Our Team

Get To Know Us

At Renaissance UK, our team is at the heart of our mission to support individuals affected by drug and alcohol abuse.

Based in North West England, we are proud to provide a lifeline to those in need through a wide range of compassionate and effective services.

Both in drug & alcohol support and sexual health, our team is united by a shared commitment to empowering individuals on their journey. Together, we strive to create a sexually healthier and substance-free future for everyone we serve.

Get to know the passionate individuals driving our mission forward!

Julia Hutchings

Director

Julia Hutchings

Director

Hi, I’m Julia. I am one of the Ren-UK directors, my role is to look after the Charity on a business and financial level, ensuring compliance and adherence to Business, Charity Commission and Companies House governance, along with leading on Human Resources and the support of the infrastructure team. I have worked in various roles over the last 30 years since a move from Plymouth, Devon with my family, and I have been lucky enough to grow and learn with the charity, enabling us to support our service users the best we can thanks to an amazing team of people. I am proud to have been a part of Renaissance-UK Ltd (formerly Drugline Lancashire Ltd) and am so grateful for the Founder Kathryn Talboys, amazing staff (past and present), volunteers and work undertaken since 1986.

Shelley Mullarkey

Director

Shelley Mullarkey

Director

Hi, Shelley here. I am one of the Ren-UK directors, my role is to implement strategy and develop the Charity, monitor our Impact and to explore new funding streams. I have worked in various roles over the last 21 years, from Admin to Keyworker, to Volunteer Coordinator to Director. I love working for the charity as no day is the same, we are innovative and the work we do is so valuable and rewarding. A personal snippet about me is, I love my Dobie, he is nearly 2 and is called Luther.

Anthony Harrison-West

Sexual Health Manager

Anthony Harrison-West

Sexual Health Manager

Hi, I'm Anthony and I joined Renaissance UK in 2014. I started my journey with the charity as a Sexual Health Outreach Worker and now hold the position of Sexual Health Manager, looking after all our Sexual Health Services, including Revolution, across all funded areas. My team make me proud everyday with the passion and commitment they have to their projects and the mission and vision of the charity. I also have a passion in supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ Community and am currently the chair of the Blackpool LGBTQ+ Forum. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and travelling.

Ruth Hannibal

Finance Officer

Ruth Hannibal

Finance Officer

Hi, my name is Ruth. I'm a Finance Officer with Renaissance UK and started as an admin nearly four years ago. I work part time as I study fashion at university three days a week. I like to sew, read and drink coffee. I love working here because no two days are the same and the people are ace!

Mike Downey

Revolution Training and Awareness Lead

Mike Downey

Revolution Training and Awareness Lead

Hi there, I’m Mike, the Training and Awareness Lead for the Revolution project at Renaissance. My role is to raise awareness of current sexual health issues affecting our communities, through events, campaigns and delivering training to those working across the healthcare and public health sectors. I have been working at Renaissance since July 2023, when I completed my degree in sexual health studies after moving to the north west from Ireland. I have a border collie named Patch who takes up all of my spare time.

Simon Ogden

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Simon Ogden

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Hi, my name is Simon. I work part time as a Sexual Health practitioner and part time on outreach. I have worked for the charity for over 2 years and have supported people with a Person-centred approach for over 35 years. No two days are the same and the team are very supportive. In my down time I enjoy spending time with my family.

Tiara Fletcher

LGBTQ+ Community Development Lead

Tiara Fletcher

LGBTQ+ Community Development Lead

Hi everyone! My name is Tiara, I am the LGBTQ+ Community development lead for Horizon Blackpool. This role enables me to help the community and individuals with issues surrounding health and wellbeing. I am also part of the Revolution sexual health outreach team, this part of my role involves being in the community promoting safer sexual health practice. I have only been with the organisation since the beginning of January and I'm loving it!! In my free time I enjoy being creative with sewing projects and making things. I have a 3-year-old French bulldog named Cake who keeps me busy with her crazy antics and mischief.

Monica Wilson

OASIS Team Leader

Monica Wilson

OASIS Team Leader

Hi, I’m Monica, I am the team leader for the Oasis. My role is to lead the Oasis keyworkers in supporting individuals with multiple disadvantages who sit within Horizon drug treatment service. I have worked in two different roles over the last 4 and half years, starting my Renaissance journey as an enhanced outreach keyworker prior to becoming Oasis Team Leader. I love my role as it is fast paced and no day is the same, we are creative in our approach and the work we do is invaluable and rewarding. A personal snippet about me is… I love travelling and chasing sunsets.

