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Meet the YMCA Cheltenham Team
Meet the team working behind the scenes to shape our services and support our community every day.
Joseph Main
Chief Executive Officer
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Joseph Main
Chief Executive Officer
I have had the privilege of serving in senior leadership roles within charitable organisations for over 30 years. My journey began in the early ’90s when I was first appointed as the Chief Executive of a charity. Over the years, my experience has broadened significantly, allowing me to lead organisations of various scopes—from a small local impact organisation to a regional development organisation, and eventually to a large international organisation. This last role involved overseeing an annual turnover of £25M+, managing a staff team of over 600, and operating across three continents.
After achieving my Master’s Degree at the University of Cambridge, I developed a deep appreciation for the necessity of excellence and standards in organisations. Beyond my academic background, my faith plays a pivotal role in my life. As a practicing Christian, I firmly believe in the transformative power of compassion and opportunity in people’s lives.
In 2020, during the challenging times of the pandemic, I joined YMCA Cheltenham. Reflecting on my leadership experiences, I can honestly say that this organisation has been the most rewarding to be a part of. The dedication of our staff and volunteers is truly inspiring. Each person here carries a profound passion and sense of purpose to be a force for good in society, tirelessly working to bring dignity, connection, and hope to those who need us most.
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my family, including our two large huskies. I would never say no to the spectacle of a game of Ice Hockey or live music – and have a secret passion for flying light aircraft.
John Ingles
Head of Housing, Policy & Performance
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John Ingles
Head of Housing, Policy & Performance
I am John Ingles, the Head of Housing, Policy & Performance at Cheltenham YMCA. My team in Cheltenham and Gloucester oversees our supported housing services for more than 200 individuals each night, offering accommodation for both families and single persons.
With a career in housing that spans nearly 30 years, I have worked with various housing providers within the sector, delivering housing management services to diverse communities across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
As a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, I have gained valuable insights into the housing industry. My current goal is to foster a focused and supportive environment for residents who have experienced homelessness, ensuring they have the opportunity to progress in life.
Faith Sanderson
Head of Finance
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Faith Sanderson
Head of Finance
Rob Charsley
Head of Health & Wellbeing
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Rob Charsley
Head of Health & Wellbeing
As part of Senior Leadership Team (SLT) I provide strategic leadership and support to the organisation for all things Health & Wellbeing, including supporting our Housing Managers to develop opportunities for residents to become healthier and more independent, create an environment where amazing staff teams feel they belong, can thrive and reach their potential as well leading the strategic development of activities and support available in the local community through our Sports Centre, Family Space and Feed Cheltenham.
I first joined YMCA Cheltenham in 2007 and have been blown away and privileged to witness first-hand the impact of the YMCA has with all those we work with across Gloucestershire – there is not many places you can work where everyday your work is making a difference by changing people’s lives!
My door is always open and the kettle is always on, if you need anything just let me know…
Sarah Rivers
Head of HR
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Sarah Rivers
Head of HR
My name is Sarah Rivers and I have been working for YMCA Cheltenham over 6 years. I am Head of HR; part of the Senior Leadership Team and I provide strategic leadership and support to the organisation for anything HR related. I am extremely proud of the work myself and the HR team have done. This ranges from ensuring polices, processes are in place. Helping ensure we recruit the best candidates and managers are trained effectively to carry out the roles well. Ensuring the organisation are complaint within HR or improving our DBS process. Through all doing this work, this will ensure not only are we compliant, we are recruiting the best talent, but managers and staff have the necessary tools to carry out their role effectively.
One of the main reasons why I joined YMCA Cheltenham, was to help improve the lives of those that are less fortunate that me. The work YMCA Cheltenham do is amazing, whether this is letting children speak to their parents they haven’t seen for years or helping people have a bed for the night.
Outside of work I have three children, two of them are twins, a Spanish galgo dog, and husband, which keeps me busy! Weekends are often spent watching the kids play sport, taking the dog for walks or meeting up with friends and family.
