Our Team

Michael Ashe

I joined the team in August 2017.

I think the world can be a much better place, and that all of us have a role to play in making it better for everyone. I’ve tried to play my part in various ways at different times, starting as a volunteer adviser with Citizens Advice and continuing my volunteering as a charity trustee and school governor ever since. My professional roles have included delivering legal advice, making grants, advising on funding policy, developing funding programmes for children and young people, facilitating learning and effectiveness in International Development organisations and their donors, leading the UKs largest Law Centre, and providing consultancy to a range of not-for-profit organisations.

I am delighted to have joined such a great team, and to have the opportunity to help them empower even more local people, and the organisations they support, to change Kensington & Chelsea for the better.

Liz Woodman

I joined the Volunter Centre Kensington and Chelsea team in April 2022 as Operations Manager.

I believe that volunteering changes lives! Not only do volunteers help charities and the wider community, but volunteering can also have such a positive impact on the volunteer themselves. I have benefited myself from volunteering since I was really young and continue to volunteer on a weekly basis.

In my professional life – I initially worked within recruitment and personnel, but soon moved over to working within roles that specifically helped volunteering to happen. I managed a busy Volunteer Centre in Bristol for over 10 years. Then, on moving to London, I directly recruited and supported volunteers for Alzheimer’s Society’s Central London office. I then moved to NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) to coordinate the work of the Volunteering Development Unit, and was responsible for ensuring the success of Volunteers’ Week nationally. I then returned to work within a Volunteer Centre setting – joining Redbridge CVS as their Volunteer Centre Manager. This led me to move to my current role at the Volunter Centre Kensington and Chelsea.

I feel privileged to be working in this amazing borough and in this superb organisation, supporting the team to promote volunteering as a force for change and social good.  

Louisa

I have always been a great believer in the power of interest, activity, social connection, colour, movement, nature, music and self-care to lift the spirits and help us to feel healthier, calmer and happier.

I have a background in criminal justice, education and organizing volunteers, and am passionate about equal opportunities and inclusiveness.

I am delighted to be working at the Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea and get great satisfaction from seeing people develop their confidence and wellbeing – sometimes starting off in tears, then dipping their toes into volunteering tasters and activities, and finally spreading their wings and finding fulfilment.

Ewa Kasjanowicz

joined the Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea in September 2018 as a Community Champions Project Manager. I am passionate about making the world around me a little bit better, healthier and happier, and to me this is what the Community Champions programme is all about. 

I truly enjoy working within diverse communities, where people learn from each other and bring different solutions to problems. They constantly inspire and enrich me as a person.

My prior experience includes event organising, coordinating projects and translation/interpreting.

I feel lucky and privileged to work for the Volunteer Centre and to be part of such a great team of people, who love what they do and who do it really well.

Mohamud

In 2014 fresh out of my work experience placement, I joined the Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea as a volunteer with the new opportunities team; assisting with general admin, data entry and filing, as well as helping organise events and trainings.

Two years later, a vacancy came which I applied for and was successful. I joined the New Opportunities team helping long term unemployed individuals get back into employment through training and volunteering. Since then I have moved roles and I am currently the Office Systems Coordinator for the Organisation.

I enjoy working at the Volunteer Centre, it’s an amazing place to volunteer and work alongside great people. I got into volunteering to meet new people, develop my soft skills, as well as learn and hone new skills, all of which I’ve accomplished here!

Jason Hudson

I’m Jason, the most recent member of the Volunteer Centre. I have been working in the criminal sector for the last 10 years, enabling clients to take back control of the their lives and gain long term employment.

I have worked as a custody case manager for Bad Boys Bakery, in HMPS Brixton, and for the probation service in Wandsworth Prison. My experience working with offenders, inside and outside custody, has shown me that people who want to change can – they just need a chance and a little help.

I have experience working in mental health and addictions, and always come from a place of non-judgement and empathy.

I previously worked as a chef before coming to this sector.

Angela Weir

My introduction to the Volunteer Centre was five years ago when I met the new opportunities coordinator who led me to an opportunity where I could use my skills and volunteer at the Museum of Brands. This gave me the perfect opportunity to experience a different type of working environment, within the creative field as I had previously worked in interior design on residential, commercial and embassy projects. 

I then joined as a volunteer at the Volunteer Centre in January 2016, where I assisted the flexible support programme, helping unemployed clients search for jobs and volunteering opportunities. To see a clients progression from gaining skills through volunteering to securing paid work has been a rewarding and satisfying experience.

I am now delighted to work with the core services team as a volunteer development administrator and look forward to many new and experiences here!

Etty Dunn–Howe

As a member of the Volunteer Centre team, I am excited to be part of this inclusive volunteering network. Before this position I organised showcase events and worked with The Red Cross and Student Action for Refugees to coordinate a weekly conversation class for Nottingham based Refugees.

I am passionate about empowering people through volunteering, finding projects for individual’s that improve their wellbeing through social connections and support. As wellbeing officer, I will work with you to find placements that are mindful of your interests and individual access requirements. Opening up opportunities and building new skills.

Emilia Wik

I’m Emilia, the new Communications Officer at the Volunteer Centre. With a background in brand building and digital marketing, I am passionate about sharing the incredible work we do here and spreading the message far and wide. I am driven by a genuine desire to make a difference and believe in the power of volunteering to create positive change in our community. By sharing our stories, I ensure that the impact of our work is heard and celebrated.

Lauren Sinclair

My name is Lauren and I am the Community Champions Health and Wellbeing Worker Apprentice.

I care deeply about what support, compassion and understanding look like in action and how this affects change for us all. Besides my role here at the Volunteer Centre, I’m currently training as a psychotherapist, enjoy volunteering in my free time and have previous experience working for the NHS women’s and children’s department.

Here at ths VCKC I feel I have landed back in the heart and soul of my community – this uplifts and grounds me as I work to support the individuals that live together within it. I feel incredibly fortunate to be working alongside such a kindhearted team who are so passionate about equality and creating change which has real, long lasting impact in the lives of others.

Ruth Daniel

Eager to be part of Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea as an Employment Support Officer, I offer a wide range of experience and a strong community growth drive. My background at Kensington & Chelsea Social Council involved personalized assistance, diversity awareness, and event planning. I served as a dedicated Community Consultant for the Kensington & Chelsea Social Council Steering Group, championing the Kensington and Chelsea Together program. My previous roles underline my dedication to supporting vulnerable residents, fundraising, and coordination. My goal is to empower individuals through Employment & volunteering by aligning interests with opportunities. I’m enthusiastic about my role as an Employment Support Officer and the contribution I can make.