Our Team

WELL + PROUD! The team at Sahir are not just staff we are part of your community and the beating heart behind all we do.

We’re listening, guiding and fighting your corner whether 1-2-1 with you, on the big stage, or speaking up to the powers that be. We know we’re Stronger Together!

Get to know us and see how we can work with you.

Get to know us!

Counsellor

Martin Fenerty. Counsellor, providing emotional wellbeing, mental health and relationship support. With Sahir since August 2021.

“Not everyone needs counselling but counselling can help anyone. Whether it is exploring issues that have weighed heavily for some time or some you want space to focus on yourself to boost your mood or confidence.”

“Positive emotional wellbeing and mental health are fundamental to people having fulfilling relationships and life.”

Counsellor

Charlie. Counsellor and Trainee Psychotherapist, primarily working with trans and gender diverse adults across the Liverpool City Region (LCR) and with LGBTQ+ adults living on the Wirral.

“Counselling can provide an intimate yet empowering space, that is safe and confidential, which cultivates personal growth, self-awareness, and psychological literacy.”

“Those accessing the service are encouraged to ‘take up space’ and are invited to bring themselves in their entirety so that we can meet each other simply as we are. People can expect a warm and collaborative space that can be catered for their specific needs and desired outcomes.”

Outreach Support

Angela English. Outreach Support Worker, supporting people who identify as LGBT+ or are HIV positive. With Sahir for the last 10 years.

“The service I offer is important to each individual because no two sets of problems are the same and each service user needs a different type of support.”

“They can expect hard work, support and dedication from me and a partnership that will hopefully work towards a positive outcome.”

Wirral Services

Kath (Katleen) Charters. Wirral HIV Prevention Lead, works to raise awareness around HIV and transmission, testing for HIV and other STI’s, and promoting positive, safe sex. Campaigned and worked in the field of HIV prevention for 30 + years.

Our service aims to provide clear information, support and advocacy, as needed, for people living with HIV, for people at risk of a HIV transmission and for those identifying as LGBTQ+.”

“Initially we create support plans together to explore goals the person hopes to achieve during their time in our service. This might be around accessing education and employment; looking at their benefit entitlements; exploring any housing issues; physical, emotional and sexual health and wellbeing.”

 

Children and Young People’s Support

Rachael Hickmott. Children and Young People’s Support Worker and Counsellor, working with children, young people (18-25s),  and families living with or affected by HIV and LGBTQ+ young people at risk of HIV. With Sahir for 2 years.

“Living with HIV can be scary and confusing, but we are always here to help. We have worked with so many wonderful young people over the past 2 years and seeing them grow in confidence and realise their goals no mater how great or small has been hugely rewarding.”

 

HIV Intensive Support

Kellie Welch. HIV Intensive Support Lead, supporting adults living with HIV who are identified as experiencing multiple issues requiring specialist intensive support. With Sahir for 13 years.

“The purpose of the service is to empower people to reach their full potential, maintain their health and wellbeing and live well and with HIV.”

“A person-centred support plan will be put in place outlining what goals you wish to work towards and how we can work together to achieve these goals.”  

LGBTQ+ Community Engagement

Kat. LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Worker, committed to developing the health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ+ communities since January 2023.

“This area of work is so important as we know there are lots of amazing things happening across the , but these are rarely highlighted or signposted to.”

“The role of the community engagement worker is vital in breaking down barriers of access to supportive services as well as encouraging further collaborative work.”

LGBTQ+ Asylum and Refugee support

Shereen Cowley. LGBTQ+ Asylum and Refugee Support Lead, working with LGBTQ+ adults seeking asylum or who have been granted refugee status. With Sahir for 7 years. 

“Living in a country you are not familiar with on your own can be scary and confusing, but we are always here to help. We have a long-standing history of working with LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum that we are proud of. It is an absolute pleasure to be able to expand on this work.”

Ange

(she/her)
Support & Outreach Worker
I work for Sahir to support those society marginalises. I’m passionate about helping people live with dignity.

