About Us
We are a small, self-funding, family run charity making a difference in the local community.
Changing lives
for the better
- Identify individuals who are ready for work
- Sourcing a suitable role and matching with a Business Building Futures (BBF) employer
- Ongoing mentoring and support for both employer and employee
We work with third sector organisations, who refer those ready to take the next step.
Taking the next step back into mainstream society.
• There are many organisations working with those with substance dependency or mental health issues ‘sweeping’ the streets daily signposting to the appropriate agency.
• We have a proactive relationship with many third sector organisations that are confident in referring suitable candidates directly to us.
• We match that individual with suitable employment from our membership of businesses.
We are the charity of choice for...
The Team
Carl Hedley
Client Support Manager
Born and raised in Leeds, Carl brings a diverse range of professional experience to the Foundation, having worked across industries including logistics, food retail and hospitality.
Carl also brings invaluable lived experience of homelessness. Having experienced street homelessness himself, he has a first-hand understanding of the challenges, barriers and wider issues faced by people without a place to call home.
Well respected within the charity community across West Yorkshire, Carl is passionate about supporting people to overcome challenges, improve their circumstances and build brighter futures.
Nathan Kirk
Head of Charity
Born in Bradford, Nathan brings more than 30 years of experience in the software industry to the Foundation.
Throughout his career, Nathan has worked across a diverse range of organisations, from international corporations to ambitious start-ups.
He has held director positions within a number of successful companies, giving him valuable experience in leadership, strategy and business development.
He is keen to use this wealth of knowledge and experience to support the Foundation and help it achieve its goals.
Stacey Vickers
Client Support Worker
Born and raised in Leeds, Stacey brings a wealth of practical experience and a strong commitment to supporting others. Her varied career has included roles as a gym instructor and lifeguard, alongside volunteering with organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Her dedication to volunteering has also been recognised through awards including Volunteer of the Year and Sports Volunteer of the Year.
Having experienced street homelessness herself has strengthened her determination to help others overcome barriers, make positive changes and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Lynne Haigh
Events Coordinator
After graduating from Northumbria University, Lynne began her career in London, working as a PA across a variety of industries, including private equity and property.
In 2014, Lynne returned to the North of England and, following the birth of her first of two children, joined Huddersfield-based charity Fresh Futures as part of its Fundraising team.
Lynne brings extensive experience in event management across both the charity and corporate sectors. She has a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences, combining strong organisational skills with an infectious enthusiasm for bringing events to life.
Our Trustees
Amy Kent
Managing Director of Mandate Systems Ltd, Brighouse.
Jeremy Garside
LL.B (Hons) Partner/Solicitor Williams & Co.
Charlotte Geesin
LL.B (Hons) LLM, Solicitor, legal Director and Shareholder Howarths.
Tracey Hopkins
Finance Director, Shareholder, Howarths Chartered member of the CIPD, AAT qualified, Trustee.
Gavin Howarth
LL.B (Hons) Solicitor, Howarths, Managing Director.
Scott Leather
Operations Manger, Erris Homes.
Our Founders
Andy Howarth LL.B (Hons)
Helen Howarth
After successful careers in the police service, law and banking, Andy and Helen founded Howarths Foundation to help people who need a second chance. They were passionate about giving back to the local community and wanted to use their skills and knowledge to make a difference to people who had experienced homelessness and needed help getting back to a normal life, through education, training and employment.
The Foundation is a testament to their compassion and determination to make a difference.
Ambassadors
Peter Howarth
Ambassador
Peter Howarth is an English musician, who is the lead singer of the iconic English band the Hollies. Peter also has a career as a solo artist and appeared in the lead role of the Roy Orbison Story in London’s West End to critical acclaim. He has backed Sir Cliff Richard on many occasions, most recently at the Royal Albert Hall In 2014. He released the CD album Evermore featuring his acoustic version of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother". Peter is a massive supporter of The Howarth Foundation and has appeared at fund raising events in Huddersfield and produced the video featured on our website.
Jack Laugher
Ambassador
Jack Laugher MBE is a British, European, Commonwealth and World Champion diver who has won multiple gold silver and bronze medals and recently carried the flag at the 2022 Commonwealth Games on behalf of Team GB. Jack is a regular guest at The Howarth Foundation’s annual Music Extravaganza.
Lois Toulson
Ambassador
Lois Mae Toulson is a British diver. A specialist in the 10 metre platform, she won the gold medal at the inaugural European Games in 2015, and the senior European title 2017. She competed in the women’s synchronised ten metre platform event in 2016 summer Olympics with Tonia Couch. She won silver at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships and is a muti gold silver and bronze medallist. Lois is a fantastic supporter of The Howarth Foundation attending and presenting at the charities annual Music Extravaganza.
Simon Grayson
Ambassador
Pictured here at one of our events with our Client Support Worker Carl Hedley, Simon Grayson is a football manager and former professional player. Born in Yorkshire, Simon has managed some of the top clubs in the region, including Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City.
Tanya Arnold
Ambassador
Tanya Arnold is a respected sports broadcaster and former presenter on BBC Look North, known for presenting the BBC’s Super League Show and championing women’s sport, especially rugby league.
Testimonials
