Hannah has worked for local charities for 15 years, in roles that have truly embedded her in the development of her community and allowed her to fulfil her passion for supporting older people. Most recently as the Co-ordinator for the intergenerational reading charity Silver Stories, she reduced the social isolation felt by older volunteer listeners by connecting them to young volunteer readers.

As a Volunteer Co-ordinator at St. John’s Hospice, Lancaster, she supported volunteers across the hospice, both in clinical and non-clinical roles. She managed the Hospice Neighbours project, which trained volunteers to provide companionship and support. This was the only Hospice service offering volunteer-led support in patients’ homes.

As a Personal Advisor for Age UK Lancashire, she carried out assessments for older people and connected them to services to enhance their independence, health and wellbeing, both within Age UK and the wider community. To support this new project, she carried out a community mapping exercise, linking up new referral partners across all sectors to ensure older people had a greater choice of options.

As a Voluntary Sector Development Worker at Lancaster District Community and Voluntary Solutions, she engaged with small volunteer-led organisations and larger charities, supporting them to develop appropriate networks and enhance their sustainability through training and funding advice. She coordinated cross sector networks and forum events, both of which supported information sharing and collaborative working.

Hannah has volunteered for several charities over the years including Age UK Lancashire, Bramley Elderly Action and Caring Together in Woodhouse.

Hannah enjoys spending time with her young family, baking and crafting and exploring the outdoors with picnics. She enjoys meeting up with friends and is a keen runner, reader and film watcher.