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Meet The Team
We create a safe, supportive environment where young people can thrive.
Click to view the team profiles.
Admin
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Admin
Our Admin Team is the hub of YMCA Cornwall. They keeping everything running smoothly and make sure residents, staff, and visitors get the support they need.
The team covers a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Reception – welcoming visitors, answering calls, and being the first point of contact for anyone.
- Room Bookings – managing our meeting spaces and studio bookings.
- Classes & Activities – coordinating timetables and helping with enquiries.
- Enquiries & Referrals – handling general enquiries and processing referrals for supported housing and housing advice appointments.
- Coffee shop– the day-to-day running of our coffee shop, helping create a warm and social space for residents and guests.
Housing
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Housing
The Housing team at YMCA Cornwall is dedicated to helping our young residents rebuild their lives. The team is made up of:
- Supported Housing Officers
- Housing Manager
- Assistant Housing Manager
Together, they provide day-to-day support, guidance, and help to residents living in our supported accommodation. They help individuals develop independent living skills, access education and employment opportunities, and connect with specialist services when needed.
Our team works closely with each resident to create a personalised support plan, helping them set goals and take positive steps toward independence.
Whether someone is overcoming homelessness, escaping a difficult situation, or rebuilding after a crisis, our staff are here to listen, support, and empower them.
Maintenance
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Maintenance
Our Maintenance Team is essential to the running of YMCA Cornwall, working every day to keep our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming.
Led by our Maintenance Manager Jack, the team handles everything from urgent repairs and routine checks to larger development projects.
They’re responsible for rapidly turning around flats between residents, fixing any issues, redecorating, and making sure each space is ready for the next resident to move in and feel at home.
Our skilled in-house team, includes:
- Paul, our Electrician
- Jack, our Plumber and Maintenance Manager
- Phil, our Carpenter
They’re also taking on a major task: building four new flats as part of our recent fundraising campaign.
Their skills and hard work are helping us expand our supported accommodation to offer more young people a safe place to live.
Blaise Hinshelwood
Fundraising and Partnerships Officer
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Blaise Hinshelwood
Fundraising and Partnerships Officer
Blaise is the Fundraising & Partnerships Officer at YMCA Cornwall, where he leads on securing the funding to allow YMCA Cornwall to continue to provide its invaluable services to its young residents.
Since joining in June 2026, Blaise has focused on building relationships with trusts, foundations, local businesses and community groups, growing support for YMCA Cornwall’s work.
After completing his degree in Spanish and Linguistics, Blaise taught English in a school in the Amazonas region of Peru. He then cycled across the country to raise money for a children’s refuge in Lima.
In his free time, Blaise spends his time playing Table Tennis, Football, learning languages and going on adventures.
Lisa Woodruff
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
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Lisa Woodruff
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Lisa is the Communications & Marketing Coordinator at YMCA Cornwall, where she leads the charity’s PR, marketing and brand communications.
Since joining in May 2025, she has focused on raising awareness of youth homelessness, sharing the stories of young people supported by YMCA Cornwall, and engaging supporters, partners and local communities.
With a background in BBC journalism and marketing, Lisa brings more than 20 years’ experience in communications, content creation and public engagement.
Outside of work, she is a keen surfer and enjoys spending her downtime in the ocean along Cornwall’s coastline.
Faye Edwardes
Managing Director
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Faye Edwardes
Managing Director
Faye joins YMCA Cornwall with extensive experience spanning charity leadership, housing, property, psychology and the Church of England. Previously, Faye has worked across Cornwall as Church Buildings Officer for the Diocese of Truro and nationally in the Housing Project team for the Archbishops’ Council. Faye is looking forward to raising the profile of YMCA Cornwall across the county and developing relationships with other charities, organisations and businesses across Cornwall.
Faye brings significant commercial and strategic experience from earlier roles in property and the private sector, alongside a longstanding commitment to supporting people and communities. Faye is a trustee for numerous Cornish charities.
Faye enjoys walking the coast path, singing with a number of local choirs and is a regular worshipper at Truro Cathedral.
