Our Team

Our STAFF

Mandy Fuller
administrator & volunteer co-ordinator

Mandy took over the role of Administrator & Volunteer Co-ordinator in October 2018,
having become aware of MCWS through her own church. She first became involved
with MCWS by volunteering with her children during the winter of 2016-17. In her spare time, Mandy enjoys spending time with her family, walking, music and crafts.

CLAIRE Kehily
PROJECT MANAGER

Claire became Project Manager in September 2022, having previously worked for MCWS as Assistant Project Manager (2021/22) and Project Worker (2020/21). Prior to that she was a volunteer for 2 years, so she brings plenty of experience to the role. Claire also works as a registrar and wedding celebrant for KCC, a self-employed Funeral Celebrant and a health and social care worker - a role she has held for almost 20 years.

MIKE LOUTH

assistant pROJECT MANAGER

Mike first became involved with MCWS as an overnight volunteer for two winters but he wanted to do more and, in 2021/22, he was successful in his application for the role of a paid Project Worker. He then progressed to Assistant Project Manager in winter 2022-23 and continues to hold that role this winter. Mike enjoys supporting our guests with their varying needs.

HOLLIE NEAL
pROJECT WORKER

Hollie first joined our team as a Project Worker in December 2022.

She loved working with everyone and helping people so much that she has come back to join the team again this winter.

Our other project staff members this winter are:

Jan Croucher (Project worker)

Priya Jethwa (Project worker)

Darren Ellis (Overnight Project worker)

Alan Tompsett (Overnight Project worker)

Our Trustees

Gordon Mackley
Chairman

Gordon is the Chairman of the Trustees. He retired from work in 2016, after a 43 year-long career in railway operational management and transport information systems. He is a Licensed Lay Reader in a Church of England church near Maidstone. Gordon served as a Street Pastor in Maidstone from the start of the scheme in October 2008 until Covid restrictions were first imposed in early 2020. He was a Team Leader for many years as well as the Maidstone Co-ordinator for a period. He became involved in Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter from the first year, serving as a volunteer.

Martin Hinchliffe

Martin has a strong desire to help others less fortunate than himself. He is saddened by regularly seeing the homeless on the streets of Maidstone, London and other cities and attempts to play his part in supporting and reducing the number of street homeless. He has previously volunteered for Crisis at Christmas in London and has volunteered for ten years with MCWS. He has been a Trustee of the charity for 7 years. He has experience in managing operations and safety management, following a career in engineering and is the lead Trustee for shelter operations.

Wendy FOSTER

Wendy has over 30 years' experience as a senior Human Resources practitioner, mainly in public sector and not-for-profit organisations, and is the lead Trustee for this specialism. She is an active Christian and has good links with local faith-based groups. In addition, Wendy is a Trustee for Citizens’ Advice Maidstone, a role that led to her increased interest in support for the homeless in Maidstone.

Zofia Grzymala

Zofia is well known for her passion and dedication to helping homeless people and influencing change in the services provided. She has a substantial knowledge of the homeless and housing sector. Her professional experience includes managing Homeless Care charity (supported accommodation, day centre and food bank) as well as her roles within the Origin Group and Sanctuary Housing. Through many years in the sector, she has developed a deep understanding of what it really means to be homeless and the support homeless individuals need the most. Zofia is currently working as General Manager of Kent Supported Housing.

reverend John Tapper

Rev Canon John is a Chartered Accountant and is the charity’s Treasurer. John has assisted the Shelter both as an overnight volunteer and also collecting items for the guests.

Gwyn Mcpherson

Gwyn was the Project Manager for Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter (MCWS) from 2018-19 up to and including winter 2021-22.

However, she has been involved with MCWS since its inception and has undertaken roles as a Volunteer, Venue Lead (volunteer in charge of the venue), Project Worker, and Project Manager. Since her retirement from the role of Project Manager for MCWS, Gwyn has become one of our trustees and brings much experience to the role.

Gwyn is also an authorised Lay Minister in a Church of England church in Maidstone and has served as a Street Pastor in the town since 2011.

reverend RICHARD WILLIAMS

Richard was born and brought up in Kent. After a career in Finance in the City he became a Vicar, including serving in Cranbrook. He is now retired and runs a B&B with his wife.

chris hutchinson

After careers in accountancy and logistics, Chris has now semi retired.

However, not standing still, he has been a volunteer at the shelter since its second year as well as volunteering both at home and abroad for other charities.

He also spends time as a family man with a large number of grandchildren as well as playing tennis, golf, fishing, art and gardening.