Greenwich Mencap was founded in 1951 as the Woolwich & Greenwich Society for Mentally Handicapped Children, to campaign for a better deal for people with a learning disability and provide the services that they and their families need.

Since then, we have grown to 26 full-time staff and many more part-time and volunteers who provide advice, support and representation to adults and children with learning disabilities, learning difficulties or autism in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Our leadership team, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to give those people a voice, improve their daily lives and ensure they are valued equally in the community.

Terri Looker, CEO

Terri joined Greenwich Mencap in 2004 after almost two decades working for the Royal Mail. She is responsible for day-to-day management decisions and the development and implementation of the organisation's strategic plans.

Cathy McClimonds, Information & Guidance  Lead

Cathy joined us in 2023 after various roles in education.  She is responsible for giving advice, support and guidance for matters such as welfare, housing and benefits.  

Sally Ettridge, Independent Living Services Manager

Sally joined Greenwich Mencap in 2018 and brings with her 18 yrs experience in both Managerial and Quality assurance standards within Health & Social care sector. She is responsible for Managing and coordinating the independent living services.

Aquila Davis, Greenlights Manager

I joined Greenwich Mencap in 2022 as a part of the Greenlights Project. While completing my master's in psychology, I began working as a behavioural consultant. I then later took on the role of community outreach and connection for adults with learning disabilities or autism. In 2024, I took on the role of Greenlights service manager. I'm also responsible for managing and coordinating the Greenlights Project and providing welfare and community engagement advice, support and guidance for adults with learning disabilities.

Samuel Kenny, Joanne Blade Community Engagement officer ( activities)

Samuel Kenny:

I have worked with Greenwich Mencap for over a decade, working in multiple different roles. I currently work as Arts and Crafts Lead and Daytime Activities Coordinator. The activities I coordinate include: Tuesday's Coffee Morning, Wednesday's Dramatic Voices and Friday's Dance.

Joanne Blade:

 

Nick Connor, Finance Officer

Having previously worked for Greenwich Carer’s Centre, I joined Greenwich Mencap around 8 years ago as a Support Worker and moved into my finance role in 2024.

James Thorpe, Finance Manager

James joined us in 2015 having managed the finances of a Southwark charity which looks after unpaid Carers. His responsibilities for Greenwich Mencap include budgetary control, sales and purchase ledger control, payroll administration and contact manager for all fundraising events and activities.

Our trustees


Anthony Pearlgood, Advisory Role

Has 30 years of business experience running various sizes of organisations, with significant experience in Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, Management and Strategy


Alonso Balestrini

Alonso is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience guiding cross-functional teams and leading change across global organisations. Alonso holds an MBA from London Business School. He has held leadership positions in industries including payments, FMCG and retail. He excels in leading business strategy, operating model design and complex transformation programme delivery.


Timothy Smyth

Tim advises sovereign states, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals about international arbitration and public international law disputes. His experience includes representing clients in arbitrations under various arbitral rules, including ICSID, UNCITRAL, the LCIA, ICC, DIFC-LCIA and before the Iran-US Claims Tribunal. He also has experience of cases before the International Court of Justice, General Court of the EU and the High Court of Justice in London.


Jonathan Sellers, Treasurer

Is a Chartered Accountant. I have since worked for several charities including Blood Cancer UK, ActionAid and The London Early Years Foundation in both finance and non-finance roles.


Laura Smyth Vice Chair

Is a Senior Associate at law firm Travers Smith LLP in the Environment and Regulatory team, where she advises on a wide range of corporate governance and environment matters. Areas of expertise include anti-bribery policies and procedures, modern slavery and supply chain risk, business ethics and environmental health and safety risks, as well as assisting major multinationals in relation to their wider human rights practices.


Sharron Hutton Chair

Sharon Hutton brings over 30 years of experience in health and social care, including 15 years working within charities and 10 years in leadership roles securing vital funding. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep understanding of community care, and the real challenges people face every day. Alongside her role as a Sheltered Accommodation Manager for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Sharon is passionate about supporting others and giving back. She is delighted to be part of a dedicated board of trustees and to serve as chair. She is excited to be working together to strengthen the charity and help it continue to grow and make a positive difference.

Want to join our team?

If you’re interesting in volunteering some of your time for an amazing, worthy cause that has a direct impact on the lives of people near you, call us on the number below between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email us or send us a message and we’ll get back to you soon!

 

See current vacancies