About us Meet the team Meet the Hope into Action team Your guide to Hope into Action's Support Centre team and our City Leads. You can also see who sits on our Board of Trustees. Jon Kuhrt CEO I joined Hope into Action in January 2023, having worked in homelessness for 30 years. I worked for 4 years as a Rough Sleeping Adviser for the government and was previously the CEO of the West London Mission for 8 years. Before that I was the Director at the Shaftesbury Society and a hostel manager for Centrepoint. Mark Oldaker Head of Operations I joined Hope into Action in September 2021 as an employee after previously being a trustee. I am an accountant and have worked in various sectors, including social housing for the last 10 years or so. I am passionate about the Psalms, process improvements, becoming paperless, empowering others and humous. Kate Doran-Smith Head of Network I am married with 3 children. I came to know Hope into Action from a church perspective, then worked as an Empowerment Worker, then a City Lead and as a member of the Exec Team. The best part of the job is never knowing what the day will bring. Since having to retire from dance it’s nice to be kept on my toes in a different way! Dee Midgley Head of Supporter Relations I began my career by serving in the Armed Forces and from that military background I have developed a 20-year career in fundraising for charities of all shapes and sizes. I am excited to be part of the Hope into Action team, after watching it grow from just a local idea in Peterborough into a UK-wide homeless charity. Cathy Gretton Nottingham Team Lead I have been working for Hope into Action since 2019, first as an Empowerment Worker and now as Nottingham Team Lead. Our staff team are brilliant, and it is a joy to work alongside them to enable churches to provide friendship, community and practical support to those who otherwise might be without a home. Matt Morton Cambridge Team Lead In July 2018 I joined the Cambridge team as an Empowerment Worker. In September 2021, I transitioned into the Cambridge Team Lead role. It’s a joy to work for Hope into Action. It’s a fantastic model and we are seeing more and more churches wanting to open homes for those most in need in their communities. Debs Green Norwich Team Lead I joined in April 2019 as an Empowerment Worker. In April 2022, I took on the role of Team Lead for Norwich. As an Empowerment Worker I loved the depth of trust that could be established with our tenants. As a City Lead, it’s a privilege to be able to empower and see churches realise their potential to house the homeless. Rebekah Bennett Peterborough Team Lead I am the City Lead for the Peterborough Team. I previously managed our Hope into Action Cambridge team for 6 years before leaving and going to work in a Church Operations role for several years. I then came back to the organisation in September 2023. I have a real passion for helping people realise their worth and thrive when people feel valued. Laura Cuthill Franchise and Safeguarding Lead I joined Hope into Action back in 2017. I spent 6 months as an Empowerment Worker and then 4 years as a City Lead before becoming the Franchise and Safeguarding Lead in January 2022. I am passionate about enabling others to get involved with Hope into Action. Jonathan Wilson Property and Investment Coordinator I joined Hope into Action in 2019 having previously worked in estate agency. It’s a great way of combining my faith with my passion and interest in property. I really enjoy meeting new people and introducing investors to projects, knowing that people’s lives and properties are being transformed in a positive way. Stephen Brown Franchise Development Coordinator I joined the Franchise Team in 2021, having previously helped set up and run the Hope into Action Eastbourne in the town where I live. My current role is helping new franchises become established and supporting them on their journey. Ed Walker MBE Ambassador I have spent 10 years working in overseas relief and development, 9 of those were working for Tearfund’s Disaster Management team. I set-up Hope into Action in 2010. I have authored two books called ‘Reflections from the Scorched Earth’ and ‘A House Built on Love’. I was awarded an MBE in June 2022 for services to homeless people. Priscilla Agyei Finance and IT Administrator I joined Hope into Action UK in May 2023 after attending the annual conference and being moved by the work that was taking place within the organisation. I feel extremely privileged to be a part of this movement and to consistently witness the work of Christ within us aiding us in our journey of demonstrating God’s love to those in need. Kaye Scupham Maintenance Administrator I joined Hope into Action in June 2020. I work in the Support Centre in the Operations Team, responsible for ensuring our homes are well maintained and compliant. I also support the Finance Team and am Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Noel Garner Operations Adviser I am the Operations Adviser, and have worked for Hope into Action for ten years; I only meant to stay for three. My work covers across our operations team with a particular focus on our new, modular development at Faith Close in Peterborough. Richard Kean Finance Administrator I joined Hope into Action in 2018 and it is a joy to work in Finance. With a penchant for detail, and a commitment to steward donations and scrutinise expenditure, I ensure financial recording gives a true and fair representation of the charity’s work, in tandem with bringing clarity and reassurance to the Head of Finance and Operations. Lucy Malcolm HR Lead I joined Hope into Action at the start of June 2022 having previously worked in the charity sector and more recently in HR and recruitment in private companies. I am CIPD qualified and enjoy applying that training in my role. I love all things people-related and am privileged to work with the amazing Hope into Action team. Nathan Jarvis Communications Lead I've worked in communications for both charities and public sector, before joining Hope into Action in December 2023. I have responsibility for our website and marketing materials and I love sharing the stories of what is happening across our Network. Outside of work I can usually be found chasing my one year old son around on his adventures! Sonja Campbell-Scott Executive Administrator I’ve been at Hope into Action UK since March 2024 and my role is to support the Exec team in keeping things running smoothly. I am married, have two children and a rescue dog. Apart from my walk with Jesus, I get excited about cycling (I am Dutch after all), spotting hedgehogs and seeing washing blowing in the wind.