Meet the team

Lianne Kirkman
Founder and CEO

I am privileged to lead the Helping Hands Community Project alongside a dedicated group of volunteers and staff.  The motivation behind establishing Helping Hands as a registered charity stems from my own mental health struggles. After overcoming a difficult period in my life, I wanted to give back and provide support to others who may be facing similar challenges. I understand...

Jo Merrick
Jo Merrick
Project Operations Manager

I oversee the running of all the Helping Hands projects. I love my job because every day is different. I love meeting new people and supporting them is very rewarding. I first became involved as a volunteer with the Esther Project for several years and then became employed here two years ago. I have three children and two stepchildren which...

Kerry Steward
Kerry Steward
Fundraising and Communications Officer

I first became involved at Helping Hands as a soup kitchen volunteer in April 2020 and immediately thought it was a fantastic organisation to be part of. Then in September 2023 I was lucky enough to join the staff and my role now is to engage with prospective donors and supporters. I also run our social media channels. I love...

Alison Glover
Alison Glover
Volunteer Co Ordinator

Since joining Helping Hands in December 2022, I have found a new level of empathy with the people we serve.  The journeys that some people have travelled have inspired me. I love spending time with my hubby, two amazing daughters and our crazy rescue dog. I enjoy being out in the fresh air, being by the sea, going to the...

Claire Protheroe-Jones
Office Manager

Working at Helping Hands is so varied…no two days are the same! I look after a lot of maintenance issues and the day-to-day running of the office. I really enjoy being part of a team of staff and volunteers where we all take pride in helping others.  Away from my time at Helping Hands I enjoy working in Interior design...

Kevin Thornton
Kevin Thornton
Male Support Worker

Deborah McNeil
Debra McNeill
Female Support Worker

Sue Clifford
Sue Clifford 
Lighthouse Charity Shop Manager

I love working at Helping Hands because it's a charity that you can see making a difference. It is a success story that warms my heart and gives hope for other. We have a team of wonderful volunteers, each bringing something different to make it truly amazing. It is our job to make the shop as welcoming and friendly as...

Jamie Calder
Jamie Calder
Lighthouse Charity Shop Assistant Manager

My role is to offer a welcoming and supportive environment in the shop, providing a friendly atmosphere to all customers and managing volunteers. I absolutely love helping people and making people smile. I think it's one of the most important traits a person can have. I love my family who I love more than life itself. Ooutside that my main things...

Paul Shakespeare
Paul Shakespeare
Lighthouse Charity Shop Assistant

In 2017 I was homeless and came to helping hands to volunteer, this gave me a hand up and a purpose to get up each morning . With the support of P3 I was given somewhere to live . Helping Hands has been a great support to me , I am now a paid assistant 2 days a week and...