Meet Rae
Group facilitator
I am a non-binary lesbian with over 30 years’ experience supporting people experiencing crisis, conflict and change. I am qualified in counselling and psychology up to level 4.
What’s your role at Hart Gables?
I co facilitate the Welcome Hope group
What inspires you to volunteer?
To learn more about the asylum seeker process and to support the people that need it most. I also volunteer to help rebuild my confidence and enhance my skills.
Meet Chris
Charity Advisor
I am Chris and I love the TV show Wednesday! I am 32 years old, and I am really into alternative fashion.
What’s your role at Hart Gables?
I help at the focus group making sure Hart Gables is supportive and inclusive to autistic people.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I want to raise awareness about autism and get work experience, but I also want to show others that autistic people can bring something important to any organisation.
Meet Julie Ann
Group facilitator
I am 58 years young and have been part of HG for 15 years! My own personal journey has inspired me to give back, so here I am.
What’s your role at Hart Gables?
I co facilitate the She’s OUT group, and act as a voice for victims of hate crime. I am also part of the focus group that helps advise the charity.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I want to give back to the people who have supported me, this is my way of saying thank you.
Meet Diana
Group Coordinator
I have been volunteering since 2019. I have been a forum champion for people seeking asylum and I am now helping coordinate activities for groups. I love helping people and I am very happy in my role at HG.
What’s your role at Hart Gables?
I started as a forum champion for people seeking asylum, I now help advise the charity and coordinate groups.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I love to help people around me and I love to help where it is needed. Being a volunteer group coordinator is to be useful and helps people in the group. We are all family at Hart Gables.
Meet Wayne
Charity Advisor
I have been involved in Hart Gables for 16 years. I love art and I also love old cartoons. I am a very friendly person with a big heart, and I love to show my heart to everyone. I have been out for 26 years.
What’s your role at Hart Gables?
I help plan events and I co facilitate the seasonal evening groups at the Stockton office. I show peer support by making new members feel welcome at groups as I have been at the service a long time.
What inspires you to volunteer?
Volunteering helps me get out and about and let’s me give back to the community.
Meet Zoe
Charity Advisor
I am a caring individual who is interested in helping others.
What’s your role at Hart Gables?
I support the charity at pride events and help steer the organisation in the right direction, making sure we are meeting the needs of the local LGBTQ+ community.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I do it because I care, it’s nice to be nice. I like to give back to the community.
Meet Amber Louise
Charity Advisor
I was always trying to find a way to feel comfortable in my own skin, but coming to Hart Gables has given me a place to feel at home and a place to be yourself without judgement – a place to reach your full potential.
What’s your role at HG?
I am a charity advisor and have recently taken on the role at co facilitating the She’s OUT group. I am also hoping to become a volunteer listener in the new year.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I do it because I enjoy it. It’s a place to call home, and I want to create a place for others to call home, too. I want to help others grow.
Meet Jess
Charity Advisor
I am an out and proud lesbian after starting support with Hart Gables 5 years ago!!
I am getting married to my amazing partner next year, and I love to support what HG do!!
What’s your role at HG?
I mainly volunteer at the focus group and help shape ideas. I bring my transferable skills from my job as a peer practitioner in the NHS, alongside my lived experience. I hope to develop my role as a co facilitator at the True Colours group in 2026.
What inspired you to volunteer?
HG helped me to come to terms with being myself and finding happiness again, I want to do the same for others!
Meet Stuart
Charity Advisor
I love to give things back to the local community and impart my knowledge to others.
What’s your role at HG?
I am charity advisor at the LGBT Focus Group
What inspired you to volunteer?
I want to increase my knowledge, skills and confidence and to work in a team environment. I also want to increase my employability perhaps in the future. I want to improve community awareness!
Meet James
Charity Advisor
I am a friendly, outgoing and honest straight to the point, tell it as it is person.
What’s your role at HG?
I’d say my role was to help and support people at HG. I offer support to help people with life skills and functional skills.
What inspired you to volunteer?
I want to help and support people.