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Ashlin Lobo Rents Officer
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Alice Maynard Qualified Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People
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Alicja Zareba 10:10 Volunteer
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Amy Somerwill Youth and Community Development Coordinator
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Andy Mackay Digital Services Coordinator
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Becca Prior Young Families Worker
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Becky Merriman Community Connector and Youth Worker
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Beth Richardson Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (In Training)
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Cassandra Chan Customer Service and Admin Facilitator (South Molton)
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Chiung-Yi Tsai Finance Coordinator
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Chris Carter Community Connector and Exwick Community Worker
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Chris Sharp Housing Projects Coordinator
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Clive Staples Support Worker
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Damian Brown IT Support Technician
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Debbie Carter Exwick Community Worker
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Emily Hornsby Customer Service and HR Coordinator
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Emma Mitchell Young Families Worker
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Fen Yee Teng Finance Manager and Company Secretary
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Gareth Sorsby Joint Chief Executive Officer
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Hannah Geale Community Connector
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Hannah Kroener 10:10 Volunteer
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Harri Sharp Young Families Worker
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Harry King Tenancy Support Officer
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Izzy Cole Support Worker
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Jeremy Theeten Housing Manager
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John Harvey Key Relations Manager
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Johna Selva HR Administrator
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Jonathan Taylor Facilities Worker
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Laura Farrar Fundraising Officer
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Lizzy Tones Housing Projects Coordinator
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Lucy Pieterse Public Relations Coordinator
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Luke Pugh Support Worker
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Lydia Brown Housing Projects Coordinator & Warden
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Martha Hancock Wellbeing Coordinator
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Max Langler Facilities Worker
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Mwaka Chulu Rent and Organisational Compliance Coordinator
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Nath Kyle Support Worker
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Oliver Mason Finance Officer
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Pedro Schmid Horticulture Facilitator
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Pete Bollom Group Work Facilitator
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Peter Hall Housing Projects Coordinator
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Sam Thomas Community Projects Manager
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Sarah Griffiths Facilities Officer
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Si Johns Joint Chief Executive Officer
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Stephanie Chiu Qualified Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People
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Steve Lawton Facilities Coordinator
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Sue Wilson Volunteer Coordinator
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Tim Spencer Property Maintenance Worker
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Tim Wells Group Work Coordinator
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Tom Browne Senior Fundraiser
Ashlin Lobo
Rents Officer
Hi, I’m Ashlin and I’m Rents officer at the YMCA Exeter. I’ve worked in Dubai as the rents officer for 2 years. I’m an enthusiastic ,fun loving, jovial person. I love to read , sing and play keyboard .I love volunteering and doing things for people such as meeting with them, cooking for them, and praying with them. I love to tinker with technology and like pets.
Alice Maynard
Qualified Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People
Hi, I’m Alice and I am a Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People at YMCA Exeter. I love being by the sea (and swimming in it!), walking my dog in beautiful places and practising yoga. I also love any plans that involve food – nachos are my favourite!
Alicja Zareba
10:10 Volunteer
Hi, my name is Alicja and I am one of the Ten:10 volunteers. Originally from Warsaw, Poland I came to YMCA Exeter and I am going to spend a year working alongside different teams. I am truly excited to see what this year is going to bring and in what ways I will grow whilst helping others grow. I study Psychology at University of Warsaw and am very passionate about working with people. I love travelling and I am always down for an adventure! When I am not at work, you can find me hiking in the nature, exploring new places or baking my heart away.
Amy Somerwill
Youth and Community Development Coordinator
Hello, I’m Amy and I’m the Youth and Community Development Coordinator for YMCA South Molton, working really closely with the team in Exeter.
I have worked within the youth sector for the last 18 years and have an honours degree in Applied Theology specialising in Youth Ministry. I have a real passion for making a difference in my town and being able to work for the YMCA is a fantastic opportunity to be able to do that.
In my spare time, I like cooking meals for my friends and family, walking with my family and dog Luna, and exploring the beautiful North Devon countryside and beaches.
Andy Mackay
Digital Services Coordinator
Hi, I’m Andy and I’m the Digital Services Coordinator at YMCA Exeter. I’ve been at the YMCA since 2013, based at various residential sites during this time. During my spare time, I can be found on social media, in the garden, watching Doctor Who, and talking about myself in third person. Sometimes all of that at once.
