ABBAS, data manager The numbers tell a really interesting story. The charity has grown steadily to meet a growing need, and we can show how our approach is working. Expand Abbas manages all income and expenditure along with the data in relation to guests, volunteers and donors. Recently described as the "beating heart of the charity", Abbas is the name you will hear in the office when someone is asking for help.
AGNIESZKA, eu settlement scheme caseworker I know that dealing with the system can be frightening and overwhelming, so I decided to use my skills to help people who would otherwise have trouble on their own. Expand After obtaining her degree in biology, Agniezska started work in social care, helping people with welfare and housing issues for two years before moving into the homeless sector. Agnieszka joined Glass Door as a caseworker in October 2017 and is now a specialised EU Settlement Scheme caseworker. She speaks both English and Polish and is a big fan of The Witcher.
ALEX, caseworker Glass Door’s open-access service helps people at risk get specialised support – cutting out the red tape and offering a helping hand when it’s needed most. Expand Alex joined Glass Door as a caseworker in October 2019. Having lived in areas with high levels of rough-sleeping, he has always wanted to support people to find a way out of homelessness. Before this, he was a support worker for young people seeking asylum and so brings with him experience of working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Alex studied Russian and Spanish at university and now enjoys picking up new words and phrases from other languages from the people around him. He is passionate about supporting people at risk, migrants’ rights and animal welfare and, when he isn't working, enjoys vegan food, pop music and horror films.
ALICIA, fundraising manager (trusts and foundations) I’ve been really fortunate to see the impact of Glass Door’s work from different angles – as a volunteer, an overnight worker and as a member of the office team. I’m delighted now to be helping raise the vital funds we need to support those most in need. Expand Since 2005, Alicia Feetham has volunteered regularly in the night shelters one night a week. In the winter of 2018, she joined the staff as a member of the overnight shelter team in Richmond. As well as over 12 years' experience in the fundraising sector, Alicia boasts extensive knowledge of children's literature, speaks fluent French and is well-versed in African textiles. Alicia now looks after our valuable relationships with trusts and foundations, helping to raise vital funds for Glass Door's front-line programs. As a part-time member of staff, Alicia is usually in the office Tuesdays to Fridays. email: [email protected]
AMANDA, HR manager I believe in equality for all. Everyone is worthy of compassion and a helping hand. Expand Amanda joined Glass Door in July 2020 after volunteering in our night shelter at Our Lady of Victories for the past five winters. She joins us with a wealth of HR experience but cites her biggest achievement as gaining her first HR qualification while juggling the needs of two small children in her early twenties. When she isn’t helping with recruitment and exploring employee benefits, Amanda enjoys watching football and looking after her first grandchild.
ANDREW, caseworker Everyone at Glass Door is knowledgeable, respectful and dedicated. That’s what makes it a special place to work. Expand Andrew joined Glass Door as a caseworker in November 2020. Living in the US city of Seattle, Washington, Andrew recalls feeling it was mere luck that separated his situation from that of the local rough sleeping population. Andrew worked at a homeless shelter in Seattle before moving to the UK and continuing as a caseworker, most recently at Ace of Clubs. In his role at Glass Door, Andrew helps guests address challenges that are preventing them from meeting their potential and assists them into safe and secure housing. When he isn’t busy helping others, Andrew enjoys reading non-fiction books and watching documentary films. He also has a passion for dissonant music.
ANDY, fundraising officer Our incredible fundraisers make Glass Door possible. I am proud to make sure they have the best experience supporting us and, in that way, help those who need it most. Expand As the Fundraising Officer, Andy is the first point of contact for all our wonderful community and event fundraisers. He also helps to organise Glass Door’s biggest fundraising event of the year: Sleep Out. Andy joined Glass Door in July 2020 after working in the fundraising teams for Breast Cancer Now and Meningitis Research Foundation. He was also involved in the Fundraising Society during his time at Loughborough University where he helped raise over £1million for various charities each year. When he isn’t fundraising, Andy is getting stuck into charity challenges himself: he has climbed Kilimanjaro, cycled from London to Paris and trekked to Everest Base Camp. If you have an idea for a fundraising event or community project, please contact Andy. [email protected].
ANNA, migrant project manager Everyone has the right to live with dignity and respect, and access to secure and stable housing are important components. We can and must do better as a society, but until then, Glass Door catches people who have fallen through the safety net. Expand Anna Yassin leads on advice and advocacy for undocumented migrants and those with no recourse to public funds. She co-coordinates the Women’s Group, a weekly drop in for homeless and vulnerably housed self-identifying women. Anna has a Master of Law with distinction in Human Rights from Birkbeck, University of London and is fluent in both English and Polish.
