Our staff
Frances Elliot MBE (Chief Executive)
I joined HADCA in 2011 as Project Manager for a three year Reaching Communities project. Enjoying the fact that no two days were ever the same and being part of such a great team of staff and volunteers, I have now been with the organisation for 13 years and my role has developed and changed over time. Latterly I have been managing the Harrogate Easier Living Project team, who deliver our much-needed practical support services across the District. Developing our service offer and our fundraising capacity to meet changing needs have been two of our biggest challenges.
I was delighted to receive an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2021 for support to the local community during Covid, leading our amazing team of staff and volunteers and collaborating with so many other groups all providing support across the District.
Anna Glazier - Community Fit Co-ordinator
I have lived in Harrogate for over 25 years and have had a varied career including roles in education and finance, working around raising my family. Throughout this time I also volunteered for a variety of organisations. I was excited to be able to join HADCA in 2022 as part of the team who successfully launched Community Fit that year, and I continue to co-ordinate the project. I have also enjoyed helping set up Help Out Harrogate and seeing this project grow and succeed.
I enjoy engaging with local charities, community groups and schools, as well as supporting our volunteers. I love seeing the positive impact that volunteering has on peoples’ lives and watching their confidence grow. I consider myself lucky to work with such a fun and supportive team at HADCA and being able to contribute to the local community.
Lizzie Hughes - Development Manager
I joined the HELP team back in 2012 and my role has evolved over the years to focus on fundraising, community engagement and increasing awareness across the HADCA projects. As well as managing our Community Fit and Help Out Harrogate projects I am responsible for raising money from a huge range of sources to keep our vital services running. Away from HADCA I enjoy/endure running and love exploring the Lakes and Dales with my husband and increasingly uninterested children.
Angela Jones - Information & Communications Officer
I’m originally from the Channel Islands, but moved to England in 1983, living in London, Reading and Colchester before moving to Harrogate, when I volunteered for Victim Support. I’ve had many diverse roles including managing a local authority benefits office and with the Probation Service. I joined HADCA in 2004 and became Information Officer in 2008. I feel lucky to have this role in our community and enjoy learning something new every day. Out of work, I love pootling in my VW campervan, supporting Reading FC and walking (though it’s taking me years to complete the Pennine Way!)
Laura Kennedy - Community Fit Activity Leader
Being a wandering southerner, I am very grateful towards Harrogate and HADCA for embracing me and making me feel like I’m a part of this community. Originally from Windsor, I have worked myself up through Manchester, to Leeds and finally settling in Harrogate 3 years ago. I am a mental health nurse by trade but I am also the Activity Leader for Community Fit on Wednesday. I like the variety of many hobbies, and when I am not working or Community Fitting, you’ll find me running or cycling, going to a gig or treading the boards at my local am-dram group. I am passionate about keeping our mind and body healthy, so I strive to help those to find their ‘thing’ that’ll bring them consistent joy, health and connection with their community, whatever that may be!
Val Longley - Support Worker (Admin)
I have lived in Harrogate for nearly 30 years, initially coming from Barnsley and then living and working in the North West. I have worked as a Civil Servant, for North Yorkshire Council and then worked at Mind in Harrogate for 14 years. During my time at Mind I was involved with and worked alongside HADCA and so am very pleased to be able to join the staff team.
I enjoy Belgian beer, going to concerts and theatre and reading in my spare time - though not necessarily in that order.
Stan Lumley - Facilities Manager
I have lived in Upper Nidderdale all my life and my family history spans many generations in the Dale. Educated in Harrogate and Leeds my career developed through engineering and facilities management. I have worked for the MOD at RAF Menwith Hill for the past 36 years, a very challenging but rewarding career taking early retirement 2022.
I am passionate about my community, and I have been a member of Pateley Bridge Town Council since 1999 having the Honour of being Mayor several times over this time. Elected to Harrogate Borough Council I had the privilege to serve as the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, Tourism and Sport and I also served for 5 years on North Yorkshire Council.
I have worked closely with charities and foundations over this time, and I understand the challenges people and communities face and I have great admiration for the officers and volunteers who work tirelessly to help and support the people who need it most. Joining HADCA I am looking forward to playing my part in the support of the essential services provided each and every day.