Dave Hemmings
Head of Property and Maintenance
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Dave Hemmings
Head of Property and Maintenance
My name is David Hemmings and I started working for YMCA Cheltenham in March 2024. I am Head of Property and Maintenance; part of the Senior Leadership Team and I provide strategic leadership and support to the organisation for anything Property & Maintenance related. I am extremely proud of the work myself and the team carry out on a daily basis, We are always looking for new and innovative ways to work whilst getting the best value for money. The work that the team carries out ranges from housekeeping, grounds maintenance, day to day repairs, void works and compliance works. Due the variety in the properties owned and managed by YMCA Cheltenham we must rely on and manage several external contractors across all fields to assist us in maintaining our properties.
One of the main reasons why I joined YMCA Cheltenham, was to help improve and maintain its current properties now as well as in the future. I am trying to build a planned maintenance program of works to ensure that we are delivering high quality accommodation and buildings for our sports and family services for many years to come.
Outside of work I have three young children, one daughter and twin sons. I am looking forward to watching them grow up and the challenges that will bring. I am always playing or watching sport and I think that this is something that has already started rubbing off on them.
Jo Smith Wood
Senior Executive Assistant
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Jo Smith Wood
Senior Executive Assistant
I’m Jo, Senior Executive Assistant at YMCA Cheltenham. My role is to support the Senior Leadership Team of the organisation and in particular the CEO. I deliver high-quality research, administrative and technical assistance to the organisation.
Although the focus of my work is supporting our CEO, I also support the Governance of the charity by ensuring the smooth delivery of Trustee Board and Committee meetings, as well as managing the central administration team.
When I saw a vacancy at YMCA Cheltenham I didn’t hesitate to apply. I knew the YMCA as my children had enjoyed many sports activities throughout their childhood, from Toddler Gymnastics to Judo and Junior Badminton. I was always impressed by the YMCA sports coaches and valued the encouragement and support they gave my children. In addition, as I lived in Cheltenham, I was aware that the charity was expanding with much needed supported accommodation in Vittoria Walk. Then, when I started working here, the range of services the YMCA provided for the local community really impressed me – and still does to this day. We are always looking to respond to local needs.
Working at YMCA Cheltenham is more than just a job for me – the work we do to help others is so important, as are the values by which we operate.
…and, knowing that YMCA Cheltenham was founded in 1855 means even more – ensuring we continue the good work of serving our community as those who have gone before us did.
Joel Layton
Senior Manager - Physical Health & Sport
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Joel Layton
Senior Manager - Physical Health & Sport
My career has always been focused on sport and leisure here in Gloucestershire within other charitable organisations. Within my professional journey, I came to the realisation that it’s time to give back and work within a charity who have the ability to positively impact people’s lives through
My aim is to provide a friendly, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to explore their individual health and wellbeing journeys. This is achieved through a variety of sport clubs, fitness classes, community partnerships and social engagements.
We pride ourselves on having an incredible Health and wellbeing team here with the drive and focus on supporting young people, the communities and you.
We are open to all so please do pop into the sport centre. Lace up your trainers and try a class, experience the community we have and grab a cuppa whilst we explore how we can help.”
Currently Recruiting
Senior Manager - Children and Families
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Currently Recruiting
Senior Manager - Children and Families
Linda Grice
YMCA Connect Community Manager
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Linda Grice
YMCA Connect Community Manager
I joined the YMCA in December 2022 as the Feed Cheltenham Lead. My background is in Social Work and Counselling, and I have spent several years in the field of Substance Misuse, working in a variety of settings including residential, criminal justice, and community roles. I then chose to stay at home to raise my three children, who are now all attending local secondary schools. Before joining the YMCA, I worked as a Community Centre Manager here in Cheltenham, which allowed me to bring a wealth of local knowledge about available services to my new role.
