Our Team
Our most valuable asset is our passionate and experienced team who care for those we look after 24/7 365 days a year. Our senior management team has a combined total of 108 years at the Charity, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Senior Management Team
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Meet Malcolm
Malcolm Nicholas
Head of Operations
1. Who are you, and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
I worked at the Citizens Advice Bureau
2. How will you help our clients at your current position?
I help clients both directly and indirectly by improving the systems, services, and opportunities available to them.
3. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
Yes. I heard about COH in 1997 through my Deputy Manager at the CAB at the time. She encouraged me to attend an interview at COH for a Sessional Worker position at the time
4. Why choose to work at COH?
I have always had an interest in social activism and improving society as a whole. Working at COH fitted this ethos.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I expected to make a difference in people’s lives
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
Leave it in a good place before I leave
7. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
Hiking, mountain biking, and cinema
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Emily Hunter
Head of Day Services
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Karen Young
Head of Residential Services
1. Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
My name is Karen Young and prior to starting at the Open House I was a police officer for 20 years - For the last 10 years I have worked at Crawley Police Station as a Detective in various ranks and roles.
2. How will you help our clients in your current position?
I am the new head of residential services so I will be looking to help and support the clients in the hostel and the move-on properties with any needs they have whether they be personal or accommodation needs and looking to ensure the services offered meet the needs of everyone who needs them.
3. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
I was born in Hemel Hempstead, however have lived in Crawley for almost 20 years. I knew of COH from my previous job.
4. Why choose to work at COH?
I have seen first-hand the amazing support that COH offer to its service users and those in the community and I wanted to be part of that team and offer my expertise and knowledge where I can.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I was just hoping it would be an open, friendly and supportive place to work and it certainly is that.
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
I would like to offer support to service users so that they see me as someone who is approachable and keen to support them the best I can. I would also like to develop a good multi-agency approach to how we support and care for our service users.
7. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
My teenage daughter is a competitive swimmer so I spend time every day at K2 and can be found transporting her round the country for various competitions - we are off to Sheffield at the end of July as she has qualified for Open Water Nationals where she will swim 5k in a lake! Other than that I enjoy keeping fit and walking with my 2 dogs.
Ian Wilkins
Head of Fundraising & Relationships
- Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House? I’m Ian and I’ve been a volunteer and member of staff for over 20 years. Before that I mainly worked in the travel industry running sales teams for Virgin Atlantic and P&O Cruises amongst others.
- How will you help our clients at your current position? I’ve done a few things at COH and for the past few years I’ve been responsible for trying to build a supportive community around the Charity so that we have enough money, volunteers and donations of things.
- Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH? I’m originally from Croydon, and heard about COH from a friend at Church in East Grinstead in about 2001
- Why choose to work at COH? I love the people I work with and we all have a passion to try and look after those going through a rubbish chapter of life, for whatever reason. It could be any of us.
- What were some of your expectations before joining COH? It always surprises me how hopeful and positive it is at COH most of the time - I thought it might be a more depressing place to work before I joined.
- What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH? My goal is to keep the Charity on a firm financial footing, and to keep it surrounded by people from all walks of life who care about looking after those experiencing homelessness locally and help us in all sorts of ways.
- Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun? I spend as much time as possible with family - wife Jo, my 3 kids and my 5 grandkids. I play football, tennis and padel enthusiastically but badly, and I am a lifelong supporter of the great Crystal Palace FC!
Meet Sylwia
Sylwia Dudek
Head of Finance
I am Sylwia. Professionally, I am a qualified management accountant with over 20 years of experience across various finance roles within the charity, SME, and higher education sectors, covering financial, management, costing and project accounting.
2. How did you hear about COH?
In recent years, I have worked with small and medium-sized charities across Sussex as a finance manager and management accountant. I’ve been involved with organisations that support children and young people with complex needs, assist refugees and vulnerable migrants, help people affected by substance misuse, and a charity supporting other voluntary groups and communities to thrive. I am passionate about working for organisations that support disadvantaged groups and communities, as it brings me great job satisfaction to know that my work helps to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
3. Why choose to work at COH?
I have been impressed with the work COH does for its community and how the organisation has grown and evolved over time. In my finance role at COH, my goal is to ensure that financial resources are managed effectively so that we can continue to provide essential services and support our clients.
4. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
In my free time, I enjoy long walks with my family and dog, traveling, and unwinding with a good book or movie, especially on colder days. I am committed to continuously improving my skills and expanding my knowledge, both professionally and personally, with my current personal goals being learning Spanish and practicing Tai Chi.
Tom McAleney
Hostel Manager
- Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
I’m Tom, the Hostel Manager at Crawley Open House. I joined Crawley Open House when I was 22 so there’s not a great deal I did before! Prior to joining Crawley Open House I had studied Biological Sciences at the University of Durham and I worked as a Hostel Worker and then Health Worker at Crawley Open House before joining the management team.
- How will you help our clients at your current position?
