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
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
HARRIET SMITH
HEALTHY HOLIDAY COORDINATOR
Hello everyone, I’m Harriet and I oversee Healthy Holidays
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS SUPPORT WORKER
Hello my name is Gemma and I am the Childrens and Young persons Support Worker at New Wortley Community Centre.
YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER
I first joined NWCA back in 2019 as a volunteer and helped with the children and young people's activities. I had a break from volunteering for just over a year as I had my daughter in 2020. I’m now back at the centre and I am so happy to be back. It has been lovely to see the growth in our young people and to hear what they’ve been up to over the last year. A fun fact about me is that I grew up on farms and my primary school only had 5 students in my year!
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORT WORKER
Hello everyone, my role is to develop and run mental health support services within the centre.
REBECCA HUNTER
FRONT OF HOUSE COORDINATOR
Hello my name is Rebecca and I am the Front of House Coordinator for New Wortley Community Centre.
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.
CATERING AND HOSPITALITY
DALE SAYER
KITCHEN 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.
BUILDINGS AND ADMIN 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.
RHEA BENTLEY
BUILDINGS & PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR
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.