Our People

We have a passionate, professional and award-winning team of Board of Management, staff and volunteers who ensure that our services are delivered and focused with our community at the centre of everything we do

Ant Hanlon

Chief Executive

I have been with LIHH since its inception, starting as Project development Manager in 1996.

It is an enormous privilege to be able to contribute something to a community I hold so dear.

My heritage is Co. Wexford where both of my parents come from.

Karen Mallon

Director of Operations

I have worked at LIHH since 1998, starting as a Housing Support Worker.

I love working with the people involved with our organisation; the committed and passionate staff, volunteers and service users and hearing their inspiring stories.

I am from Co. Down

Sarah McBride

Services Manager

I have worked at LIHH since 2004 starting as a volunteer and moving through a variety of roles, spending many years developing our volunteer project..

I love working within our own community

My heritage is Co Derry and Co. Mayo

Anne Pearce

Digital Inclusion Support Officer

I started with LIHH in 2020.

My role is to support and engage clients in Digital use, develop skills and confidence. It is rewarding to support clients on their learning journey and have some fun along the way

My heritage is Co. Mayo and Co. Meath

Caroline Murphy

Older People's Worker and Activities Co-ordinator

I started working at LIHH in 1999.

My role involves providing one-to-one support and alongside team members organise and run events such as luncheon clubs and tea dances where larger numbers of people attend.

I like to think that my role makes some difference to the life of the people we meet

My heritage is Co. Mayo

Christine Hemmingway

Cook

I have been providing nutritious meals at the luncheon clubs and events since I began working with LIHH in 2009.

I love meeting the service users and hearing about the difference we make to their lives.

Emma Forsyth

Tenancy Support Worker

I started working at LIHH in 2018

My role involves supporting people by linking them up with activities and services in their community and helping to resolve problems people have in their day to day life.

I enjoy listening to others and, every day is different.

My heritage is Co. Cork and Co. Mayo

Emma McVennon

Community Support Worker

I first worked with LIHH in 2006, returning in 2015.

I provide practical and emotional support for people whilst helping to reduce social isolation, promote health and well-being and maximise individual’s skills and creativity.

My heritage is proudly Co. Limerick

Julie Chambers

Office Administrator

I started working at LIHH in 2020

My role entails ensuring the office runs smoothly and continues to be a safe environment for everyone, financial management and help to look after our amazing band of volunteers.

I am married to an Irish man and have many Irish relatives living both in England and Northern Ireland. I love going to visit our family and friends for the craic, warmth and humour, not forgetting those rolling green hills

Megan McClean

Arts and Well-Being Support Worker

I started working at LIHH in 2020

My role involves working with service users to access mindfulness groups and activities to develop artistic skills by building a network of support through guided mindfulness and positive mental wellbeing.

Focusing on the Celtic calendar I lead art groups that incorporate a wide range of art activities and mindfulness techniques

I am from Co. Derry.

Peter Rollings

Community Support Worker

I started working at LIHH in 2018

My role entails offering one-to-one support to people to help keep them as independent as possible

Philippa Dowson

Community Support Worker

I started working at LIHH in 2006

I provide practical one-to-one support on a range of issues as well as running our South Leeds Social Group in Beeston. I also co-work our Friday Luncheon Club alongside Caroline

I love the variety of work and listening to people’s stories of home.

Like many in the Leeds area I have Irish heritage, spending countless trips over the past few years to Co. Mayo

Siobhan Gaffey

CARA Community Connector

I started working at LIHH in 2018

My role entails ensuring people are supported to live as independently as possible and are not at risk of social isolation.

I am also working with many schools in the Leeds district on intergenerational projects, helping younger people understand issues for older Irish people and sharing stories

Teresa O'Driscoll

Community Support Worker

I started working at LIHH in 2004.

In addition to providing one-to-one support I am responsible for implementing our cultural programme such as our St Patrick's Day Parade Float and our CHIME Arts group. I have developed our poetry projects alongside Ian Duhig (FRSL)

I come from Co. Cork

Vicky Annable

Tenancy Support Officer

I started working at LIHH in 2015

My role entails ensuring our tenancies are well managed and the tenants get the right kind of support to keep them as independent as possible.

I love the fact that we can make a difference to so many people's lives and enjoy seeing the progress that people make.

Our Board of Management

Rachael Loftus MBE (Chair); Brian Maguire (Vice-Chair); John Devine (Treasurer); Sheila Chapman; Louisa Heraty; James Kilroy; Sean McGibney; Mel Nally and Joan Vallely