Gregg Davies
Finance Manager
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Gregg Davies
Finance Manager
Gregg oversees our finances here at YMCA Cornwall. He has a range of experience across large corporates, small start-ups, and charities, covering sectors such as software, energy, retail services, and the charity sector.
He’s committed to ensuring we can sustainably support young people and our wider community. And he finds it a privilege to work for an organisation that makes such a positive difference.
In his spare time, he enjoys surfing and camping, and helps out at the local surf lifesaving club’s junior sessions. He loves making the most of Cornwall’s beautiful coastline and being part of the local community.
Louise Mallas
HR and Governance Manager
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Louise Mallas
HR and Governance Manager
Louise has worked at YMCA Cornwall for 15 years, serving as our HR and Governance Manager. She plays a key role in shaping and delivering strategy across personnel, training, health and safety, staff wellbeing, and governance. And helps to ensure the organisation runs smoothly and effectively.
She is part of the Senior Management team, supporting staff at work and within the local community.
Louise also enjoys travelling and is a passionate Formula One fan, always keeping up with the latest races.
Christine Stuart
Housing Manager
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Christine Stuart
Housing Manager
Christine is our Housing Manager at YMCA Cornwall. She leads the housing team in delivering safe, supported accommodation for young people across Cornwall.
She has experience in housing management and youth support, and oversees applications, referrals, resident’s welfare, and the day-to-day operations of the Supported Housing service.
Nicola Hemsley – Chair
Chair
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Nicola Hemsley – Chair
Chair
Nicola has 25 years of experience in senior management, spanning the Education and Health & Social Care sectors.
She is a keen supporter of charities and currently sits on the board of another local charity that supports individuals with their mental health through creative activities and therapy. Nicola has also been a lead volunteer with Cancer Research UK for their Young Art Cornwall project.
She is very proud to be a member of the Board of Trustees for YMCA Cornwall and is excited to be part of the team working to further improve and develop the much-needed services that YMCA Cornwall provides to the local community.
Derek Tilby – Trustee
Trustee
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Derek Tilby – Trustee
Trustee
Derek has been a dedicated Trustee of YMCA Cornwall for over 15 years, bringing a wealth of experience from both the food production and waste management industries. He spent 20 years running food factories, followed by 15 years managing contracts in the waste sector. Derek also holds a Class 1 HGV.
A long-time resident of St Erth, where he has lived for 37 years, Derek is actively involved in the local community and church. His practical knowledge, commitment to service, and local roots make him a valued member of the Board of Trustees.
Penny Marns – Trustee
Trustee
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Penny Marns – Trustee
Trustee
Penny has been a Trustee for many years at YMCA Cornwall. She is interested in young people, education and homelessness, having been directly involved in a homeless project in Milton Keynes in the 1980s, and has lived and worked in a variety of community settings: urban, inner city and rural.
Previously employed as a teacher, she has experience in secondary and primary schools and ‘alternative provision’ for excluded teenagers and young people with physical and mental health challenges.
She lives near Falmouth, but until recently enjoyed being part of the church and community around Mount’s Bay for over 16 years.
In her spare time she likes making music and walking, and helps sustain the pilgrimage route – The Cornish Celtic Way.
Zena Muth – Vice Chair
Trustee
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Zena Muth – Vice Chair
Trustee
Zena is a retired Senior Civil Servant with extensive strategic, organisational, leadership, and oversight experience gained across both Government and the Third Sector. Throughout her career, she worked to promote the needs of underprivileged individuals, including those facing physical and mental health challenges or financial hardship.
During her career, she undertook a significant secondment to a major national charity, collaborating closely with Trustees to develop and implement a new strategic direction. This initiative strengthened the charity’s connection with its clients and enabled the expansion of its services.
Since returning to Cornwall, Zena has continued to support the local community through voluntary work as a Rotarian and as a Trustee of the Rotary Shop of Penzance, working directly with local people, organisations, and charities.
As Vice Chair of YMCA Cornwall, Zena brings a wealth of experience from both Central Government and the Third Sector, offering a comprehensive skill set that supports the vision and work of YMCA Cornwall.
Amanda Chambers – Trustee
Trustee
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Amanda Chambers – Trustee
Trustee
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