Feed Cheltenham was established in 2020 as a response to the pandemic and the struggles many low-income families faced due to furloughing, job losses, and ill health. The number of people using community food support services rose dramatically during this time, and the number of Community Pantries in Cheltenham alone increased from one to six over four years. Having helped to establish one of these pantries during the pandemic, and feeling passionate about the importance of ensuring everyone has access to food, I felt that much could be achieved within the Feed Cheltenham role. This remains true as the cost of living continues to rise, and we continue to see people in great need, facing many challenges in addition to food insecurity.
We have a Crowd Funder at Feed Cheltenham that raises funds to buy supermarket vouchers for households in need. I work with a variety of agencies, from small charities to mainstream schools, to ensure that these vouchers reach families who can truly benefit from them.
I also collaborate with the managers of all six independent charity-based community pantries to help coordinate their efforts across the town, delivering a uniform service that can meet needs. Additionally, I advocate for those facing food insecurity on several committees and during discussions at both town and county levels.
Tristam Meyrick
Training & Professional Standards Manager
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Tristam Meyrick
Training & Professional Standards Manager
I joined the YMCA as a bank worker at the tail end of the pandemic in 2021 as a bank worker whilst finishing off my second degree. After joining the team full time at Vittoria Walk (now Williams House) I was fortunate enough to be promoted at the inaugural Pathway Home project in Gloucester and then recently to my current position. This has also afforded me the opportunity to study a MSc in housing.
After a career in hospitality (as a publican and then as a chef), I embarked on a complete career change in 2013 and became a youth worker working in conjunction with the Police Crime Commission, National Citizen Service and Prince’s Trust, receiving a community action award from the former as part of the Great Expectations project with young offenders.
In my personal life I enjoy running, cycling and fitness and regularly run half marathons for charity. I also enjoy music and play several instruments, practice spirituality and cooking and have employed a plant based lifestyle since 2017.
Faye Dewhurst
Development and Communications Manager
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Faye Dewhurst
Development and Communications Manager
As the Development and Communications Manager at YMCA Cheltenham, I have the privilege of overseeing all internal and external communications, fundraising initiatives, donor development, and events. With a diverse background spanning the private, public, and charity sectors, I bring a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to my work.
My journey in the charity sector has been both rewarding and enlightening, allowing me to blend my passion for effective communication with my desire to make a tangible difference in the community. Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that strategic communication can inspire change and create meaningful connections.
I am a proud mum of two teenage daughters and spend most weekends cheering them on from the side of the football pitch. I also enjoy hiking with my dogs, listening to podcasts/music and spending time with friends and family.
At YMCA Cheltenham, I am part of a vibrant team dedicated to empowering individuals and enhancing community wellbeing. Every day, I witness the profound impact we have on people’s lives, fueling my commitment to our mission.
Karen Brown
Pathway Home Senior Manager
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Karen Brown
Pathway Home Senior Manager
My name is Karen Brown, I joined Cheltenham YMCA in April 2021 as the Housing Manager for the accommodation scheme now known as Williams House in Cheltenham.
In 2023 I was successful in gaining the role of Senior Manager for the Cheltenham YMCA Pathway Home accommodation service in Gloucester, in which I manage senior staff and the support delivered to residents who reside within the Pathway home sites to ensure a quality service is managed in order to assist residents to move positively forward with their own life journeys.
I am extremely proud to be in the position to contribute to the amazing work that Cheltenham YMCA deliver and to work with dedicated staff teams who are both passionate and committed in all that they do on a day to day basis.
Millie Barnes
Pre-School Manager
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Millie Barnes
Pre-School Manager
I am the Pre-school Manager at Cherry Blossom Pre-school and I oversee the staff team and ensure the pre-school is a fun, safe, and nurturing environment for all of our children.
I joined the YMCA because it was clear to see that they are devoted to their employees, as well as being committed to supporting children and families and welcoming growth and development to meet the needs of the local community.