Outside of work I enjoy travel, cycling and hill walking, my greatest passion is motorcycling both riding, watching, and traveling the length and breadth of this great country and most of Europe. My wife Angie (as pillion) and I have had some fantastic touring holidays visiting many inspiring countries and places and meeting some wonderful people and I very much hope we are able to continue for many years to come.
Jayne Mitchell - Help Out Harrogate Co-ordinator
I have been with HADCA for approximately 4 years in various projects. I particularly enjoy working with our amazing volunteers who bring their limitless positivity and ‘can do’ attitude to helping the Harrogate community.
I have lived in Harrogate for around 20 years, and love the area. I have a history in nursing, business, and running multiple community projects, together with managing teams of volunteers. I am passionate about the outdoors, especially the Lakes and Scotland, and explore it as often as I can, in our campervan!
I live in Leeds but am originally from Saddleworth. I’ve worked in the voluntary sector all my working life: initially as a volunteer coordinator, but for the last 20 years in charity finance roles. I hold a masters degree in Charity Accounting and Financial Management. In my spare time I’m a keen mountaineer.
Carole Ramsden - Support Worker (Admin)
I have lived in Harrogate all my life and worked as an Infant School teacher in Ripon for 21 years after a short stint of working in various Harrogate and Knaresborough Primary Schools. I still enjoy working in schools as an exam Invigilator.
I love the countryside, having been brought up on the family farm just outside Harrogate. I have always admired the selfless work of volunteers in running local community organisations and as such have helped various charity organisations myself. I look forward to furthering my community involvement and support in this role.
I am a keen dancer, enjoy gardening and baking cakes to share with family and friends.
Carol Rowe - Finance Assistant
I have lived in Harrogate all my life apart from my student days in Sheffield. I worked in Public Sector management roles in Harrogate, Leeds and London for 28 years, taking early retirement in 2012.
I joined HADCA in 2013, and enjoy working in the local community and helping people on a daily basis. I have volunteered for many organisations over the years, and currently help with events at RHS Harlow Carr.
I enjoy gardening, keep fit classes and socialising with friends and family.
Jen Sonley - Service Co-ordinator
Originally for Scotland, I have lived in Harrogate for the past 15 years and been part of the HADCA team since 2015. I began as an administrator for Opening Doors and I am now the service co-ordinator for our Harrogate and Ripon services. When I’m not at work I love going to the gym, running and yoga and when I’m not feeling active you can find me with my nose in a book.
Andy Storr - Service Support Worker
Yorkshire born and bred, originally from Wensleydale where my 93yr old father still lives in the family home since 1965. After leaving school in 1975 I had several jobs, bank clerk, publican and cheesemaker before embarking on a 30-year career in the Police Force retiring in 2009. I then started doing odd jobs, gardening and decorating before going to work for a friend on his pig farm.
I moved to Harrogate in Dec 2014, saw the advert for service support worker with HELP and I’m glad to say was offered the job starting in May 2015 and have enjoyed every minute. Working with a great team, meeting people needing help (excuse the pun).
I enjoy all sport barring golf and cricket and when I do get a spare minute, make model dry stone walls.
Jo Thackwray - Power of 10 Co-ordinator
I am delighted to join the HADCA team, and so pleased to be able to combine my skills and knowledge to support our local community to put the city of Ripon on the map for volunteering opportunities.
Over the last 30 + years I’ve thoroughly enjoyed careers in early years education and the 3rd sector, most recently working for Oxfam. Leading and empowering teams with compassion, humour, and positivity, with particular experience in volunteer management, development, recruitment, and retention.
I practice as a Human Wisdom & EIA accredited Coach and thrive on supporting organisations, charities, and individuals to shine bright, find their superpowers, and grow positivity in life and business.
I am a Trustee for Ripon YMCA, and an ambassador for Investors in Community. I have a passion for wellbeing and music and combine this in my voluntary role as the mid-morning presenter on Yowah Radio, a happiness & wellbeing radio station.
I live in Melmerby and when I’m not working you will always find me outdoors, walking, running and simply just connecting with nature. Along with my partner we love to travel and have 5 grown up children and 2 new grandchildren, so as you can imagine there is never a dull moment. Oh, and I am also dyslexic, which can often make for interesting grammar and spelling mistakes, so please do feel free to shout if you spot any!
Julie Boothman - Support Worker (Admin)
A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who support Harrogate & District Community Action.
