Amanda Hunt
General Manager
Hi, my name is Amanda and I’m the general manager. I first became involved with the charity is 2023 as the central project worker before covering the North.
I’m a trained counsellor and have experience working in schools before coming to FFL. I have lived experience of additional needs and have a real passion for supporting it. I also have 3 girls of my own.
Away from Friends for Leisure I enjoy being in the outdoors doing country walks but equally enjoy curling up on the sofa with my family watching movies.
Hannah Guthrie
Deputy Manager
I first started working at Friends for Leisure in June 2014 as the Project Worker for Crewe. I previously studied a degree in Primary Education where I became passionate about supporting children and young people to have a voice in their community and worked in several roles both in primary education as well as with young carers and disabled children. To further my knowledge and interest in mental health, I am studying a part-time Open University degree in Psychology with counselling which I am really enjoying.
I love being a part of the Friends for Leisure team and seeing the young people at our activities build their confidence and friendships. As of March 2019, I am now the charity’s activity coordinator which involves planning and delivering our holiday activities, disability awareness sessions in schools as well as running our Crewe bowling.
Sean Worth
Volunteer Coordinator
Hi, my name is Sean and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Friends for Leisure. My academic background was related to early years where I undertook a BA (Hons) Childhood Studies and an MA in Educational Leadership and Management. Before starting this role, I predominately worked in nurseries and pre-schools, until this fantastic opportunity with Friends for Leisure came about.
I am a passionate sports fan, particularly football and cricket, and I am a lifelong fan of Macclesfield FC and Lancashire County Cricket Club. I am a huge music lover, where I enjoy listening to many genres of music (particularly rock music) and I am also a mobile DJ, working under the name of Silk Discos, where I cater for a range of events such as birthdays, weddings and the amazing Silky Sundays, which is a disco for any individual with a disability.
I am truly excited by the new role that I have and I am dedicated to supporting and being a good role model to all our volunteers as they strive to offer friendship and a wide range of leisure opportunities to our disabled children and young people; and help to optimise their experiences of community presence and participation.
Sarah Gill
Project Worker (North)
Hello! I’m Sarah, the new Project Worker for Macclesfield.
I have a strong interest in Psychology and completed a BSc with hons and an MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology. I have worked for many years within behaviour therapy, firstly as a 1:1 ABA Tutor within family homes, schools and colleges and later in Positive Behaviour Support working with families in crisis. In my spare time I enjoy going to music concerts, watching musicals, walking, and meeting up with friends.
Katie Planeta
Project Worker (Central)(North)
I have worked with young people with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and mental health for the last 18 years and hold my NVQ level 3 in health and social care. I have enjoyed every minute of this work, supporting individuals to feel socially included whilst gaining valuable experience and knowledge.
I’m fun and friendly and bring positivity to my work. I have 3 children who I enjoy spending time with, trips out baking, and long walks with dogs.
I’m looking forward to beginning my new chapter as project worker and meeting you all.
Stacy Pointen
Project Worker (South)
Hello, my name is Stacy.
I’m really excited to be joining the team as the Project Worker for the South! I’ve worked with young people with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, and mental health needs for the past 23 years. During that time, I’ve gained my NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and have loved every minute of supporting people to build confidence, feel included, and achieve their goals. It’s been such a rewarding career, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to this new role.
I’m a friendly, positive person who enjoys getting to know people and having a laugh. Outside of work, I’m a mum of 4 energetic children. I love creating things and planning days out with my family. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you all, learning from the team, and starting this exciting new chapter together!
Maria Potter
Activity Leader
I love working as an Activity leader for Friends for Leisure. I enjoy getting to know the young people and seeing them develop friendships and social skills at the Crewe Breakfast club.
My background is nursing – I trained as a nurse at a London hospital and worked in the NHS for many years. Following the birth of my son I was at home with him. When my son started school I went back to college and did an NVQ Level 3 in Early years and Childcare. After I finished this course I started working at South Cheshire College in Crewe where I work with students with additional needs. I also work as a P.A with 2 young people with additional needs. I love all my jobs and feel very lucky to be doing them.
I enjoy going to watch live music, going to exhibitions at art galleries, reading, catching up with friends and walking.
Tess Hulme
Activity Leader
Hello, I am an activity leader at the Crewe youth group. I love being part of FFL, each week brings something different, whether it’s watching the young people perform in a talent show or making pancakes with all the toppings, that’s one of the things I love about working for FFL.
I also enjoy meeting new people and seeing them become more confident each week. As well as friends for Leisure I work at an SEN school, in my free time I like to watch films, swim and decorate my house.
Jo Stokes
Activity Leader
Hello everyone! I have worked for Friends for Leisure as an Activity Leader for many years now, mainly in Crewe but am also starting to work with some of the younger members in Congleton.
I have lots of experience working with young people and children. I am currently a Teaching Assistant working in school in Alsager, I also provide the nurture sessions at school for all children who need some extra support. I also have 2 teenagers of my own.
In my spare time I am the Leader of a Rainbow and Brownie group in Sandbach, and I also enjoy reading and crafts.
Maisy Cooke
Activity Leader
Hello, I am a Activity Leader for Friends For Leisure, I enjoy getting the know each young person and helping them thrive.
I work in a secondary school as SEND officer where each day I support students with additional needs to gain confidence and independence.
I also work as a PA for 2 young people, I love my jobs and feel very fulfilled.
Lesley Ingham
Activity Leader
Hi I’m Lesley, I work for Friends for Leisure on Saturdays helping to run the activities at the YMCA. We do a range of activities anything from craft to table tennis, all with a laugh and smile.
I have worked with children for over 30 years, I have my own children and grandchildren who I help to look after as well as working as a midday assistant at 2 different primary schools.
I love working with young people as everyday is different and each child is unique. I enjoy watching the children grow as individuals and members of a group, including the reward of seeing them show a sense of achievement as they develop and learn.
Liz Houlihan
Activity Leader
Hi I am Liz and I am an activity leader with Friends for Leisure. I help out at the drama group in Macclesfield on a Monday evening and you will also find me helping at the Macclesfield bowling sessions.
I love working with all the young people at the drama group, encouraging them to try new games and learning different drama techniques from Ian the drama lead. We have a lot of fun at drama, along with a lot of laughter and silliness! I have always worked with children and young people in various settings. I am currently also working at a primary school as a teaching assistant.
When I’m not working, you will find me looking after my two children and when I’m not doing that I love to read a good book, do a bit of yoga, or watch a Disney film – Beauty and the Beast being my all time favourite!