In my current role I am responsible for the day to day running of the Hostel, ensuring the staff team are trained and well equipped to support our clients, and ensuring the Hostel is a clean and well maintained for the guys who call it home every night.
- Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
I was amongst the last generation of kids to be born in Crawley Hospital and grew up in Langley Green! I heard about Crawley Open House in my late teens through the former Hostel Manager Chris Oxlade who encouraged me to apply for a job here!
- Why choose to work at COH?
Whilst studying in Durham the divide between the well off and the less fortunate became increasingly evident to me and I decided that I wanted to pursue a career helping others in a non-profit, statutory, or charity organisation. I didn’t really know exactly what I wanted to do but the opportunity arose to apply for a job at Crawley Open House, and when I got it I never looked back!
- What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I came into the role a little bit naïve but sure that I’d get the opportunity to help people.
- What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
My priorities in my current role are to support and nurture the Hostel Staff team and to further build upon and refine our person-centred approach to supporting the clients whom call Open House home.
- Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
I work! Being at Open House leaves me in the enviable position of having a job I adore, but outside of my work I enjoy video games, music, TV, and socialising with friends and family.
Jane Nulty
HR & Admin Manager
1. Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
I am Jane. I raised a family, went to college & uni did several other jobs fitting around the family from cleaning & retail to accounts.
2. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
Born and raised in Crawley.
3. Why choose to work at COH?
It was a job that fitted around my family and my role grew from there. I went to college to gain a CIPD qualification.
4. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
Crochet, read (I belong to a book club & WI) spend time with my grandchildren and meet up with family for a lot of social gatherings. With 6 of us brothers and sisters, there is always something going on.
Chagossian Support Workers
Preska Cox
Chagossian Support Worker
1. Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
I am a Chagossian support worker. Before being hired, I was a full-time mother.
2.How will you help our clients in your current position?
I will support clients by helping them with doctor’s appointments, reading and translating emails and messages, and providing general assistance.
3.Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
I was born in Mauritius and have lived in England for 21 years, including over six years in Crawley. I heard about Crawley Open House through local community connections. I would like to support COH by helping with doctor’s appointments, translating emails and messages, and providing general support to people facing difficult circumstances.
4.Why did you choose to work at COH?
I believe this role suits my experience, and I enjoy helping people in need, especially members of the Chagossian community.
5.What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I expected it to be a good place to work and gain experience, and COH seemed like a supportive and positive organisation to work for.
6.What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
To gain a better understanding of how to support people in need and to further develop my skills and training.
7.Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes — what do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my family, especially playing with my son.
Health
Helen Earnell
Hostel Health Worker
1. Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
Ooh, good question, I am someone who loves to learn new skills, I have a curious nature - always googling subject matters I have little or no knowledge of to learn about them. Equally I like to experience different forms of culture, arts and entertainment through the medium of theatre productions.
2. How will you help our clients at your current position?
I am a caring and empathetic person who sees the bigger picture. No one can fully understand what has framed a person’s life experiences which led to them being who they are and why. If I can achieve good working relationships with residents/clients and I have helped them in achieving good results for themselves with improving their health and wellbeing and have gained their trust in doing so, I feel I have indeed helped them.
3. Are you originally from Crawley?
Yes, Originally. I only moved away 12 years ago. How did you hear about COH? I knew of Crawley Open House from when I lived in Crawley.
4. Why choose to work at COH?
I have previously worked for and volunteered for Charities and I liked the concept of helping a good cause in practise, kind of like ‘giving my time and life experiences to society’ as well as learning experiences from others.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
Being able to assist others in times of need with their health and wellbeing, and to make a positive change where possible.
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
Have a clearer view of different aspects and situations to assist me in helping with various health situations and wellbeing for Crawley Open House Residents.
7. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
I see friends, go for walks with them, gardening, if my husband is off shift and weather permits spend a day, weekend or holiday on our narrowboat, go to the theatre, go out for the day to a place of historic interest, and I am currently spending my free time studying on a distance learning course for Level 2 Counselling skills.
Hostel Workers
Meet Sheryl
Sheryl Lloyd
Hostel Worker
1. Who are you, and what did you do before joining us at Crawley Open House?
My name is Sheryl. Before joining COH, I worked in a bookmakers for six years. I briefly left COH after around a year and a half to work at YMCA Crawley Foyer, but I soon realised how much I missed supporting the clients here, so I came back to where I felt I could make the biggest difference.
2. How will you help our clients in your current position?
As a hostel worker, my role is varied. From cooking dinners and cleaning, to being on the front line of homelessness support... I help clients who come to the gate in need of bedding, warm food, and a safe space. I also key work with my clients once a week, supporting their wellbeing and signposting them to the most appropriate services and encouraging them to complete goals that we set together and engaging meaningfully. I like to think of the hostel team as the glue that holds everything together, offering 24/7 support to our clients and service users.
3. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
I grew up in Horley, but after facing my own difficulties, I moved around quite a bit before finally settling in Crawley. I heard about COH through social media and realised that this is the place I want to be!