Becca Prior
Young Families Worker
Hi, I’m Becca and I am the Young Families Worker working in Partnership with Trinity church in the Clyst Heath and Newcourt area. As well as this role I am a Mum to 5 children and a SENDCo in 2 Primary schools. In my spare time (!) I love to grow fruit and veg on my allotment.
Becky Merriman
Community Connector and Youth Worker
Hey, I’m Becky. I have been at YMCA Exeter since 2017 and I work in our Youth Services and Community Connecting teams. Previously I worked in church-based youth work, and I have master’s degree in youth and community work. When I am not working you can find me involved with the youth work in my own church or out on Dartmoor walking my Dog Flora, who is two years old.
Beth Richardson
Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (In Training)
Hi, I’m Beth and I am excited to be joining YMCA Exeter as a Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (in training). I am also actively involved with my local church, and absolutely love it!
When I am not at work (or church), I love exploring new places, meeting new people, spending time with my friends and family and just being out and about!
Cassandra Chan
Customer Service and Admin Facilitator (South Molton)
Hi, I’m Cass. I am the Customer Service & Admin Facilitator at YMCA South Molton and used to be the Volunteer Coordinator for the community fridge project here. I feel extremely blessed to be able to work for such an amazing organisation.
Originally hailing from the tropical island city of Singapore, I have now lived in the UK for 16 years. My three children keep me very busy, however, when I do get time to myself, you can find me in the gym throwing around barbells and dumbbells. I am also a bit of a nutrition geek with an unhealthy coffee obsession!
Chiung-Yi Tsai
Finance Coordinator
I am Chiung-Yi and I am the Finance Coordinator at YMCA Exeter. I enjoy my work here, especially maintaining a healthy financial system and keeping records up to date. The YMCA environment is very friendly and the team is fantastic.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my little girl. We play games, cook food, bake cakes and go to the beach together. I love spending time with my family.
Chris Carter
Community Connector and Exwick Community Worker
Hello, I am Chris and I am a Young Families Worker based in Exwick. I enjoy offering support to young people and families through YMCA Exeter and Exwick Community Church.
In my spare time, I am a keen musician and LFC supporter. Overall, I enjoy encouraging others to meet their full potential.
Chris Sharp
Housing Projects Coordinator
Hello there, I’m Chris, one of the Housing Projects Coordinators for our Stage 1 housing project in St David’s Hill. I’ve been at YMCA Exeter since 2015 and enjoy working here and being able to put my Christian faith in to action. In my spare time I love spending time with my wife, entertaining my children (they have so much energy!!!) and watching films. I am a massive gamer too!
Clive Staples
Support Worker
Hello, I’m Clive and I am a Support Worker for YMCA Exeter.
I have worked with vulnerable children and young people for over twenty years. I have been a Steiner Teacher, a Primary and Secondary school Teacher, and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). I am currently completing my Master’s in Psychology and am excited to be joining the YMCA team. I live with my wife and two young children near Crediton. We enjoy spending time at our allotment and going for walks on Dartmoor.
Damian Brown
IT Support Technician
Hi, my name is Damian and I am the IT Support Technician for YMCA Exeter. It is my job to make sure the internal network and devices are working and to provide support to staff and residents where needed. I have been with the YMCA for about a year and really enjoy my role here and the people I work with. In my spare time I live stream my favourite game on Twitch in the evenings called World Of Tanks.
Debbie Carter
Exwick Community Worker
Hello, I’m Debbie and I’m a Community Worker in Exwick. This involves me meeting up with families and young people through my church, Exwick Community Church and YMCA Exeter. I get to chat, walk with and support them by befriending them in creative ways. I enjoy cycling, gardening and meeting up with friends and family. It has also been great fun learning to use more technology to reach people online during the pandemic.
Emily Hornsby
Customer Service and HR Coordinator
Hello, I’m Emily and I am the Customer Service and HR Coordinator. I really enjoy being the first point of contact for YMCA Exeter, helping and supporting everyone where I can. In my spare time I love adventuring to news places, going to the beach and getting involved with my church. Also, trying new foods and spending time with my family and friends are my favourite things to do!
Emma Mitchell
Young Families Worker
Hi, I’m Emma and I am one of the Young Families Workers working in Partnership with Trinity church in the Clyst Heath and Newcourt area. In my spare time I love going on walks on Dartmoor with my family. I also enjoy gardening (badly) and watching episodes of neighbours!