Karen Troy

Drug & Alcohol Assertive Outreach Worker

Karen Troy

Drug & Alcohol Assertive Outreach Worker

Hi, I’m Kaz (Karen, but only on Sundays or to my mother!) I am a dedicated Drug & Alcohol Assertive Outreach Worker at Renaissance, I began my role in September 2024. We specialise in frontline support for individuals with substance misuse issues, my team works with clients referred by Blackpool Victoria Hospital or through self-referrals. I provide harm reduction advice, brief interventions, and offer onward referrals to Horizon services. Before joining Renaissance, I spent two years as a Criminal Justice, Recovery Practitioner, at Horizon. I also have an extensive background with Lancashire Women, where I worked for 12 years, initially as a Case Worker and later as a Justice and Safety Team Lead. In this role, I supported women across Lancashire, including working within Styal Prison to help women transition back into the community. I find the work at Renaissance incredibly rewarding, particularly due to the diversity of clients and the strong team dynamic. Outside of work, I enjoy lazy weekends, spending time with family, and tending to my garden, I am an avid gardener. I have a love for music, good food, and sunny holidays. Elephants are my favourite animal, a passion reflected in my meaningful tattoo.

Charleen Kitchen

Sex Worker Outreach Worker

Charleen Kitchen

Sex Worker Outreach Worker

Hi, I’m Charleen, a Sexual Health practitioner here at Renaissance. I have worked solely on my project which is part time for 18 years. I have also been known as The Condom Lady. I love meeting and supporting the clients over the years. Each person has different needs and requirements from the service, and I always try to offer a bespoke service to each individual person. I love working for Renaissance, we have a wonderful team who support one another which means a great deal, you are supported to be the best version of your own self. I love animals, travelling, and charity shops.

Sarah Harrison

OASIS Enhanced Outreach Worker

Sarah Harrison

OASIS Enhanced Outreach Worker

Hi, I’m Sarah, one of the Enhanced Outreach Workers, and I have worked for REN for over 2 years now and love what I do. My background is Domestic abuse where I have lots of lived experience. I love my team, and I am always there when someone needs a hug.

Paris Mullarkey

Administrative Officer

Paris Mullarkey

Administrative Officer

Hi, I’m Paris, the Administrative Officer at Renaissance. I absolutely enjoy working for such a brilliant charity and being part of the great work we do. On a personal note, I have a big, goofy Doberman named Luther who always keeps me on my toes!

Nina McCallion

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Nina McCallion

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Hi, I'm Nina, I joined the charity in November 2019, supporting those living with and affected by HIV, in Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire. I have been in the HIV and BBV world for many years, with experience in Prison services prior to joining Renaissance UK. I am proud to be a part of the Revolution Service, advocating for those living with HIV to succeed in a world without stigma, through support, raising awareness and delivering community testing. In my spare time I am an active cold-water swimmer and advocate for exercise with COPD and spoiling my grandchildren.

Stuart Bacon

OASIS Enhanced Outreach Worker

Stuart Bacon

OASIS Enhanced Outreach Worker

Hi I’m Stuart enhanced outreach worker for the OASIS team, I love my role, and my team are fantastic in trying to reach the most difficult to engage clients. Every day is different and very busy and always brings up new challenges, which my team through hard work and creative thinking always manage to overcome and solve. In my free time I love reading and studying about the history of old school New York graffiti and its reach into a global artform.

Christian Robinson

Harm Reduction & Assertive Outreach Manager

Christian Robinson

Harm Reduction & Assertive Outreach Manager

Hi, my name is Christian. With over 17 years’ experience in the Substance misuse and Addiction Recovery field, 10 of which have been at Ren UK, I have built a comprehensive skill set spanning frontline work, Team Leadership, and Management. I am a trained therapist and certified addiction specialist, with a deep understanding of the complexities of addiction, trauma, and recovery. My career is characterised by a strong commitment to providing trauma-informed, recovery-focused care, and I specialise in supporting staff to aid individuals through their journeys toward lasting recovery. Work hard - take pride - add value.

Karina Wasielewska

OASIS Enhanced Outreach Worker

Karina Wasielewska

OASIS Enhanced Outreach Worker

Hello, my name is Karina, and I joined the team in August 2021. I have previous experience working at a drop-in centre for homeless people, as well as supporting clients with multiple disadvantages. In my new role I enjoy the flexibility of the outreach and the diversity of my team.

