About us - Meet the team

I have spent over 30 years working in the voluntary sector with disadvantaged young people, 25 years at NACRO working with prisons and resettlement of offenders and with Nightstop since 2011.

I am passionate about enabling young people to lead meaningful, independent lives within their community and helping them find somewhere to live is the first stage in that process. For me prevention is key if we are to prevent costly interventions later in a young persons life - with that in mind, mediation work with families and working with schools are key priorities for Nightstop for the next 5 years.

I started as a volunteer then moved into my current role 3 days per week. I manage the Nightstop financials and support the work on business plan and strategic direction.  After more than 30 years in senior roles within the food industry I wanted a new challenge and to work where I felt I could make a real difference. With such a driven, motivated and passionate team it is great to be able to use my skills to help the day to day management and the future direction of this fantastic service.

Outside of work you might just find me sitting in the garden sipping a G&T or on a golf course....

I joined Nightstop at the beginning of August 2020 as Administration Co-ordinator. It’s a diverse role and I find myself helping out with all sorts of things, from taking minutes to building desks – which I love. Previously, I worked for an IT company in administrative and managerial roles and most recently as Bid Manager. When I left after 25 years, I wanted a change of direction and to work for an organisation where helping others was at its core. I feel extremely privileged to be working for Nightstop and being able support the team in the work they do for young people in the community. Working with such a passionate and committed team and hearing the stories of the young people who’ve turned their lives around is truly inspirational.

Away from Nightstop, I’m a volunteer for a charity that provides emotional support to those who need it. I also enjoy crafting and walking - especially with my Retriever Monty, who refuses to move unless he can say hello to everyone we pass!

I joined Nightstop in August 2020 as Homelessness Prevention Lead. Having completed a degree in Youth and Community and more recently worked as Young Persons Pathway Worker for Worcester City Council, I am passionate about supporting young . I love working for Nightstop because we can support and assist a young person throughout their homelessness journey in a unique way that other services just don’t offer.

The Nightstop office is always a positive place and there is always a dog to stroke if you are having a bad day! Being able to bring our pooches to work really brightens up our day!

In my spare time I love to travel and spend time with my family.

I joined Nightstop in October 2018 having worked in the sector for around 17 years in roles such as Hostel Worker, Youth Homelessness Coordinator and Housing Officer. My role within the organisation is as Homelessness Prevention Officer as a job share with my colleague Ellie. I am passionate about working with young people and look forward to working with the Nightstop team!

Outside of work I enjoy time with my horses and caring for my young (and extremely exuberant...) family!

I joined Nightstop in November 2018 as Homelessness Prevention Officer. I work part time and job share with Jo. I am taking a leading role in managing the Education Programme for schools and colleges, delivering homelessness awareness sessions across Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire. I am a trained Mediator and my role includes facilitating mediation sessions.

My background is in family support and working with families and young people in a support capacity around housing, education, health and relationships. I am passionate about making a positive difference to the young people within our communities and helping to prevent homelessness.

When I'm not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my local sports and running club and I have entered my first Triathlon this summer.

Having joined the Nightstop team as a volunteer and after a fruitful and enjoyable few months, I am now a full time team member.

I graduated University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and my studies explored how early childhood trauma can lead to negative outcomes in later life. This became my area of fascination and I knew I wanted to work with young people to try and support them and do what I can to prevent them falling into homelessness. As a volunteer, I was on point to see the incredible work the team do and resolved to get involved. Being part of such an inclusive team is the cherry on the cake and I look forward to putting my heart and soul into the work to help understand and alleviate the challenges that our young people face.

Outside of work, you can find me either at home binge watching a new Netflix show or unleashing my gregarious soul out and about socialising with friends. I love travelling and experiencing new things especially, yes hands up, when it involves food.

I joined Wyre Forest Nightstop as Education Officer in August 2015 and set up provision for life skills training for our young people.  I established our Schools Education Programme delivering homelessness sessions to local secondary schools. Currently I am Mediation & Education Lead for Wyre Forest & South Worcestershire Nightstop and, as lead mediator, I oversee the co-ordination of the mediation, counselling and education services. I manage and support staff within these areas, enjoy being creative and welcome the diversity and challenge it offers.

Most of all I enjoy mediating with key beneficiaries and their families witnessing an improvement in their relationships and their increased self-esteem as they gain control of a situation and learn new skills to manage conflict and move forward.

I began volunteering with Nightstop in 2017 as a small business owner who wanted to ‘do more’ in the community. My background is in Housing and Communities so felt I had an understanding of some of the issues people face when homeless or in need of other support. I knew immediately on joining the Charity that I wanted to be part of their bigger picture for tackling youth homelessness.

My current role as Education and Mediation Officer means I can support young people in both a learning environment, by helping them to prepare for training or work, and by encouraging them to believe in themselves, understand relationships and make good life choices. My role enables me to see great change and achievement from young people – nothing is more rewarding than seeing their progression and knowledge base improve as well as their self- esteem, confidence and communications skills. I am a trained mediator and am passionate about facilitating communication channels between young people and their families to overcome difficulties that may be affecting their relationship.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends, walking and sampling afternoon teas. I am part of a running club and enjoy running too; well ‘enjoy’ might be pushing it but when you love cake as much as I do, then you have to run!

I have 30+ years experience in the education and lifelong learning sector. Much of that time has been spent supporting young people in the third sector using non-formal and informal learning methods. In November 2021, I started this part time role as an Mediation and Education Officer and I am looking forward to developing services in South Worcestershire.

Apart from 'all things learning', my other passion is supporting people's health and wellbeing. I am a qualified sound healing therapist (think 'sonic physio' and anti-stress/relaxation therapies), essential oils practitioner (aromatherapy) and Reiki practitioner. This combines perfectly with the Health and Wellbeing Award that I deliver at Nightstop!

Away from work, I am a 'crazy cat (and horse) lady', I love photography, cooking and being out in nature.