to expand its services, strengthen  partnerships across Gibraltar and develop innovative ways of supporting those experiencing  emotional distress, loneliness and mental health challenges. 

The Board of Trustees extends its sincere thanks to Peter Montegriffo KC for his exceptional  leadership and welcomes Julian Santos KC as Chair from 1 July 2026.

A statement from Befrienders

Befrienders (Gibraltar) Limited, the charity behind GibSams and GibSilver, announces that  Peter Montegriffo KC will step down as Chair on 30 June 2026 after almost five years in the  role. Julian Santos KC will assume the position of Chair from 1 July 2026. 

Peter first became involved with GibSams in 2017 at the invitation of the charity's founder,  Marie-Lou Guerrero, before taking on the role of Chair in 2021. During his tenure, the  organisation has undergone a period of remarkable growth, expanding from a suicide  prevention helpline into a broader mental wellbeing charity delivering a range of community  services, including the successful launch of GibSilver. 

Reflecting on his time with the charity, Peter Montegriffo KC said: 

"It has been an extraordinary privilege to witness this organisation mature, professionalise  its services and become an integral part of the extensive mental wellbeing support now  available to our community. As GibSams approaches its tenth anniversary, it feels like the  right time for a new Chair to lead the organisation into its next stage of development." Peter also paid tribute to the volunteers, trustees, staff and supporters who have  contributed to the charity's success over the past decade. 

Chief Executive Officer Brenda Cuby said: 

"Peter's leadership has been instrumental in helping shape GibSams into the organisation it  is today. His wisdom, integrity and unwavering commitment have strengthened our  governance while always keeping our mission and the people we serve at the heart of every  decision. On behalf of everyone at GibSams and GibSilver, I thank Peter for his outstanding  service and friendship." 

The Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Julian Santos KC as the new Chair. Julian Santos KC brings extensive legal expertise, significant governance experience and a  longstanding commitment to community service. He has a strong understanding of the  values, ambitions and strategic direction of the charity. 

Commenting on the appointment, Peter Montegriffo KC said: 

"Julian brings the right combination of experience, integrity and genuine passion for our  work. I have every confidence that he will provide excellent leadership for both the Board  and our CEO as the organisation continues to develop." 

Julian Santos KC said: 

"It is an honour to be appointed Chair of Befrienders (Gibraltar) Limited. Peter leaves an  extraordinary legacy, and I am grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me. I look 

forward to working alongside our trustees, CEO, staff and dedicated volunteers as we  continue to strengthen GibSams and GibSilver and ensure that vital mental health and  wellbeing support remains available to everyone in our community." 

The leadership transition comes at an exciting time for the charity. As it prepares to  celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2027, GibSams continues to expand its services, strengthen  partnerships across Gibraltar and develop innovative ways of supporting those experiencing  emotional distress, loneliness and mental health challenges. 

The Board of Trustees extends its sincere thanks to Peter Montegriffo KC for his exceptional  leadership and welcomes Julian Santos KC as Chair from 1 July 2026.