4. Why did you choose to work at COH?
Supporting people who are homeless or disadvantaged is something I have always wanted to do. I have experienced homelessness myself, and if it had not been for places like Open House, I would not be the person I am today. That experience gives me a real passion for the work we do here.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I did not really have any set expectations before joining COH, but if I had, I think they would definitely have been exceeded.
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
My main goal is to advocate for and support my clients to the very best of my ability. I do whatever I can to help them work towards achieving their own goals and support them in becoming ready for their next steps.
7. Like any job, working at COH can be stressful at times, so what do you do for fun?
I volunteer with a local cat rescue and currently foster cats for them, although that can be just as chaotic as work sometimes! To unwind, I enjoy listening to music and audiobooks and spending quality time with friends, whether that is a lovely day out or a well-earned night out.
Meet Joanna
Joanna Fanthorpe
Hostel Worker
Hi I’m Joanna and I used to work at ASDA.
2. How will you help our clients at your current position?
I think I will likely help them with welfare and support when they are feeling low checking that they are taking care of themselves, i.e eating and personal hygiene and making the most of the facilities available i.e. making appointments on their behalf and reminding them of appointments.
3. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
I used to live here I heard about it in Bromley from a social worker.
4. Why choose to work at COH?
Crawley open house is the best.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
That it would be great and it is.
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
Malcolm just asked me to do a monthly newspaper about Crawley Open House and so that’s my new goal.
7. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
I like art and just got a fancy coffee machine. Sometimes I play the piano.
Outreach
Sainey Jallow
Resettlement Outreach Worker
I am Sainey Jallow. I worked at the Poppins Restaurant in East Grinstead.
2. How will you help our clients in your current position?
As a resettlement outreach worker, I try and find accommodation for the clients in the move on houses. I take them to appointments and support the as needed.
3. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
No, I am from The Gambia, and came to the UK almost 20 years ago, but I have lived in the surrounding areas. My family donates once in a while and that’s how I heard about COH.
4. Why choose to work at COH?
I like to help people and I am emphatic towards the less fortunate.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I came with an open mind.
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
I would live to provide very client we have at our move on houses a permanent accommodation. That is my goal.
7. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
I like to read, bit lately I have taken to listening to audible. I have taken up gardening and I find it relaxing.
Mark Barry
Street Community Outreach Worker
Mark Barry, I worked at Gatwick for 30 years, then semi-retired and worked in Tesco, HMPS and secure mental health hospital.
2. How will you help our clients at your current position?
By trying to engage with our clients to find a better path to tread.
3. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH? Originally from South London, heard about COH through work.
4. Why choose to work at COH?
Because I wanted to help people who shared a similar experience to me.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
That I would be working alongside people with shared values.
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
To become more skilled in dealing with street homeless and people suffering from addiction.
7. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
I box and workout at the gym 7 times a week also help run a men’s support group.
Admin & Finance
Amanda Braden
Administration Worker
1. Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
I am the administrative worker for COH but previously I worked for a home improvement company and prior to that I worked for the NHS at CAMHS.
2. How will you help our clients in your current position?
Based in the office it will mainly be through ensuring that housing benefit payments are correct for our clients.
3. Are you originally from Crawley?
I have been living in Crawley since 2018 and a friend mentioned COH.
4. Why choose to work at COH?
I saw the job advertised and it sounded interesting and varied. I thought it would be a really worthwhile cause as homelessness can happen to anyone.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by all the help that is provided to residents and people in need through the hostel and the Resource Centre.
6. What are some of the goals you would like to achieve at COH?
To undertake my duties to the best of my ability whilst being approachable and ready with a smile.
7. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
Any spare time that I have is taken up by my bulldog.
Marketing & Fundraising
Annabel Walker
Community & Events Fundraiser
1. Who are you and what did you do before you joined us at Crawley Open House?
I'm Annabel. I've done a host of jobs, but my professional background is mainly in journalism and media relations.
2. How will you help our clients at your current position?
My job is to strengthen the charity's connection with the local community, which means building relationships with community groups, businesses, schools and places of worship. I also fundraise for the money and donations in kind that we need to order to care for our clients. I want to publicise the services we offer so people locally know we're here to help in case they or someone they know needs us.
3. Are you originally from Crawley? How did you hear about COH?
I'm originally from a village about 10 miles away. I heard about COH from a friend who's volunteered for the charity several times.
4. Why choose to work at COH?
It bothers me that homelessness is viewed by some as an acceptable part of society. I want to challenge that notion and be part of positive change. I also like the fact that COH is rooted in the community it serves and for a relatively small charity it has big ambitions.
5. What were some of your expectations before joining COH?
I wasn't sure what to expect! But I loved the fact that when I came for my interview the staff and service users were so friendly to me, so I was hoping for more of the same when I started working here - and it's been the case.
6. Like at any job, working at COH can become stressful sometimes, so what do you do for fun?
I like to spend time with my family, walk on the Downs or Sussex beaches and play tennis for a local club. I also like going out in cities such as Brighton, London and Bristol, to see new bands and go to the theatre.