Ant

(he/him)
Chief Executive
I work for Sahir to ensure others don’t face the struggles I did in embracing their true selves. I’m committed to highlighting the needs of LGBTQ+ autistic people like me.

Barry

(he/him)
Income Generation & Training Manager
I work for Sahir because I believe in our work and the impact it has in our LGBTQ+ community.

Dawson

(he/him)
Outreach Worker
I work for Sahir because I believe in helping my community. Sahir is a great platform from which I can help improve the quality of life for - and the opportunities available to - LGBTQ+ people With over 25 years of improving LGBTQ+ lives, Sahir is the perfect platform for this.

Gill

(she/her )
LGBTQ+ Services & Operations Manager
I work for Sahir to contribute to a kinder world. I believe in making a positive difference for everyone.

H

(she/her )
Counsellor
I work for Sahir because everyone deserves to be their true self. Sahir’s values and support for the HIV and LGBTQIA+ community are truly inspirational.

Jared

(he/him)
LGBTQ+ Support Worker (People Seeking Asylum and Refugees)
I work for Sahir because I want to provide the same help I received from them to others on a similar journey.

John

(he/they)
Community Partnerships & Individual Giving Lead
I work for Sahir to champion our community and ensure we all have a safe space to live our authentic lives.

Kat

(she/they )
LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Worker
I work for Sahir because growing up queer in an unaccepting world drives my passion to help others thrive. I’m dedicated to helping our LGBTQ+ community be their authentic selves.

Kellie

(she/her )
HIV Services Manager
I work for Sahir out of a passion for social justice. I’m committed to supporting people living with HIV to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Martin

(he/him)
Counsellor
I work for Sahir because, as a gay man living with HIV, I believe therapy supports growth and empowerment. I’m dedicated to helping individuals facing stigma and discrimination.

Phil

(he/him)
Outreach Worker
I work for Sahir to connect with others and guide them to local sexual health services. I enjoy advising and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Rachael

(she/her )
Counsellor
I work for Sahir because I love meeting people and improving the wellbeing of families. It’s rewarding to see our community come together and support each other.

Sharanya

(she/her)
Senior Finance & Administration Officer
I love working for Sahir because I believe in equality and compassion for all. I’m dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and HIV communities through our vital work.

Shereen

(she/her )
LGBTQ+ Refugee & Asylum Support Lead
I work for Sahir driven by a passion for justice and human rights. As a biracial lesbian, Sahir aligns with my values, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Our Trustees

Working closely with our leadership team, our dedicated volunteer trustees provide strategy, governance and help foster a positive impact within our community to drive sustainable growth.

If you have what it takes to become a trustee at Sahir, you can apply via our regular open recruitment rounds.

Meet our trustees below.

Anika

(she/her)
Programme Manager in Health and Social Care
As a Trustee at Sahir I would like to apply my public health knowledge to help reduce health inequalities in sexual health, assist with the charity’s strategic direction and help realise its full potential.

Caitlin

(she/her)
Change and Transformation in Financial Services
By combining my commercial expertise with a commitment to social impact, I'm passionate about fostering a transparent and supportive relationship between the board, staff, and service users and ensuring that Sahir continues to thrive throughout this exciting chapter.

Rebecca

(she/her)
COO & FD in the Charity Sector
I'm a chartered accountant working as chief operating officer for a charity in Manchester. I have been volunteering at sahir for 4 years as co-chair and more recently as treasurer.

Rebecca Eley

(she/her)
NHS Consultant Doctor in Sexual Health and HIV
I am passionate about all thing's sexual health related. I strive to provide holistic and practical care to a diverse population, and I relish the opportunity to mirror this work with Sahir House and help steer the charity towards greater success.

Sam

(he/him)
Elected member of Liverpool City Council, Local Government
We have made many great strides as a community since Sahir was founded but still face challenges that require robust and inclusive community advocacy. I am proud to be playing my part in Sahir’s journey.

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