MEET THE TEAM
C.E.O
ANDREA EDWARDS
After working in global insurance for over 20 years I took a “leap of faith” and moved into the Third Sector and haven’t looked back since, starting my role at the Centre in January 2019. Having the opportunity to see communities flourish and people achieve their potential is what I really love about my job. Working alongside an amazing team of people, everyday is a whirlwind of chaotic activity and I wouldn’t change it for anything!
I am responsible for the strategic vision and leadership of the operation and development of New Wortley Community Association. I work closely with the Board of Trustees to implement a long term strategy ensuring that NWCA is financially stable and a viable operation with a combination of income streams to ensure long term sustainability.
I love spending time with my family, walking my dog and reading biographies – I love learning what makes people tick! I also love travelling and experiencing different cultures, something I have really missed during the COVID19 pandemic.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
REBECCA FOSTER
Hello there, my name is Rebecca (most people know me as Becky!) and I am the Operations Manager at New Wortley Community Centre. My role is managing and organising services, activities and projects for the Community Association, developing and supporting staff and looking after the wants and needs of our local community. I have been at New Wortley for 5 years now and have seen many great changes over this time, working on many wonderful initiatives and projects with local residents who truly believe in where they live.
I love what I do and the people we work with. We have a fabulous team of staff and volunteers who make things happen and create positive change. We have challenging days, happy days, and mediocre days but no two days are ever the same which is what I love the most about it! You definitely need to come and visit (if you haven't already), we have so many exciting things to get involved in and be a part of. Most importantly we make a cracking cuppa, love a good chat and we are always here to listen
ASSET BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & VOUNTEERING TEAM
VICTORIA KORTEKAAS
ABCD COMMUNITY BUILDER
Hello, I’m Victoria Kortekaas your new ABCD builder for the Armley area. I have had connections with Armley and Wortley as a resident and in places of work since the late 80’s!
As volunteer coordinator at NWCC and through my work with a local art organisation, The Highrise Project, I have got to know this amazing community and I’m excited to start getting to know it even better in my new role. I’m passionate about recognising peoples’ talents and making positive changes to communities.
As part of my role, I’ll be spending time getting to know members or our community finding what they’re passionate about and what changes they would like to see around Armley. I am keen to connect with like-minded people, residents, and champions of communities
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ASHLEY ARUNDALE
ARMLEY CLIMATE ACTION WORKER
Hello everyone, my name is Ashley and I am the climate action worker for Armley my role is supported by New Wortley Community Centre and Climate Action Leeds.
BUILDINGS AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISES TEAM
GARY MURPHY
FINANCE OFFICER
My name’s Gary and I have been bringing a smile to NWCC’s staff & customers since 2013! My job is to take care of the admin side of things for New Wortley Community Association. I
started working at the centre as a volunteer in 2013, and changed over to a member of staff in 2014. I really enjoy seeing the local community coming together in a friendly and welcoming environment, and the help and support that NWCC provides to the local people.
SARAH MALONE
PATHWAY SUPPORT WORKER
Hi I’m Sarah, I’m the Pathway support worker for New Wortley Community Centre. My role involves overseeing the running of our fantastic charity shop and food store as well as signposting people in our community to our various support teams whenever required. I started volunteering at New Wortley in 2021 delivering hot meals to vulnerable households then moved into the food store and I haven’t looked back! I absolutely love being able to give to back to the community and help people whenever I can!
RHEA BENTLEY
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND BUILDINGS MANAGER
Throughout the pandemic I was in my own little semi-retired bubble feeling inadequate amidst all the sadness and loss I was seeing on TV. We all applauded the NHS and supported the essential workers, but I began to think ‘who’s looking after those on their own and unable to go out?’. The news seemed inevitably dark day after day and it didn’t seem right that I wasn’t contributing in some way to help others.
