Side by Side is a charity choir based in Caerphilly, South Wales, founded in 2016 by Jo Salmon, Louise Kirton, and Rikki Pullen. It was created with a shared vision: to offer a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for individuals with long-term conditions, disabilities, and additional needs.
At its core, Side by Side is about community and connection. Through weekly rehearsals, the choir provides a welcoming environment where members can express themselves through music, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. Support also extends to families, carers, and wider networks, recognising that the need for understanding and encouragement often goes beyond the individual.
Meet the Team
Meet the people who make Side by Side possible.
Creative Team
Our Creative Team leads the choir musically, bringing energy, guidance, and inspiration to every rehearsal and performance.
Rikki Pullen — Chief Executive Officer & Musical Director
Rikki co-founded Side by Side in 2016 and has been leading the choir as CEO and Musical Director ever since. Combining a love of music with a commitment to inclusion, Rikki works closely with members, trustees, and the committee to ensure Side by Side is a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. From conducting rehearsals and planning concerts to guiding the charity’s long-term vision, Rikki is passionate about using music to bring people together and help every voice be heard.
Bernard Khoo — Assistant Musical Director & Piano Accompanist
Bernard has been part of Side by Side since 2022, supporting the choir as both Piano Accompanist and Assistant Musical Director. He brings warmth, energy, and musicianship to rehearsals, helping guide the choir musically while creating a supportive and joyful environment. Bernard takes great pride in making music with the choir and in watching it grow and thrive.
Trustees
Our trustees guide the charity behind the scenes, making sure Side by Side stays strong, sustainable, and true to our values.
Kathryn Gower — Chairperson
Kat is Chair of the Side by Side trustees and has been part of the choir since 2017, originally joining as a choir member. Living with long-term health conditions herself, she brings valuable lived experience alongside her background in the charity sector. Kat is passionate about accessibility and inclusion, and about creating a space where music brings people together and everyone feels they belong.
Kathy Orriss — Vice Chairperson
Kathy is Secretary of the Side by Side Board of Trustees and helps with the running of the charity behind the scenes. She is proud to support the inclusivity of Side by Side, drawing on her own late diagnosis of autism and her experience as a carer for her autistic teenager. With a background in mental health and medicine, Kathy values the wellbeing, social connection, and joy that come from being part of the Side by Side community.
Michael Charles — Treasurer
Mike has been part of Side by Side since the choir was first founded and has supported its journey from the very beginning. Over the years, he has taken on a number of roles, including Treasurer and Chair of the Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO, Trustees, and Committee. Mike is passionate about ensuring Side by Side remains an inclusive, safe, and supportive community for everyone involved.
Committee
Our committee supports the day-to-day running of Side by Side, helping with everything from events and fundraising to making rehearsals run smoothly.
Beth Orriss — Chairperson
Beth is Chair of the Side by Side committee and supports the running of the choir by working closely with members, trustees, and the wider community. She helps ensure that members’ views are shared and represented, supporting Side by Side to remain inclusive and responsive to its community. Beth is committed to maintaining a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels able to take part and be heard.
Seren Charles — Vice Chairperson
Ellen Rees — Secretary
Ellen is Secretary of the Side by Side committee and supports both trustees and choir members in the running of the choir. She helps make sure that people’s views are heard and considered, so Side by Side continues to be an inclusive and supportive organisation for everyone. As Secretary, Ellen values creating a space where decisions reflect the voices and experiences of the whole community.
Together, we are Side by Side
Raising voices, building community, and making music that brings people together.
