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, trusts and foundations manager 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]
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.
BOGUSLAW, senior caseworker 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 began working in the publishing sector. In her free time, she volunteers for a local homeless charity and campaigns for animal rights. Now at Glass Door, Caroline's 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.
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 officer 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. 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 a new face 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.
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.
LUCY, chief executive officer (CEO) No one individual has the whole answer. But by drawing on everyone's expertise, together we can make a positive difference in people's lives. Expand Lucy Abraham joined Glass Door Homeless Charity as Chief Operating Officer in September 2018 and became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in June 2020. Before joining Glass Door, Lucy spent five years at the National Audit Office leading audit teams as a qualified Chartered Accountant, and volunteered serving breakfast at the Passage in her spare time. Previously, Lucy worked at a variety of charities in fundraising and operations, including the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Chance to Shine. She holds a first class degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of York and has been a keen cricket player for nearly 20 years. She opens the batting for her local team, though these days she prefers the social matches. Read Lucy's blog about her first three months in office.
MASH, caseworker I have always been motivated to help others; it is what gets me out of bed every day. Expand Mash joined Glass Door in October 2019 as a caseworker, having gained his degree in Politics, then a Master's in Middle Eastern Politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies. His role is providing advice and assistance to homeless guests at our Chelsea Drop In. Mash has spent the last decade helping at local night shelters as a volunteer and at the local food bank, and he is passionate about wanting to make a small difference to the homeless population. In his free time, he enjoys reading, swimming and travelling.
MATT, shelter manager When I joined the team, I was immediately impressed by how committed everyone was to providing the very best service to shelter guests. Expand Two weeks after completing an international mission in Syria in 2017, Matt joined Glass Door as an overnight shelter worker. Now he manages shelter operations in Wandsworth and is the first point of call for the 35 guests staying with us in that borough. Matt brings his expertise in logistics to the role, having spent nine months coordinating humanitarian operations in Iraq and six months organising a network of ambulances and a hospital for in Northern Syria. When he isn’t helping in the shelters, Matt can be found in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training or watching ice hockey.
MEGAN, service development manager I feel lucky to be able to apply my talents to a really interesting role that helps some of the most vulnerable people in society. Expand Megan joined Glass Door in July 2019 as the Service Development Manager. After her degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of York, she spent the next seven years working in volunteer development, project management, equality and diversity, and supporter care at charities Macmillan Cancer Support and Scope. Her role at Glass Door holds responsibility for service design, development and growth, and relationships with partner organisations and night shelters. In her spare time, Megan learns British Sign Language and crafts, from macramé to knitting.
MELISSA, senior communications manager Behind every statistic on homelessness are men and women with complex stories. At Glass Door, we help them rewrite the next chapter. Expand Melissa Kerschen oversees communications—including the development of digital channels, publications, public engagement and brand building—at Glass Door. Before joining the staff team, Melissa served as a night shelter volunteer and as a trustee for the charity. Melissa has an MA in writing from Johns Hopkins University, a background in journalism and is a self-professed photoshop- and inDesign-geek. She has dual American-UK citizenship and has lived in London since 2002. Get in touch with Melissa if you are a member of the press or would like more information or materials about Glass Door. email [email protected]
MICHELLE, caseworker I love hearing people’s stories and playing a part in changing someone's circumstances for the better. Expand Michelle helps guests of our shelters find their way out of homelessness. Before joining Glass Door in October 2018, she assisted people in supported accommodation who had mental health and substance abuse issues. She now works as a caseworker in Chelsea and is a fundamental part of running the women's group. Michelle also seeks out the adrenaline rush: she’s skied, skydived, and surfed.
NATASHA, finance manager I wanted to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting and helps to make a difference in people's lives. Expand As Glass Door's part-time finance manager, Natasha Orpen oversees the budgets and annual accounts. She gained her first class degree in Economics from the University of Bristol and qualified as an accountant with KPMG, where she has worked for ten years prior to joining Glass Door. She likes to travel and lived in Canada for three years, spending her free time skiing on the slopes.
NEIL, senior caseworker The people we support and their situations are so varied, interesting and stimulating that you cannot get bored. That probably explains why I’ve been at Glass Door for over twelve years. Expand After graduating in 2000 with a degree in classics from Oxford, Neil Parkinson began volunteering at a homeless day centre while studying towards a master’s degree in social work. Jobs at The Connection at St Martin’s and St Mungo’s followed before Neil headed to Australia, where he conducted homeless outreach on the streets of Sydney. Neil returned to the UK in 2007 just as the charity was expanding their services beyond emergency shelter, when he joined to become our first full-time caseworker. Read his profile.