Libby Crofts
Acting CEO / Senior Project Manager (York)
I began working for Move the Masses in September 2021.
I oversee the York Project, and as the charity has grown my role has expanded to include staff training, and now CEO duties.
My past experience is varied, including working for care and support services, local authority and museums, and as a proofreader. I have always had a keen interest in volunteering, and have had several volunteer positions – including being a Move Mate!
I love the wide-range of people I have the joy of working with. From volunteers and beneficiaries to partner organisations and my colleagues.
Outside of work I like moving in the fresh air which usually involves walking, running or bootcamps.
My favourite places to walk are in forests or woodlands or by waterways.
Other interests include reading, writing and animals. I’ve also discovered mindfulness and have joined a group led by one of our wonderful volunteers.
Helen Steel
Project Support Officer (York)
I started working for Move the Masses in April 2024, but my association with the charity began in November 2021 when I started as a Volunteer Move Mate.
The time I spend walking with my two beneficiaries is often the highlight of my week.
I feel grateful to now be working for the charity, and to be helping more beneficiaries and supporting volunteers.
My role involves supporting Libby in the York Project.
I respond to walk logs, and contact beneficiaries and volunteers to review their walks and progress.
I am very passionate about volunteering and also help at a local guide group.
In the past I have been a member of the parish council and volunteered as a mentor at a charity supporting young people.
Elaine Barrow
Leeds Project Manager
(also overseeing Pocklington)
I came into post in May 2022 when Move Mates expanded to Leeds.
My background is in partnership work with the voluntary and public sectors, community engagement, education, culture, regeneration, and health and well-being.
I have also worked in service delivery, project management, and team leadership.
I enjoy the supportive environment of Move the Masses, and enabling people to improve their well-being by being outdoors.
It’s great to get out to the coast, into woodland or up mountains with my dog and friends.
I recently walked Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Despite the lack of view at the top due to dire weather, I loved the challenge.
Hannah Lindsay
Durham Project Manager
I started working for Move the Masses in April 2022 when the charity expanded into Durham.
I used to work in retail management across the UK from the midlands to the south coast.
When I moved to Durham, I started volunteering and really enjoyed making connections in the community.
I was excited to become part of the Move Mates team, especially as volunteers are so integral to the work we do. It’s great to work closely with volunteers, to support them and to get to know them. It’s an aspect of the job I really enjoy.
I’ve always been an active person, and I love spending lots of time outdoors.
I really enjoy walking, especially exploring new routes and paths.
My favourite places to walk are in the hills and along the windy coast – it’s great to have a swim in the sea too – especially in the summer.
Hannah Darton
Selby Project Manager
I’ve recently joined the team as Selby Project Manager, and I’m excited to be a part of the charity and its work.
My professional background is varied, spanning health and social care, project management, and governance.
I have worked as an Occupational Therapist supporting individuals with enduring mental ill health. I also have experience in engineering and working with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.
I was drawn to Move the Masses because of its impactful approach to tackling loneliness, isolation, and physical and mental health. I’ve seen first-hand how something as simple as walking can transform lives by building connections and improving well-being.
I’m excited to build on the success of the Selby pilot project, expanding its reach and fostering an inclusive and supportive community of volunteers and beneficiaries.
When I’m not working, I enjoy strength training, DIY projects, and traveling by train to explore new places. I also love walking with my partner and two dogs, Doris and Bernie, particularly along riversides, through woodlands, or anywhere with great views.
Last year, I took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge (without the dogs—they only have little legs!) and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and sense of achievement it brought.
Sarah Sturdy
Communications Manager
I started with Move Mates in May 2023 as Selby Project Manager, and I have since changed roles to focus on communications within the charity.
I am responsible for our social media accounts, newsletters, distributing and sharing information and maintaining our brand and voice.
I previously worked for a short time in charity Communications, and prior to this I worked in events.
I get to read all the wonderful stories and logs across all project areas, plan ahead, organise information and get creative – all of which I really enjoy.
The team are fantastic, dynamic and very supportive and I am very proud of the work we all do, and feel very lucky to be a part of that.
My favourite walking memory is Easedale Tarn in the Lake District. I would go there a lot with my dad when I was younger and once we met a very friendly ginger and grey cat on the bottom trail. I have always loved poetry and being in Grasmere was always very special – daydreaming about Wordsworth and his many adventures over the hills. Not to mention the gingerbread!
Move Mates Blog
Read our latest blog posts featuring charity and project news and updates, and stories about our volunteers and the people we help.
Celebrating another year at Move the Masses
Welcome to our highlight roundup of 2024! It’s been a fantastic year for Move the Masses, and we are proud of what we have been
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Proud and delighted to share the news… Move the Masses has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service! This is a huge achievement which
We are nature – team day reflections
Where the Mind Grows delivers and facilitates one-to-one and team coaching sessions with nature the central teacher.
Here we share our team day experience.
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