Meet the Team

Elissa Newman – Chief Officer

Leeds is my home city – and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to support local communities in my role at Holbeck Together.

A serendipitous moment brought me to Holbeck Together to support the team for ten days and I ended up staying for ten years. Prior to this, I had a lengthy career in business.

When I arrived, we were Holbeck Elderly Aid, a Neighbourhood Network Scheme that supported older members of the community.

In those ten years, the charity has expanded the provision of services to reach out to the whole community. We subsequently rebranded to become Holbeck Together, a community anchor for everyone in Holbeck. 

It has been a privilege to be part of the team. I’ve had so many moments of which I’m incredibly proud. In particular, the way our staff and volunteers continued to go above and beyond during Covid, making sure people in Holbeck were looked after and providing over 13,000 meals to our community.

In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, taking walks with my dog, and gardening.

Claire Holmes – Operations and Engagement Officer

I have been with Holbeck Together since 2011 and currently serve as the Operations and Engagement Officer. I hold qualifications in Health and Social Care (Levels 2 and 3) and a Level 6 qualification in Leadership Business and Management. My role involves overseeing several key operational and strategic areas within the organisation.

I lead on safeguarding, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and members of the community are protected and supported. I also act as the Health and Safety Officer, with responsibility for maintaining the safety and wellbeing of both staff and service users. Alongside this, I manage day-to-day operations of Holbeck Togethers services. 

I lead the Community Engagement Department, working closely with the team to strengthen outreach, develop partnerships, and build meaningful connections within the community. A central part of my role is leading the Community Engagement team to support individuals who may be isolated or facing challenges, helping them to access vital services including housing, benefits, education, and employment opportunities.

Outside of work, I am kept busy by my two children, aged 20 and 16. And like to go walking with my husband and dog. 

Matthew Springthorpe – Service Development Officer

I have been with Holbeck Together since 2015. Over this time period, my role and the services that we provide have seen a variety of developments. Through consulting with our clients and the continued support of funding organisations, we are able to provide a programme of exciting, sustainable, quality services that meet the needs of the ever-changing community that we work in.

Another aspect of my role includes supporting of our growing team of volunteers in their roles which spread across all areas of the service including transport, activities, catering and administration.

Similarly to our working with our core volunteer team I am also responsible for the development of our partnerships with organisations that provide corporate volunteers.

Roy Minter – Community Wellbeing and Transport Co-ordinator

I joined the organisation in 2011 as a volunteer driver. We only had a small white Sherpa in those days, it was a bit of a shed really! I joined the staff team in 2015 as Community Transport Driver as part of the expansion of the transport department.

We’ve got two big yellow buses now and do twice-weekly shopping trips to Hunslet Morrisons, transport for Holbeck Together’s growing activity schedule and monthly out-of-hours shopping trips. I collect people from home, supporting them from their door and helping them to lock up, and get safely onto the bus; I give people a hand at the shops, supporting them to retain independence and get all the bits they need; making sure everyone who wants to can grab a cup of tea and cake and have a natter; before helping them safely back home with all of their bags. I love being able to get people settled with all of their stuff in the kitchen, before heading back off again.

I like to treat people as I’d want my mother to be treated and you a have laugh and a joke with people. It’s really social and you get to know everyone’s quirks and the kind of help people are looking for.

I’m a jack of all trades and I’ve done everything from damp-proofing to waitering, from being a porter to laying telephone cables. I’ve even managed a café before.

I like fishing in my free time and am a die-hard Hull Kingston Rovers Rugby Fan. On my free weekends, I like to go to the rugby with my family and I even enjoy a bit of baking

Sean – Digital Inclusion Officer

I became a Digital Support worker because of the importance technology has become in keeping us all connected. I am passionate about empowering individuals and giving everyone a voice in a world that has moved swiftly towards technology impacting almost every aspect of our daily lives. In the Digital Hub at Holbeck together I am keen to empower individuals to confidently navigate the digital world, reducing isolation, enhancing independence and increasing their knowledge.

I understand that digital barriers can seem daunting and frustrating so I enjoy finding simple solutions to tech issues and guiding everyone through the terminology and problems that many people face.

If you would like to learn how to get more out of your device or need any help with accessing online services such as housing, bill payments, blue badges, online banking and shopping then drop into the digital hub for a warm welcome in a relaxed atmosphere for a chat.

In my free time I enjoy hitting the gym every week and cycling and have recently become a grandfather so that keeps me pretty busy!

Nikki Hayes – Community Engagement Worker 

After volunteering with the organisation for many years, I have joined Holbeck Together as a Community Engagement Worker. I initially began helping Roy on the minibus, and have gone on to support the Healthy Holidays project, coming up with ideas and linking in with local families.

Volunteering helped me to build my confidence and Holbeck Together have kindly supported me to further my education and develop the skills that I have learned. I am undertaking an apprenticeship in Adult Care Level 2 at Leeds City College alongside the role of Community Engagement Worker. 

My role involves supporting and linking in with all of our clients including working with children and families to coordinate the Healthy Holidays activities. I am also mapping our client base, meeting our older clients and re-introducing the community to Holbeck Together. I juggle my role with being a busy mum of three. I am grateful for this new opportunity and look forward to continuing to support our clients in the best way I can.

Leanne Elliott- Volunteer Engagement Officer

Leanne has been appointed the role of Volunteer Engagement Officer, here to support and grow our amazing team of volunteers. The role focuses on recruiting new volunteers, matching people with opportunities that suit their skills and interests, and making sure volunteers feel supported, valued and confident in what they do.

“I’m excited to be moving into the Volunteer Engagement Officer role at Holbeck Together. Having already seen first-hand the incredible work happening across the service, I’m really looking forward to building on existing relationships, working more closely with our fantastic volunteers, and supporting even more people and businesses to get involved”

I’m Chris, a Community Worker at Holbeck Together. I support vulnerable people across the community through one-to-one support, helping people look for work, attending medical appointments, and supporting individuals who are struggling with benefits and forms.

I’m passionate about improving health and wellbeing and regularly raise awareness around vaccinations, blood pressure checks, healthy eating, and living a healthier lifestyle. Alongside this, I also provide practical support such as basic handyman work, gardening, and cleaning, helping people feel safe, supported, and able to live independently. I care deeply about the community and work hard to ensure no one feels alone

Marie Thornton – Community Wellbeing Development Worker

Hi, My name is Marie, I have recently joined Holbeck Together as a Community Wellbeing Development Worker (Being you Leeds Project), before this I have supported families in local communities for 18 years.

I am excited to work for Holbeck Together, consulting with the local community to help provide local groups and courses to support adults 16 years+ to help them with their wellbeing. 

I have 3 grown up children and 3 Grandchildren and have lived locally for 40 years. I love learning new things and am very artistic. In my spare time I have an allotment and enjoy making stained glass and knitting and sewing and also Yoga!

Stephanie Hayes – Lead Cook

My role is responsible for planning the weekly menus and then ensuring we have all the ingredients available to cook nutritious and homemade meals for clients.

I started as a volunteer at Holbeck Together after my sister encouraged me to come along to help out with kids activities and crafts. I was then offered some part-time work in the kitchen and since then have taken on more responsibility and now lead the cooking service for the organsation.

I love being able to cook for people and hear their feedback about how much they have enjoyed their meal. Many of our clients live on their own so coming together for a meal can make such a difference to their day. I really enjoy Sunday lunch as this meal option is open to all ages – and its lovely to see families coming together to enjoy an affordable home cooked meal.