Our Trustees

Laura has been a trustee at Contact since 2020 and was appointed as Chair in November 2023. Laura has worked with vulnerable young people and looked after children in education for many years. Most recently as Assistant Headteacher and Special Educational Needs Coordinator at a residential special school for 7-19 year olds with complex mental health and additional needs.

 “I joined Contact as I wanted to be a part of such a lovely group of people who are making sure young women in our local community are getting the housing, access to services, love and continued care they deserve. Leadership roles in the education and charity sectors, and a care home for young people has equipped me with many relevant skills for Contact.

 I am driven to do all I can to ensure Contact continues to provide this service for many years to come. I am privileged to take on the role as Chair, as it is the natural next step in my dedication to everything I strive to achieve for our tenacious girls, inspiring staff and wonderful trustees.”

Kay applied to become a Trustee after retiring from the NHS where she worked for over 20 years as a Paediatric Consultant. She was appointed to the board in September 2019.

"I wanted to bring my experience of working with children and young people, their families and hospital colleagues to Contact and also learn about Charitable Trusts and how they work. I have learnt so much. I feel a huge responsibility as a Trustee to ensure Contact is able to continue it's vital work in providing a safe haven for this small but extremely vulnerable part of our society. It is so important to use our resources wisely and to ensure we have the correct policies and guidelines in place to keep our staff and the girls safe.
The whole experience of being a Trustee for Contact has been such an inspiring one. I am heartened by the way the staff at Contact welcomes as many referrals as physically possible into the house, giving them a home, friendship and guidance at a difficult stage in their lives."

Jo is a Chartered Accountant specialising in Finance Business Partnering. Currently contracted at OCS (Facilities Management).

"I was approached by the Chair of Contact to apply for the role of Treasurer. Having previously been Head of Finance for Education and Society at the UK’s biggest Charity ‘British Council’, I felt I had the financial and charity skills to take on this role.
As a Trustee I enjoy seeing the positive impact that Contact makes on local young girls lives, the dedication of the on-site staff and the kindness of our donors."

Susie is a PR consultant specialising in public relations and communications. She lives locally in Whalley Range, and has used her considerable skills and experience to help with reconfiguring our website, and producing our leaflets.

"I live near to Contact Hostel but was not aware of the great work the team does with young women experiencing difficulties. Contact has a proud history, and I jumped at the chance to get involved. It upsets me to see young people struggling to make their way in the world, and of course they now face extra hardship as a result of the pandemic. It's a privilege to be involved and to feel I'm helping in some small way."

Megan is an Architectural Designer, specialising in Housing Design within urban communities. She is passionate about creating quality places to live and recognising the importance of a home for all. 

After her recent relocation to Manchester from London, Megan hoped to embed herself within the local community and was charmed by Contact's inspiring and successful efforts to support young women within a home environment, through education and into independent living. Contact seemed a natural bridge between her aspirations within housing and her instinctive ambition to support young women. 

Jane’s career has been all about doing good with digital.  She is an experienced Digital Design and Research leader, was part of the team that built BBC iPlayer and led design for BBC CBeebies and CBBC, Bitesize and Sport. Now as Design Director at Reason Digital, a Manchester-based social enterprise, Jane delivers digital experiences and research projects for charities like Refuge, Mencap and Anna Freud Centre.

“I wanted to join Contact Hostel because it’s a cause close to my heart and in my community, and because I can contribute my experience in digital to help Contact. I want to make sure all young women are getting the care and support they need to achieve their goals, no matter the circumstances they’ve been dealt. “

Kirsty is a HR Specialist and has worked for a number of different organisations across a variety of sectors, including not for profit.

“I have actively supported Manchester based charities that support women and children for many years so becoming a trustee is a natural progression for me. Work and family commitments mean that my spare time is limited so when looking for a trustee position I was focused on finding a small organisation whose work really interests me and aligns with my values. Contact was the perfect choice given that it’s a small charity with a focus on women and girls. I have follows their good work for years and am proud to now represent them as a trustee.”