BETHANY, finance and administration assistant I love knowing that the job I do makes a difference. At Glass Door, we see the direct impact of our work on the lives of those affected by homelessness every day. Expand Bethany helps with the smooth running of Glass Door’s finance and administrative processes to ensure that we are working efficiently and effectively. She studied English, Art and Textiles at school before joining the charity sector. Bethany’s experience is wide-ranging, and she’s worked for a number of charities including World Vision and Teenage Cancer Trust. She’s currently looking to broaden her experience further and is studying for an HR qualification that will enhance the HR aspect of her role at Glass Door. Ever the learner, in her spare time over lockdown, Bethany taught herself the piano.
BOGUSLAW, joint head of casework Glass Door services are open-access, meaning no one is excluded just because of where they are from or what their life may have been. Our guests are already on the margins, and if we don’t help them, no one will. Expand Boguslaw Szewczyk looks after guests in the Wandsworth circuit, using his language skills and experience to help individuals find a way back into housing. He came to the UK in the 90s for a master’s degree in Post-Colonial studies at Goldsmith’s College and went on to become a researcher at Choice International. While taking on a second job as an overnight project worker for Glass Door, he met his future fiancée Karina and found a passion for working with the homeless, which led to his appointment in 2012 as a caseworker. A qualified FA coach, Boguslaw has also led teams of staff, volunteers and guests in footballing training sessions.
CAROLINE, guest services officer What motivates me is knowing that I’ve made a difference. Working in such a close team, you’re able to follow the progress of the people we help – and that is incredibly rewarding. Expand When Caroline finished her studies in English Literature at the University of Manchester, she returned to London and worked in the publishing sector. Caroline changed career paths and joined Glass Door in March 2018 where her work centres around the guest services. She manages the shelter registration and spaces within the shelter. She develops guest communications, and is responsible for helping share guest's stories on the website. Caroline's ability to keep the shelters running rhythmically might be due to her musical abilities: she's also a keen drummer.
CHANDNI, tenancy support caseworker Everyone has the right to better themselves and their situation. This charity gives everyone that opportunity and treats individuals fairly. Expand Chandni Patel joined the team in April 2019 as a tenancy support caseworker. Chandni's job involves keeping in touch with guests who have been housed to help make sure they stay in accommodation. Before joining Glass Door, she was as an outreach worker and helped link rough sleepers to resources in the boroughs of Brent and Harrow. In her spare time, Chandni enjoys watching Bollywood films and performs as a Bollywood dancer at events.
CHLOE, complex needs caseworker Many people struggle to access state support because the system is so complex. If it’s a challenge for professionals, then it’s even more of a challenge for the people we work with. Expand Chloe’s role was created in 2020 to acknowledge that some of the people who turn to Glass Door for help have multiple needs that they are managing simultaneously. Those people might need a bit of extra support and time to help them move on from homelessness. Chloe brings a breadth of experience to this specialist role, having completed a Master of Social Work from RMIT university in Melbourne and working for a number of years with homeless youth and rough sleepers with multiple and complex needs. Chloe feels privileged to have the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds with a range of life experiences in her role. Nothing motivates her more than supporting people through transitions, which at times, she says, can feel miraculous.
CONOR, admin officer A lot of organisations cite ‘inclusivity’ as a core value but I see every day how Glass Door exceptionally stands out in living up to this ethos. Expand Conor joined Glass Door as an office volunteer in 2019 and continued on as our admin officer in 2020. He enjoys getting stuck in wherever he is needed around the office and mans the office phone and intercom in his characteristic upbeat and welcoming style. He got involved with Glass Door after several years volunteering for Crisis at Christmas and brings a variety of skills to the role following six years working in the hospitality sector and for mental health organisations. When he isn’t fielding Glass Door emails and calls, Conor is a keen amateur actor and composer. He plays an impressive seven musical instruments and rocks the bass in a prog-grunge band.
CORIN, volunteering officer I am proud to work for an organisation that supports some of the most marginalised people, and where volunteers play a really valuable role in making that possible. Expand Corin joined Glass Door in July 2020 after working in volunteer engagement for Prostate Cancer UK and managing projects in Ghana for International Citizen Service. She ensures our volunteers’ experience with us is the best it can be by honing our training, supporting night shelter volunteers and finding new volunteer opportunities. Last year Corin trained as a mental health first aider and brings skills in empathy and sensitivity to the role. When she isn’t running the London marathon or catching the latest play at the West End, Corin enjoys swimming in Hampstead Heath’s ponds. She also has a pet tortoise called Tonks.
GEMMA, caseworker I am inspired by the creativity in the world and how even in a time of climate change, political unrest and utter turmoil there is always hope. There are solutions to be found when we work together. Expand Gemma joined Glass Door in September 2019 as a caseworker in Richmond. She received a BA in History from the University of York and then a Graduate Diploma in Law from City, University of London. After years of experience at a Legal Aid Firm and charities including Hopscotch Asian Women's Centre, Haringey Migrant Centre and the Upper Room, Gemma noticed people falling through the cracks of the system. She became inspired to make a difference long term and change the system which allows for entrenched homelessness. In her spare time, Gemma enjoys international cuisine, classic films and playing the piano.
