The people behind the work

Cambridge Cyrenians is powered by a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers who work together to support people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. Our team brings a wide range of skills, experience and perspectives, united by a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

We work alongside people with empathy and respect, building trusted relationships that help create lasting change.

How you can help

Our staff team

Our staff work across housing, support services, community projects and operations. From support workers and service leads to fundraising and admin roles, everyone plays a vital part in delivering safe homes and meaningful support.

James Martin

Director

James has supported vulnerable people since 1998, beginning with the Princes Trust Volunteer Programme. He has led teams and managed services in Cambridgeshire, including Wintercomfort and Riverside Housing, before joining Cambridge Cyrenians in 2019. Outside work, James enjoys staying active, family time and endurance sports, including triathlons.

Emma Hooton

Head of Services

Emma has spent almost 25 years in the homelessness sector, starting as a Simon Community volunteer in London before building a long career at Cambridge Cyrenians. With a background in construction and a stint with Northampton Saints, she thrives on improving services, supporting people and lifelong learning. One passion rivals her dedication – cake!

Rikke Jensen

Services Manager

Rikke’s journey with Cambridge Cyrenians began long before she joined the staff team, starting as a live-in volunteer many years ago. Inspired by the impact of the work, she returned to the organisation in 2009. Starting in a frontline role, she developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Rikke progressed into staff management, bringing a strong appreciation of both service delivery and staff support. Outside of work, she loves escaping into nature to unwind.

Kristian Claxton

Services Manager

Kristian began his career in support services while completing a master's degree in social work, undertaking placements with the Salvation Army and the NHS. He previously worked at Mind before joining Cambridge Cyrenians as a Project Worker, progressing to Services Manager. Outside work, he enjoys travelling and watching football.

Shanice Jones

Volunteer & Resident Activity Manager

With over eight years' experience in the homelessness sector, Shanice is passionate about working with people, bridging and building communities. She values the creativity her role at Cambridge Cyrenians allows and feels fortunate at getting to work alongside a great team. She is driven by a belief in ‘doing good recklessly’. Outside of work, Shanice has a deep love for music.

Louisa Hallisey

Mental Health Practitioner

Louisa has worked as a mental health nurse for over 17 years, with experience in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. This is her first role in the homelessness sector, which she is very passionate about. She is trained in EDMR, solution-focussed and graded exposure therapy. Outside of work, Louisa enjoys exploring the UK, spending time with loved ones, DIY and interior design, comedy gigs and music.  

Min-Hui Bird

Finance Manager

Min has been working in finance since 2006, with previous experience in the import and retail sector. She joined Cambridge Cyrenians in 2013 and enjoys the dynamic and varied work environment, as well as the opportunity to learn more about homelessness in the UK. In her spare time, Min enjoys travelling, learning new languages, creating art, playing the piano and meditation.

Kayleigh Wingate

Community Fundraiser

Passionate about helping people in need, Kayleigh has a background in social media, copywriting, communications, fundraising and digital engagement. She has worked with organisations including Spotify and Woodgreen Pets Charity, before moving into the homelessness sector with Cambridge Cyrenians in 2025. Outside work, she enjoys music, gaming, reading and hosting a podcast.

Andrew Pash

Project Worker

Georgia Byrne

Project Worker

Amy Foster

Lead Project Worker

Clare Bruges

Project Worker

Kate Duckett

Project Worker

Lucine Harrison

Older Homeless Support Worker

Lewis Willcock

Project Worker

Alison Green

Finance Officer

Anna Hunt

Grants & Trusts Fundraiser

Rachel Savage

Project Worker

Lizzy Martin

Older Homeless Support Worker

Kevin Walshe

Allotment Project Co-Ordinator and Project Worker

Mick Crossley

Maintenance Worker

Sheila Smith

Administrator

Victoria Howell

Administrator

Frank Kohak

Maintenance Worker

Anthony Browne

Lead Counsellor

Meet our board of Trustees

Liz Bisset

Chair of Trustees

Liz was appointed Chair of Trustees in February 2025. A Cambridge resident, she is committed to inclusive communities and secure housing for all. Former Director of Housing and Community Services, she now works as a consultant and coach, bringing strategic insight, governance experience and a collaborative, people focussed approach.

Mariella Giancola

Trustee

Mariella is Head of HR at the British Antarctic Survey, supporting polar science and operations from Cambridge. Living in the UK for over 20 years, she considers Cambridge home and became a trustee to give back locally. Originally from coastal Italy, she loves travel, beaches, countryside walks, dogs and family time.

Rachel Hayden

Trustee

Rachel has been a Cambridge Cyrenians trustee for over a year, having previously worked closely with the organisation as CEO of Cambridge District Citizens Advice. With extensive charity sector leadership experience, she brings strong expertise in governance, finance and transformation. She also volunteers as a Trustee at CCVS and Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk, and enjoys gardening, walking, reading and spoiling her dog.

Richard Robertson

Treasurer

Richard is a Chartered Accountant retired from a career in managing the finances of housing associations and charities. He sees people experiencing homelessness as individuals and has helped develop the variety of types and sizes of accommodation, and the specialist support services we provide, so that their differing needs can be met.

Christina Alexander

Trustee

Christina has over 20 years’ experience supporting communities across Cambridgeshire, including as CEO of Peterborough CVS and founder of a social impact business. With a background in social housing, she brings strong expertise in strategic development, funding and innovation, and joined Cambridge Cyrenians to help ensure access to safe, stable homes.

Oli Daffarn

Trustee

Oli is a civil engineer working for a multidisciplinary design consultancy on road, cycle and infrastructure projects across the UK. After moving to Cambridge six years ago, he became a trustee to support a local cause. As his first trustee role, he brings valuable expertise, perspective and enjoys staying active through running and swimming.

Helen Mcallister

Trustee

Helen’s career spans 30+ years in the UK and overseas language and higher education sectors. She now works as a freelance consultant. Previously volunteering with homelessness charities in London, she joined Cambridge Cyrenians after moving to Cambridgeshire in 2023. Outside work, she enjoys National Trust volunteering, gardening and village life.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Cambridge?

We’re looking for individuals who share our vision to join our board of trustees. We need trustees who bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. We are interested in people with a variety of experiences and skills, but are particularly keen to receive applications from people who would be interested in serving as a treasurer. You don’t need to have previous experience as a trustee to apply.

Our volunteers

Volunteers are a valued part of our community. They support our work in many ways, from practical help and projects to offering time, skills and encouragement that make a real difference to people’s lives.

Volunteer opportunities

You

You don’t need a specific role to be part of our work. Donors, volunteers and supporters are a vital part of the Cambridge Cyrenians team, and every donation, hour given or message shared helps create safe homes and real opportunities for people in Cambridge.

Get involved