Lee MacNeill

Assertive Outreach Worker

Lee MacNeill

Assertive Outreach Worker

Hello my name is Lee. I am an Enhanced Outreach Worker with the ADDER Project and have been with Renaissance since 2020. I have previous experience of residential and community work and am excited to work with such a diverse team.

Connor Griffiths

Assertive Outreach Worker

Connor Griffiths

Assertive Outreach Worker

Hi, Connor here! I’m an Outreach Worker at Ren-UK, where I focus on retaining clients and engaging with new ones. Every day is different, and I love that about my job. It’s so rewarding to help people and see the positive impact we can make. A little personal snippet about me: during my time in the army, I had the incredible opportunity to work in Albania with the embassy, where I met the president and prime minister. It was an unforgettable experience that shaped my journey.

Abby Webber

Volunteer and Counselling Coordinator

Abby Webber

Volunteer and Counselling Coordinator

Hi, I'm Abby, the Volunteer and Counselling Coordinator. My role is to recruit, induct, and support our Counsellors and Volunteers. I have previous experience in developing and managing teams and love working with the amazing volunteers we have at Renaissance. They are integral to the service, and we hope to create a fun, and welcoming environment. In my spare time, I love football, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.

Ali Ives

Senior Information Officer

Ali Ives

Senior Information Officer

Hi, I'm Ali, I have worked at Renaissance since 2013. I have had various roles during this time, starting as an administrator, then co-ordinating the Harm Reduction service, then I became the Harm Reduction and Assertive Outreach Manager. My current role is Senior Information Officer, and my responsibility is to lead on the assurance and compliance of the Charity, alongside legal and regulatory requirements. My role is to improve the Charity's success through improved information management. Outside of work, I enjoy Nintendo gaming, reading Peter James Novels and Line Dancing - plus spoiling my French Bulldog Chunk.

Lianne Lee

Assertive Outreach Team Leader

Lianne Lee

Assertive Outreach Team Leader

I am a dedicated and experienced team leader in the field of harm reduction, specialising in providing support to individuals with drug and alcohol dependencies. With a passion for promoting well-being and a deep commitment to helping others, I work tirelessly to create a compassionate and non-judgmental environment for my clients. Over the course of my career, I have developed a strong skill set in leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating care, and advocating for the rights and needs of those affected by substance use. I believe in the importance of a holistic, client-centred approach that combines empathy with evidence-based practices. My expertise extends to crisis management, harm reduction strategies, and facilitating treatment programs aimed at improving health outcomes and fostering long-term recovery. I collaborate with a variety of service providers and community organizations to ensure clients receive comprehensive care and access to the resources they need. With my ability to empower and inspire those around me, I am recognized for my leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those navigating the complexities of substance use.

Jane Altham

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Jane Altham

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Hi, I'm Jane, one of the keyworkers from Revolution. I am part of a dedicated team which provides Non-Clinical Sexual Health and HIV Support Services across Lancashire. I have been with the organisation since 2010, where I initially started as a volunteer with the service. I am passionate about providing non-judgmental, inclusive care and support for everyone and I love working for the Charity.

Jess Bridge

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Jess Bridge

Revolution HIV Keyworker

Emma Brown

Business and Admin Apprentice

Emma Brown

Business and Admin Apprentice

Hi, I'm Emma and I am currently completing my apprenticeship, studying at Level 3 in Business and Administration here at Renaissance, a role which I am really enjoying. I like learning new skills and developing my knowledge while supporting the team in day-to-day work. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, making memories and going on holiday whenever I can.

Our Team

Get To Know Us

Julia Hutchings

Shelley Mullarkey

Anthony Harrison-West

Ruth Hannibal

Mike Downey

Simon Ogden

Tiara Fletcher

Monica Wilson

Karen Troy

Charleen Kitchen

Sarah Harrison

Paris Mullarkey

Nina McCallion

Stuart Bacon

Christian Robinson

Karina Wasielewska

Lee MacNeill

Connor Griffiths

Abby Webber

Ali Ives

Lianne Lee

Jane Altham

Jess Bridge

Emma Brown

Powered By Renaissance

Quick Links

Our Socials

Our Team

Get To Know Us

Powered By Renaissance

Quick Links

Our Socials

Log In

Heads up! We’re tinkering behind the scenes.