Cherry Blossom Pre School not only provides high quality education for early years children, but also support the children and their families on a more personal level. Whether that be through facilitating access to food vouchers from the local food bank or making contact with Health Visitors to arrange support in the family home.
We pride ourselves on our passion for ensuring all of our children and families feel that we are a setting which goes above and beyond to provide individual support to those who need it.
Nick Musty
Housing Operations & System Manager
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Nick Musty
Housing Operations & System Manager
I have worked in the housing sector since 2010, gaining extensive experience in roles such as Lettings Officer, Housing Officer, and within IT teams supporting housing services. My career has been shaped by a strong commitment to supporting people and improving housing systems.
I joined YMCA Cheltenham in June 2023 as a Bank Housing Support Worker, and was appointed Housing Operations Coordinator just a few months later in September 2023. In January 2025, I stepped into my current role as Housing Operations and Systems Manager. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that truly makes a difference in people’s lives—supporting individuals during some of their most vulnerable times and working to create safe, stable, and caring environments.
Working for the YMCA aligns with my values; it’s a place where people genuinely care about residents and the impact we have on their lives.
Alan Moorhouse
Regulatory Compliance Manager
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Alan Moorhouse
Regulatory Compliance Manager
I’m Alan, Regulatory Compliance Manager. I joined YMCA Cheltenham in March 2025. With over 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles in Social Housing and Charities, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. I have a Masters degree in Business Administration and I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
I am passionate about delivering services and assisting those who need our help. Delivering regulatory compliance is not just about meeting and exceeding the requirements of the regulator but, perhaps more importantly, delivering excellent and effective services for our residents and customers.
I enjoy working in an organisation that places the Christian Faith at the centre of its mission, as I am also an active member of All Saints Church in Worcester..
In my free time, I enjoy walking my Cavapoo, hacking around a golf course, or cycling.
Louise Morton
Contact Centre Manager
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Louise Morton
Contact Centre Manager
I’m Louise, the manager at the YMCA Cheltenham Child Contact Centre.
Our Contact Centre is accredited by the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) and provides a secure environment for children to spend time with family members they no longer live with. My journey with the Cheltenham Contact Centre began in 2002, when I started as a volunteer and eventually became a team leader. In 2022, I decided to leave my career in housing and take on the role of full-time Contact Centre Manager.
I recognise the vital role Child Contact Services play and the profound impact they can have on children’s lives. The chance to lead this service and join Cheltenham YMCA was an opportunity I couldn’t overlook.
Parents make their way from across the UK, and even internationally, to share quality time with their children at the Cheltenham Child Contact Centre. Over the past year, our Centre has facilitated family time for 144 children with their parents, a possibility that wouldn’t exist without this service.
Derry Cleaton
Senior Housing Manager
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Derry Cleaton
Senior Housing Manager
I joined the YMCA in January 2024. With over 30 years of experience in senior leadership, I’ve had the privilege of working across the public sector, social housing, and charities. This journey has equipped me with significant experience and knowledge in supporting people with complex needs.
I am deeply passionate about trauma-informed support and am committed to removing barriers to help people utilise opportunities both at the YMCA and within the community. My goal is to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.
I hold a degree in Economics and Social Science and have achieved an NVQ 7 in Strategic Leadership & Management. These qualifications have been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership and community support.
When I’m not at work, I cherish spending time with my family and friends. I love being “out and about,” whether it’s catching the latest film at the cinema, enjoying a play at the theatre, or attending various events and gigs. I also enjoy walking my dog or strolling with friends. I’m proud to be the captain of my local Tewkesbury skittles group, which competes in the Tewkesbury Women’s League. However, I equally appreciate the tranquillity of my garden and enjoy reading in peaceful moments.
I attend Tewkesbury Abbey whenever I can and am a member there. My faith continually inspires my dedication to helping others and making a positive impact in my community.