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.
Don
Counselling Lead
Hello, my name is Don, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the Counselling Lead at the Open Door Centre.
I had the privilege of completing my counselling placement here at the Open Door Centre several years ago, so it feels particularly special to have the opportunity to return. In many ways, it feels like coming back home, and I am really pleased to be part of the team once again.
Throughout my career, I have worked in primary education for over 20 years, as well as holding a Deputy Manager role within a children’s home. Alongside this, I have also run my own counselling practice, giving me experience of supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds and with many different needs and challenges.
I have a genuine passion for helping others and feel privileged to support people as they navigate the issues, difficulties, and challenges they may be facing. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, valued and supported, and I look forward to bringing this approach to my role at the Open Door Centre.
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.
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.
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.
Email: gary@opendoorcentre.org.uk
Hannah Holden
Hello my name is Hannah, I’ve been volunteering at Open Door for 18 months and have now started my role at the Cafe Supervisor. The center is such a wonderful friendly place and I feel lucky to be a part of it every day.
When I’m not here I like be spending time with my family Joseph, Jess & husband Richard, and not forgetting my beautiful boy Ralphie the cockerpoo!
I also love to travel and socialise with my pals as much as I can.
Can’t wait to see you all in the cafe soon for some home cooked food a drink & more importantly a chat!