Who We Are
Meet the Staff Team
Ray - Charity Manager
Ray has worked for the charity since 2019 in various roles be before coming Charity Manager in 2023. Ray has worked with vulnerable people in many different settings including Carecent York where he helped clients that needed housing and benefits advice. Ray is passionate about tackling social exclusion and creating a fair society that works for everyone.
Joanna - Financial Capability Coach
Joanna has an extensive knowledge of societal structures and systems, both academically and professionally, and how these systems can be complex and difficult for people to navigate when they are at their most vulnerable. She is passionate about building relationships and empowering people to develop the skills and confidence to live as independently as possible. She strongly believes in equal rights and opportunities and that if these were constitutionally afforded to everyone we would have a more just society with less poverty.
Sarah - Community Advice Service
Sarah joined the team in May 2019 as Community Advice Worker, having spent most of her working life as a solicitor. Sarah has volunteered with many charities, including MIND and NSPCC so is experienced in advocating for vulnerable, disadvantaged and socially excluded people. Sarah enjoys being able to support others to solve the problems in their lives, at a time when their circumstances have overwhelmed them. Sarah is most happy when a person no longer needs her because it means they’ve found an answer to their problem and/or the confidence to 'go it alone'.
Alice - Community Advice Worker
Alice has substantial experience of working in supportive roles within the charity sector. She has worked with many different client groups across her career, including people experiencing mental health difficulties, physical illness, learning difficulties, dementia and domestic violence. In her new role with Peasholme Charity she helps people to figure out the underlying reasons that they need the support of food banks and assists them to find longer-term solutions. Outside of work she enjoys arts and crafts and spending time outdoors.
Nathalie - Finance Administrator
Nathalie has worked for the charity since 2018. Nathalie is responsible for all of the office admin, payroll and accounts and as a trained counsellor she also supports the teams’ mental wellbeing. Nathalie enjoys the variety of the role and supporting staff to do their jobs safely and efficiently. She also enjoys helping people on the phone, signposting to other support services, charities and partners.
Housing Advocate
The housing advocate will support vulnerable people on a one-to-one basis to help them off the streets and into secure housing. This project is currently in development.
Our Board of Trustees
ELAIN HUGHES - TREASURER
I have been volunteering since 2011 and have enjoyed being involved with City of York Council in things such as Appropriate Adult and Mentoring as well as working for North Yorkshire Police. This time I wanted to do something completely different by utilising my skill set more, which is why I became a Trustee/Treasurer for Peasholme. My background in people management, finance and process has enabled me to work alongside a fantastic, committed team who work tirelessly on the ground delivering support and various services, as well as working with experienced Trustees who are as passionate as the team. The charity is in line with my own values which was important to me, and this is why I love being part of their team. Hobbies: Enjoy cooking and hosting dinner parties, big fan of reading, especially biographies. Love going to the gym doing classes such as Pilates, Yoga and HIT, also enjoys travel.
RICHARD PARKER - TRUSTEE
Richard Parker is a trustee of Peasholme Charity. Richard has a degree in Electrical Engineering and had a long career with British Rail before retiring. Richard has always enjoyed the finance side of work and is involved with many local church groups in various volunteer roles. He enjoys volunteering for a homeless charity as it has helped to broaden his understanding of society and the diverse needs of people.
JONATHAN MORLEY - TRUSTEE
Jonathan Morley is a trustee of Peasholme Charity. Jonathan enjoyed a professional career in law and politics but is now retired. His career ambition was to work with marginalised groups and although he didn’t sustain this, he continued to act as a trustee for charities supporting social and financial exclusion. Jonathan has held many volunteer roles including Executive Member for Adult Social Services with City of York Council, ex officio of the Peasholme Charity Advisory Group, member of the sub-committee and onto the role of trustee which he has held since 2011.
RICHARD DIXON - CHAIR
Richard Dixon is the current Chair and has been a Charity Trustee since 2019. Richard used to work for Peasholme Charity as a Support Worker and has had many other professional and volunteer roles relating to homelessness in York. Richard has studied and taught at the Universities of York and Teesside on issues relating to homelessness. He is commitment to making a positive difference to the life’s of people experiencing homelessness.
Cllr MICHAEL PAVLOVIC - TRUSTEE
Michael Pavlovic is a trustee of Peasholme Charity.
