About Open Homes

Open Homes is a homelessness charity with a difference: we work with churches, charities and individuals in Nottingham to shelter and support young people from the moment they are made homeless.

Being homeless is about more than not having a bed for the night: often it’s the culmination of family breakdown and trauma. We educate and empower guests to lift them out of homelessness now and in the future.

Our Christian faith and Jesus’ call to serve is at the heart of everything we do. We are emergency focused, prevention-oriented, compassion-driven and community-centred.

Meet the Team

Trustees

Sarah Dickin

Chair of Trustees

A teacher with extensive experience in pastoral care, Sarah’s warmth and wisdom challenge Open Homes to become family for our young guests.

Mike Davies

With decades of leadership in Financial Services and a local monastic community, Mike aims for Open Homes to offer refuge and address systems perpetuating poverty.

Ruth Holden

Ruth’s strong background in HR and as a Nightstop host help Open Homes stay person-centered and committed to the wellbeing of our guests and volunteers.

Tom Kite

Tom's extensive experience as a business leader and entrepreneur in the sales and lettings market provides invaluable insights into housing issues, enriching his role as a trustee.

Mark Nightingale

Mark's background in further education, coupled with his hands-on experience as a driver for Nightstop, uniquely positions him to understand the needs of young people.

Staff Team

Dawn Randall

Project Lead

Drawing from 20 years in childcare and development, along with volunteering supporting domestic abuse survivors and ‘lived’ experience of homelessness, she advocates for impactful change in her role as Project Lead.

Joe Dickin

Operations Manager

With analytical and problem-solving skills cultivated through his medical training and voluntary work, Joe is dedicated to shaping Open Homes to effectively support young people and ensure the day to day operations run smoothly.

Freya Watson

Referral Worker

Fresh from the University of Nottingham, she's a compassionate advocate, having played a key role in a University society, pursuing social justice and volunteers in kids ministry. Ideal for offering one-to-one support to young people facing homelessness.

Abbie Campbell

Referral Worker

Abbie recently graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Sociology, where she completed her dissertation on Modern Slavery. She is passionate about reducing social inequalities and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities.

Chantelle Magaya

Referral Worker

A current student at Nottingham Trent University studying law, Chantelle brings a sense of justice and compassion to the team. She carries a passion for seeing young people fulfil their potential from her time spent volunteering in youth ministry.

Ruth Filer

Referral Worker

Ruth is a law student at the University of Nottingham with a passion for empowering marginalised voices. Driven by a commitment to social justice, she aspires to foster a more inclusive and equitable community for those most impacted by societal inequalities.

Sarah Rauch

Funding Co-ordinator

As one of our longest serving volunteer hosts, with years of teaching experience and a role as church treasurer, she's adept at organising community initiatives. Her passion drives her to excel at fundraising for community causes.

Gemma Landers

Young Person Lead

Gemma has extensive experience supporting young people affected by domestic abuse and children with additional needs. Passionate about empowering youth, she champions their voices and fair treatment. Beyond her work, she volunteers in youth ministry and serves as Inclusion Lead for a youth theatre group, fostering confidence and belonging.

Thank you

Open Homes couldn’t operate without the prayers and financial support of our local churches, parishes and individual volunteers. Your contributions help us help young people in crisis, keeping them off the streets and supporting them into secure housing.

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