Fen Yee Teng
Finance Manager and Company Secretary
Hi, I’m Fen Yee and I manage our Finance and Regulatory Submissions. I enjoy my two roles and as a Chartered Accountant, I have many years of accounting and auditing experience. It is such a privilege to be in this organisation where I can witness work and ministry go hand in hand. In my leisure time, I love to listen to worship songs in different languages (5), cook, try new recipes and watch Korean dramas!
Gareth Sorsby
Joint Chief Executive Officer
Hey I’m Gareth and I’m one of the Joint CEOs which means I have the privilege of co-leading this rabble of extraordinary people! I’ve been working at YMCA Exeter since 2010 in various community roles and love the diverse nature of our projects. In my spare time you can find me playing basketball, listening to music or tidying up after my wonderful but extremely messy small children.
Hannah Geale
Community Connector
Hi, I’m Hannah and I am one of the Community Connectors.
I really enjoy being part of a great team and having the opportunity to meet lots of lovely people out in the community. When I’m not at work, I’m usually out exploring Dartmoor or at the beach with my husband and our two girls. In my spare time, I love attempting to bake interesting things and have recently started learning the piano!
Hannah Kroener
10:10 Volunteer
Hi, I’m Hannah and I’m one of the TEN:10 volunteers.
I’m from a small village in Germany near Stuttgart and am now here in Exeter for one year to do voluntary work at the YMCA. I just finished my A levels in English, German, and Religion a few months ago and am really excited to spend the year here! In my spare time, I love listening to music or watching TV series. One of my favorite things to do here is going on trips to the seaside and explore surrounding cities.
Harri Sharp
Young Families Worker
Hello, I am Harri and I am a Young Families Worker in Exwick. This means you will find me helping my church, Exwick Community Church, to engage with young families who need support in some way that usual services cannot provide. I get to visit families and become a friend. I love gardening and also pottering around the garden enjoying the sights, smells and textures. Story telling is something I really enjoy whether it is just using my voice, using a book and pictures, puppets or props.
Harry King
Tenancy Support Officer
Hi, I’m Harry and I am the Tenancy Support Officer at YMCA Exeter.
In my role, I love that I am able to support young people who need a helping hand with their housing, and I hope to enable them to thrive in their communities!
In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, skating, late night beach trips, climbing trees, and helping with my local church.
Izzy Cole
Support Worker
Hi, I’m Izzy. I’m a support worker at YMCA Exeter working with the Stage 1 accommodation team. I am passionate about demonstrating God’s deep love for us all through action. When I’m not working, I love going to the cinema, cooking vegetarian food and catching up with friends over brunch.
Jeremy Theeten
Housing Manager
I’m Jeremy and I’ve been at YMCA Exeter since 2006. My role of Housing Manager means I oversee our housing projects and ensure the quality of our service provision. I’ve studied Theology at Moorlands College and Social Science at De Monfort University. I’m passionate about championining the rights of young people and to be known for putting my faith in practice.
John Harvey
Key Relations Manager
Hi, I’m John and I’m Key Relations Manager at the YMCA Exeter. Amongst the stuff I’ve previously done was a nearly two-decade stint as Exeter City Centre Manager – playing a big part in making things like the Princesshay redevelopment happen. In my spare time I’m an armchair sports enthusiast – suffering regular disappointment as an Aston Villa fan!
Johna Selva
HR Administrator
Hi, I’m Johna and I’m HR Administrator at YMCA Exeter.
During my time in university, I got drawn into the world of TEDx talks, and that passion led me to organize TEDx events for my local community. I absolutely love the creative process of brainstorming ideas and making them come to life.
My adventurous spirit comes from my professional speed skating days, and I love pushing my limits through activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. When I’m not seeking adventures, I’m in the kitchen experimenting with recipes to explore cultures and bring people together over a meal.
Above all, I love listening to worship songs.
Jonathan Taylor
Facilities Worker
Hi, I’m Jonathan and I am a Facilities Worker at YMCA Exeter. I’m originally from Exeter and in my spare time, I enjoy cycling, going for drives with my friends, going to the cinema and swimming.
Laura Farrar
Fundraising Officer
Hello, I’m Laura and I am the Fundraising Officer at YMCA Exeter.