I’ve lived in the New Wortley area for 40 years but I didn’t know anyone before the pandemic, not even my neighbours, however COVID-19 created a blitz spirit where neighbours were helping neighbours and communities were coming together. I googled volunteering near me and after a few back and forth emails to confirm my details, I received a phone call from our Volunteer Coordinator Victoria, asking me if I could deliver a food parcel. Delivering food parcels soon expanded into shopping for people self-isolating, and after a few months of volunteering I was offered paid work by New Wortley Community Centre. I work with a great group of people for a nice community, and have finally recovered my sense of purpose.
YVONNE WILSON
HYGIENE AND FACILITIES OPERATIVE
Hello My name is Yvonne and I am responsible for the upkeep and hygiene of New Wortley Community Centre , I also volunteer two days a week in the food store.
CATERING AND CAFE TEAM
ANA SAN GIL CABELLO
COOK
Hello my name is Ana I am the centre cook, I also create dishes for the cultural cafe.
DALE SAYER
CATERING ASSISTANT
Hello my name is Dale and I’ve been part of the team at the centre since 2015. I was out of work for nearly 19 years after a number of operations. After my fourth operation I felt fit enought to start to get back into work and I started to volunteer at the centre; since then I’ve got myself a paid job. I was very quiet and shy at first until I got to know everyone.
I like being able to get out of the house and to speak to new people. I have 3 cats called Tigger, Gizmo and Tyson. I also have loads of hobbies including DIY, running / jogging (because I’m getting old now) painting and making carpets.
COUNSELLING AND WELLBEING
Hi, you can call me Irfan. I am the Clinical Lead at New Wortley Community Centre where I support counsellors to provide an incredible therapeutic service to the community.
Seeing my own clients has provided me with valuable insights into what makes a counselling service effective. As part of my role, I will ensure community members feel supported and empowered within their mental wellbeing.
COUNSELLING & THERAPY
SERVICE LEAD
IRFAN ALI
FIONA WILKINSON
ACTIVE TRAVEL COORDINATOR
Hello everyone, my name is Fiona and I am the Active Travel Coordinator for Leeds 12 which includes, Armley, New Wortley and Wortley. My role involves helping our community to get out and about and be active in the community. I love to cycle, walk and I am interested in looking after the environment. I am Very interested in other cultures and like to travel when possible.
FRONT OF HOUSE
REBECCA HUNTER
FRONT OF HOUSE COORDINATOR
Hey there, lovely people! I'm Becki, the Front of House Coordinator at NWCC. When I'm not jet-setting around the globe or indulging in tasty eats with my favourite people, you can catch me buried in a good book. Working at the centre is an absolute blast - each day brings a new adventure, from mingling with diverse souls to sprucing up the place with my creative flair, and even dabbling in the art of running our Ebay shop. Life here is one big whirlwind of excitement!
Hello I am Zubaida, my role involves creating and supporting a diverse community at New Wortley Community centre that reflects the wider community. I support the ESOL sessions and the Cultural Cafe.
DIVERSE COMMUNITIES SUPPORT WORKER
ZUBAIDA UMAR
OFFENDER SUPPORT TEAM
STEPHEN PICKARD
OST SUPPORT WORKER
Hello everyone, my name’s Stephen and I am a part of the offender support team at NWCC
MARTIN HACKETT
OFFENDER SUPPORT
TEAM & WELFARE MANAGER
I am a father to 4 grown up children and I previously worked for Leeds City Council for nearly 38 years. I used to be a competitive swimmer, albeit 40 plus years ago, and still train several times a week to try to keep in shape (try being the operative word). On a day-to-day basis I help ex-offenders reintegrate back into society by providing support with housing, training, work and general support to improve well being and reduce the risk of re-offending. What I like most about working at New Wortley Community Centre is the atmosphere in the building and the clear bond that exists between staff, volunteers, service users and visitors.
YOUNG PEOPLE CHILDRENS & FAMILIES TEAM
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
Hi my name is Shelley
SHELLEY CRAIG
AILSA MCLAUGHLIN
YOUNG PEOPLE CHILDREN &
FAMILES TEAM LEADER
Hello my name Ailsa
Hello my name is Harriet