GEOFF, operations manager What appeals to me most about Glass Door is that it is open to everyone. That allows us to support individuals who can't find help anywhere else. Expand Geoff Ball is responsible for the day by day running of the night shelters and is the first point of contact for all issues related to shelter logistics and operations. Before starting with Glass Door in 2011, Geoff had volunteered for many years with homeless charities alongside a day job in publishing. Geoff says he now relishes being able to put his operational skills to work helping others find solutions to end their homelessness. Behind a calm demeanour lies a secret adrenaline junkie: Geoff has logged multiple hours jumping out of planes.
IAN, fundraising manager (events, community and individuals) As a society, we have a moral obligation to address the homelessness crisis in the UK. I feel privileged to be able to support others looking to get involved in the cause. Expand Ian Foster joined Glass Door as a fundraising officer in June 2019 and became a fundraising manager in June 2020. After gaining his degree in History and Politics at the University of East Anglia, Ian started work in the charity sector at sport-for-good charity Chance to Shine. With seven years of experience in fundraising, Ian is now looking to grow Glass Door's supporter base to help the charity take on the growing crisis of homelessness. Ian is often at his local allotment and hopes to use his green fingers to live more sustainably. Get in touch with Ian if you would like to learn more about how to support Glass Door. [email protected]
JANET, overnight project worker I know I’m doing something worthwhile with Glass Door. Our shelters have an open doors policy and genuinely don’t discriminate. Expand Janet joined Glass Door as an overnight project worker in 2008. She has worked in the shelters every winter since, checking on the health and safety of guests during 20-minute intervals throughout the night and serving them a healthy breakfast in the morning. Janet also volunteers at another homeless charity: Robes. When she isn’t supporting some of the most at-risk people in London, Janet enjoys a retreat or two. She can also be found abseiling down Guy’s Tower for charity.
JASMIINA, caseworker Glass Door empowers people to take control over their lives. I am inspired by the transformative impact this can have. Expand Jasmiina joined Glass Door as a Caseworker in November 2019. In her previous role as an advocate, Jasmiina supported older people to access health, social care and housing services. She joined Glass Door to build on this experience and because she strongly believes that safety and privacy through housing is a fundamental right. She comes from Finland and moved to Wales when she was 17 with a scholarship to study at the United World College of the Atlantic. In her spare time, Jasmiina loves cooking, yoga and folk music, particularly sea shanties.
JAY, employability coordinator Glass Door focuses on the individual, not just the end result. We aim to help guests along their own path as they try to move beyond homelessness. Expand Since joining the team in October 2016, Jason Barnett helps guests find their way back into work by assisting with CV writing, advice on job interviews and more. Jay first worked as a sports reporter for several local newspapers before becoming a press officer for Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. He then changed tack, gaining a BA in Sociology and Politics and an MA in British and European Politics before working as a training consultant for a variety of charitable organisations. He spent a decade in the Welfare to Work sector, giving him vast experience working with vulnerable individuals.
JOE, caseworker The one thing I would like to change is the notion of ‘us’ vs ‘them’. I believe diversity adds spice to humanity and should be celebrated! Expand Before joining Glass Door in October 2018, Joe Tucker worked in a variety of roles supporting vulnerable individuals. He has a degree in Social Anthropology and Criminology and is currently completing a Masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Joe says his own life experiences--which include being internally displaced by war and later a refugee in different foreign countries and homeless himself for a period of time--helped solidify his resolve to advocate for homeless and vulnerable people.
JONATHAN, senior finance & resources manager Glass Door's emphasis on compassion, open access and demonstrable success really inspire me. Expand Jonathan Low joined Glass Door in autumn 2020 after more than 20 years in audit and finance with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Petrofac, a service provider to the energy industry. Prior to this, he graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a 1st class degree in accountancy and economics and qualified as a chartered accountant. When he isn’t juggling finance, human resources, data management and office management for Glass Door, Jonathan is out on the field for Leftfooters, an LGBT football club based in Camden. He also enjoys travel and playing the keyboard.
LEWIS, caseworker I’d like to give each person I meet the service I’d want in their circumstances. Expand Lewis Gates joined Glass Door in October 2016 as a caseworker, having previously worked as an Outreach Worker in Richmond. Lewis now balances managing the Richmond night shelter, case-working in the Vineyard Community Centre and studying for his degree in Social Work. When he finds free time, he enjoys learning Spanish or taking impromptu adventures abroad. Read about some of Lewis’s work here.