Meet The Team
Nick Alderson
Hi my name is Nick and I am the manager at the Open Door Charity. Before coming to manage the Open Door Centre I gained 15 years’ experience in the mental health sector and for the past 6 years I worked in community development role within the NHS.
I have absolutely loved my time at the charity so far and without doubt, the best bit is being able to help so many local people.
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Catrina Higson
Counselling Lead
Hello! My name is Cat, I have worked at the Open Door Centre for over 16 years! I love working at the Centre and helping people achieve more in their lives.
At the Open Door Centre I can help with anything that causes a person distress. I am also a qualified counsellor and run the counselling service at the Open Door Centre.
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Email : catrina@opendoorcentre.org.uk
Jessica Parr
Crisis Support Worker
I have experience in supporting adults and young children and I’m passionate about providing support to those who most need it in our community. If it’s chat, guidance or just a helping hand I will be there to offer people the support they need at their most difficult times.
I look forward to my time at Open Doors and following my passion within this outstanding charity.
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Email : jessica@opendoorcentre.org.uk
Gary Williams
My name is Gary Williams. I have been employed as the finance and admin officer at the Colne Open Door Centre for over 17 years.
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My background is local government and I worked 25 years for Pendle Council before taking early retirement and moving into the voluntary sector. I started here at the Colne Open Door Centre in 2006. working at the centre is a lot different to working in the formal structure of the council.
There, my duties were laid out in writing and were fairly rigid. It is different in the voluntary sector where there are fewer staff and employees must, to a certain extent become "Jack of all trades" (and I do know how the saying finishes)!Here, as well as my finance and administration role I am the computer "expert" within the organisation (that's maybe not saying a lot), I am the handyman and also clear the drains when they block, twice a year on average - lovely! I am well past retiring age and, although all good things must come to an end, I am still here because I really believe in the Centre and what we do I feel privileged to be a part of it.
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Email: gary@opendoorcentre.org.uk
Richard Hartley
Kitchen Supervisor
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Hi my name is Richard, I am the Kitchen Supervisor here at Cole Open Door Centre. I volunteered here at the centre for over 10 years before being employed by the charity. My passions in life are Burnley Football Club and socialising in the Colne area.