Staff
Meet our staff and trustees
Deborah Hargreaves– CEO
Deborah is the CEO of The Marsh Community Centre and has over 13 years of experience supporting the local community. She leads the organisation, oversees staff and services, and is committed to ensuring the centre continues to provide opportunities, support and activities that benefit people of all ages.
Chelsea McHugh – Manager
Chelsea has worked at The Marsh Community Centre for over 11 years and holds a degree in Social Enterprise. As Manager, she oversees the day-to-day running of the centre, supports staff and volunteers, and is passionate about creating opportunities that make a positive difference to the local community.
Denise Thompson – Community Worker
Denise supports young people who are not in education, employment, or training (N.E.E.T), helping them build confidence, develop skills, and access new opportunities. She is passionate about supporting local people and ensuring the centre remains a welcoming and supportive space for the community.
Emma Dobson- Youth Worker
Emma is our longest-serving team member and a dedicated Youth Worker. She supports all of our youth sessions, bringing experience, consistency, and a friendly face that the young people know and trust.
Rory Payne- Team Lead Youth Worker
Rory is the newest member of our staff, stepping into the role of Youth Work Team Leader. With a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to empowering young people, Rory brings both energy and experience to the team.
Marnie Yates- Youth Worker
Marnie is a creative and enthusiastic Youth Worker who is currently studying Psychology at university. She is passionate about supporting young people, helping them build confidence, express themselves creatively, and reach their full potential.
Kirsty McMahon – STOP SMOKING PROJECT COORDINATOR
Kirsty is the Stop Smoking Project Coordinator at The Marsh Community Centre. She supports individuals on their journey to becoming smoke-free, helping to coordinate clinics, activities, and support services. Kirsty is passionate about improving health and wellbeing and providing encouragement to help people achieve their goals.
Trustees
Andrew
Andrew: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to be a Trustee of the Community Centre and through it to serve the people of the Marsh. Many of my family and friends came from the Marsh; my mother lived on Cavendish Street.”
Dalitso
Dalitso ” I am excited to be a trustee, I love gardening, and hoping to help the Hollywalk Community Garden get established”
Joel
Joel is a Lancaster-born creative with 10 years working in the charity sector. He brings experience in marketing, communications, design, videography and project management.
Martin
Martin moved to Lancaster in 2021 after a newspaper career in the South of England and now lives close by the Marsh.
Ken
Ken manages the accounts. He’s a retired Chartered Accountant and former Professor of accounting at Lancaster University.
Clare
Clare is our newest Trustee, she is also our in house child entertainer and face painter.
Karin
Karin lives locally and is delighted to be back as a trustee after a few years away exploring new opportunities.
She now runs her own business, helping people make their spaces more welcoming, purposeful, fun and safe – something she’s excited to bring to the centre too.
Mike
Mike provides all relevant information in regards to safeguarding and youth work. He is a retired school progress leader and youth worker.