I support the Resource & Communications team to effectively raise funds and awareness for YMCA Exeter. I also provide admin support to the Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Team.
In my spare time, I am passionate about live music and the joy it brings to communities. I lead worship at my local church and you can sometimes find me flailing around in the sea and calling it surfing!
Lizzy Tones
Housing Projects Coordinator
Hi, I am Lizzy and I coordinate the Stage 3 and 4 housing projects at YMCA Exeter.
I have been working for YMCA Exeter since 2015 and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I love getting to meet so many truly wonderful people and have seen God do amazing things in and through each of them.
At home, I am a wife and a mum, and I love to play music, sing, be outdoors and spend time with friends and family.
Lucy Pieterse
Public Relations Coordinator
Hi, I’m Lucy and I look after public relations for YMCA Exeter. I’m a journalist at heart and I love that in my role I get to gather all the incredible stories from young people and news that flows out of the amazing work YMCA Exeter is involved in. It’s my privilege to then share this more widely across local and national media.
Outside of work I enjoy running and cycling, plus any opportunity for a mountain adventure with my family.
Luke Pugh
Support Worker
Hello I’m Luke, and I’m a support worker at YMCA Exeter’s Stage 2 Housing (Newcourt).
I’m passionate about helping people get their life back on track and as a support worker, I’m able to do that. I love working for a company that shares my faith in God as it’s something I’m passionate about and it’s great to be able to pray with colleagues throughout the day.
After work, I spend time making music or enjoying good food.
Lydia Brown
Housing Projects Coordinator & Warden
Hi my name is Lydia and I am one of the Housing Project Coordinators at St David’s Hill. I’ve been at YMCA since 2017 and I enjoy working with and helping the young people we have in this project. I am also the Warden, which means I live on site and deal with any emergencies that may require my attention after working hours are over. When I am not working, I love spending time with family and friends.
Martha Hancock
Wellbeing Coordinator
Hi, I’m Martha and I work in the youth services team as well as coordinating our Resilience Wellbeing Project. I started working for YMCA Exeter after completing the TEN:10 Internship in 2015. I live in Exeter with my husband and our two bunnies, Rory & Nibbles. I enjoy playing board games, reading books, spending time at the beach and travelling with my husband.
Max Langler
Facilities Worker
Hi, I’m Max. I’m a Facilities Worker for YMCA Exeter. We provide clean and maintained spaces for staff and residents – which is so important for a safe and happy environment for all. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my son, staying active with my mountain bike/ weights and watching movies.
Mwaka Chulu
Rent and Organisational Compliance Coordinator
Hello, I’m Mwaka and I am responsible for the management of resident rent and organisational compliance. I joined YMCA in 2013 after 20 years in academia as a lecturer and researcher. Coming alongside and supporting young people to achieve their aspirations in life is something I have always valued and enjoy.
Outside of work, I enjoy being part of and serving my family and local church, exploring nature and watching action/adventure movies.
Nath Kyle
Support Worker
Hello there! My name is Nath and I am a Support Worker for YMCA Exeter.
I am passionately driven to work alongside young people and to enable them to achieve their goals and dreams. I like to adopt a person-centered approach with my work and a God-centered approach with my life as He is Awesome.
In my free time, I like to be active and creative; anything from vlogging, singing, going for walks, playing board/video games and building the occasional Lego set.
Oliver Mason
Finance Officer
Hello, my names Oliver and I work as a Finance Officer. My primary role is to help with the day-to-day financial management of YMCA Exeter Community Projects. I’ve spent more than half my life around Exeter having moved down to Devon at a young age, and I’m overjoyed to be able to give something back to YMCA Exeter for all the service they have given to the community and myself.
I’m an avid reader, history buff and gamer; who is more than willing to speak with others on near any topic, even fervently arguing from positions I myself don’t hold.
Pedro Schmid
Horticulture Facilitator
Hi, I’m Pedro, I am the Horticulture Facilitator at YMCA Exeter.
Originally from Switzerland, I studied landscape gardening before developing my craft as a maker. Now living on the edge of Dartmoor, I am inspired by the natural landscape and the rugged beauty of our surroundings. I work alongside Sam in our Therapeutic Horticulture project, providing opportunities for residents and members of the community to spend time planting and nurturing crops and flowers, and work with wood to create beautiful simple things.
Outside of YMCA Exeter, I also run ‘Grounded’ – designing and crafting raw, authentic, beautiful pieces for the home: Grounded (groundedhome.co.uk)
Pete Bollom
Group Work Facilitator
Hi, my name is Peter and I have been working for YMCA Exeter since February 2020. My background is in mental health and most of my working life has been working in the area of addictions and homelessness. My main interests are community living, church life, music and running. I also enjoy nature and getting out on Dartmoor.
Peter Hall
Housing Projects Coordinator
Hi! I’m Peter and I’m a Housing Projects Coordinator in our Stage 2 accommodation (Newcourt). My role involves working alongside young people to help them gain independence and achieve their goals. I really enjoy seeing young people realise all their potential.
I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and when I’m not working, I spend my time going for walks, climbing, heading to the beach and getting involved with my local church.
Sam Thomas
Community Projects Manager
My name is Sam and I have worked for YMCA Exeter since 2011 and have loved being part of the family every step of the way. I’m so proud of all that the team do and we have some great services and projects. It is fantastic to be able to manage such a variety of community outreach projects working across such a broad age range.
When I’m not at the YMCA, I’m either on the trampoline with the kids or tending to my allotment.
Sarah Griffiths
Facilities Officer
Hi my name is Sarah Griffiths and I am the Facilities Officer for YMCA Exeter. I have lived in Exeter all my life and I really enjoy my role within the YMCA as no two days are ever the same. I undertake lots of different tasks, from turning our rooms around for a new resident moving into, mending things around our projects, to keeping the buildings in a good state of repair.
Si Johns
Joint Chief Executive Officer
Hi, I’m Si and I’m Joint CEO of YMCA Exeter. I started here back in 2002, coming from previous work in both Social Services and the Church of England. Everything YMCA Exeter does is about meeting the needs of people in body, mind and spirit, and it’s a fantastic mission to be involved in.
Outside of work, I enjoy family life with my wife and two girls. I also enjoy building random creations and playing drums!
Stephanie Chiu
Qualified Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People
Hi, I’m Stephanie, a Qualified Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People.
I’m a dog lover with a Bichon Frise back home in Hong Kong! In my free time, I enjoy exploring the Devon countryside. When it is too cold, I will be curled up on the couch with the telly on. I am also a big foodie, with my favourite food being sushi!
Steve Lawton
Facilities Coordinator
Hey, I’m Steve, the Facilities Coordinator at YMCA Exeter. I have worked in different housing projects over the last 10 years and love seeing people finding a home and becoming the people they were created to be. Outside of work, you can find me chasing my 3 children around a looking after our 5 chickens.
Sue Wilson
Volunteer Coordinator
Hi, I’m Sue and I’m the Volunteer Coordinator meaning I have the immense privilege of recruiting, training and leading our volunteer team. I also run our TEN:10 Internship, that involves a lot of fun too!
I love: singing, directing and arranging music for a couple of local choirs; Bobble our majestic marmalade cat; and also gardening in the sunshine. My dream one day is to get a miniature spotted horse.
Tim Spencer
Property Maintenance Worker
Hello I’m Tim. I have been working on the maintenance team since 2019. I am a carpenter and joiner by trade and really enjoy the varied work I do as part of the team.
I moved to Devon with my family in 2016. I like being an active member of my church and getting involved in various groups and activities. In my spare time I like getting out into the countryside or going to the beach with my family and dog.
Tim Wells
Group Work Coordinator
Hello! I’m Tim and I am the Group Work Coordinator at YMCA Exeter, delivering and overseeing activity groups for our young people. The YMCA is an amazing place to work, with great people and I get to do many of the things I love – e.g. sport, music and the adventure of faith!
I live on the edge of Dartmoor and love exploring the moors with my three children and wonderful wife. My hope is that all our young people can find life in all its fullness.
Tom Browne
Senior Fundraiser
My name is Tom and I joined the YMCA in 2010 to help start a new community employment initiative. I then gradually transitioned into fundraising, with a primary focus on seeking grant funding. I also wrote an incredibly imaginatively titled book in 2018, ‘A History of YMCA Exeter’.
When I’m not writing, I play badminton and enjoy running. I’m also an environmentalist, growing native wild flowers and organic vegetables.