This isn’t about us
It’s ABOUT YOU

OUR MISSION

We exist to champion the hidden talent on our streets. And to change public perceptions of people experiencing homelessness.

We want to live in a society where nobody is ever discounted because of the situation they find themselves in. Everyone has value, and we're committed to helping people discover their potential.

We believe in the power of opportunity and its ability to transform lives.

Georgia Williams

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Georgia oversees operations across our 8 cities, providing supervison and support to our Talent Scouts.

She also volunteers as an art mentor for sixth-form students. She also used to be a youth worker - supporting young people and their families to achieve their goals and realise their potential.

Georgia is a big fan of music and festivals. And her claim to fame is that she was on an episode of CBBC Spring Watch when she was 10!

Christy Acton BEM

FOUNDER & CEO

Christy leads Standing Tall demonstrating how people who have been through tough times can use their talents to thrive.

He was running night shelters in Birmingham when he came up with the idea for Standing Tall.

Seeing the number of people who were motivated and wanted a stable job inspired him to find a way to link them up with the right opportunities.

Lara Millmow

HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS

Lara builds partnerships with socially-minded businesses to empower our mission.

Her background in global communications and membership bodies spans high-impact partnerships.

Outside of work, Lara loves to read and believes everyone has a novel in them, which she plans to put to the test. She's a music buff, enjoys the gym, and is a linguaphile who speaks German and has studied Italian and Chinese.

Joel Webster

BIRMINGHAM TALENT SCOUT

Joel matches people we help with stable jobs and our Amici Hosts in Birmingham.

Previously Joel worked for a charity supporting young people experiencing homelessness. He enjoys building relationships with people and helping them reach their potential.

Joel is a big live music fan and used his platform as a promoter to regularly arrange fundraising gigs. He often completes charity fundraisers, the latest being the national three peaks 24 hour challenge.

Hannah Cunliffe

LIVERPOOL TALENT SCOUT

Hannah matches people we help with stable jobs and our Amici Hosts in Liverpool.

Before joining Standing Tall, Hannah trained in person-centred counselling. She has a range of experience working with young people, people struggling with their mental health and those in addiction recovery.

At the weekends, Hannah enjoys walking in the hills and reading in the park.

Dave Wall

LEEDS TALENT SCOUT

Dave matches people we help with stable jobs and our Amici Hosts in Leeds.

He previously worked for drug and alcohol services in Leeds, supporting people to achieve their recovery goals and empowering them to make decisions and take action to improve their lives. 

Dave loves baking bread, watching Leeds United, playing bowls, going to the gym and long country walks. He has walked part of the El Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Cissie Fisher

BRISTOL TALENT SCOUT

Cissie matches people we help with stable jobs and our Amici Hosts in Bristol.

With extensive experience in Operations and People Management, Cissie is deeply committed to helping others grow both personally and professionally. She is passionate about combining her expertise with her drive to make a positive impact on people who have been through difficult times, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Outside of work, Cissie loves running, making clothes and being creative.

Francesco Leoni

MANCHESTER TALENT SCOUT

Francesco matches people we help with stable jobs and our Amici Hosts in Manchester.  

He used to run a refugee education project in the Greater Manchester, helping refugees to achieve their career goals. He has also worked as a trainer and tutor in the ESOL sector. 

Francesco loves reading, watching live music, and rambling the hills of northern England. He also enjoys sampling the variety of international cuisines available in Manchester – with Sudanese and Persian currently among the favourites! 

Moin Hussain

NOTTINGHAM/DERBY TALENT SCOUT

Moin matches people we help with stable jobs and our Amici Hosts in Nottingham and Derby.

Coming from a background in the creative industries Moin has experience working with talent from a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences. He has also spent time mentoring young people and facilitating educational workshops. 

Away from work Moin loves to cook, listen to records and watch films at the cinema. He can be found walking around Nottingham with his rescue dog Peggy, trying his best to stop her barking at cats.

Harry Lowe

LONDON TALENT SCOUT

Harry matches people we help with stable jobs and our Amici Hosts in London.

He has previously volunteered with international NGOs, including providing aid to Venezuelan refugees on the Colombian border. Harry particularly enjoys supporting people one-to-one, and seeing confidence and self-belief grow over time.

Outside of work, Harry can usually be found on a football pitch or watching a match from the comfort of his sofa. He also enjoys hiking, live music, and salsa dancing.

Mark Ashfield

TRUSTEE AND CHAIR

Having witnessed the devastating effects of poverty and inequality, Mark has always felt a deep desire to make a difference. He has been fortunate to lead and work with organisations and individuals who share his vision.

As a social entrepreneur, Mark is committed to using innovative business models to create a more just and sustainable world, and confident that with passion, dedication, and hard work, we can build a better future for all.

Saba Arab

TRUSTEE

Saba has extensive experience in strategy development, digital engagement and scaling up organisations. Saba is passionate about responsible capitalism and helping organisations to deliver change. 

If you’re ever in need of a delicious, hearty Iranian stew, Saba is your person. She loves Iranian food and knows all the best places to go for it!

Steven Lappin

TRUSTEE

Steve brings a wealth of experience from his career in financial services including a history of working with many of the leading employers in the UK.  He is particularly active across diversity, equity and inclusion work steams.

Steve is also passionate about social justice and especially helping better the lives of people less fortunate than himself with a keen focus on his native Manchester.

Fluent in German, Steve’s party piece is to perform 90s German rap songs with gusto!! 

Lee Lam

TRUSTEE

Lee has over 20 years working in financial services technology in COO and chief of staff positions but has found her true calling in supporting startup and new organisations. 

She believes that anyone can be successful if they are given the right opportunities and support and sometimes you need to do things differently if you want different results!

Alexandra Marks CBE

TRUSTEE

Practising commercial law for 20 years did not satisfy Aleandra’s passion for justice and improving the world, so alongside her day job, she’s always been involved in social justice organisations. More recently Alexandra has become a part-time judge, so dispensing justice too.

One of the strangest things Alexandra has ever done is take part in the ancient City of London tradition of driving sheep across London Bridge - happily closed to traffic at the time!

Sophia Hollis

TRUSTEE

Sophia is a fundraiser passionate about ending homelessness and creating a fairer society for all.

Her drive to end homelessness led her to Crisis, the national charity for homeless people, where she leads a number of successful partnerships with the private sector. Sophia has also worked in PR and broadcasting and is passionate about storytelling and challenging perceptions.

In her spare time, she can be found volunteering and teaching yoga. 

Simon Day

TRUSTEE

Simon has over 30 years of working in various people and organisation development roles in multiple sectors and countries. 

Simon is studying to become a person-centred psychotherapist, championing belonging, diversity, equity and inclusion in his work and practice. He has experienced many success stories, enabling people to be their best. 

If you mention Dopey Challenge to him, he will smile! He completed 5K, 10K, half and full marathon in 4 consecutive days…and lives to tell the tale!

Luke Hunter

TRUSTEE

Luke has spent his career analysing risk and opportunities for companies as a specialist charity investment manager. He had been looking for a way to put those skills to more use before finding a place at Standing Tall.

Though a rarity to see him on a stage since the birth of his two children, his biggest hobby has always been music and acting. Just don’t ask him to show you the video of the time he performed as Baby Spice!

Anoushka Kenley

TRUSTEE

Anoushka has spent the past decade supporting charities to measure and maximise their impact. An economist by training (and a former government economist), she believes there are more important things to track than the size of the economy.

Anoushka has volunteered with and worked for a number of homelessness charities and loves meeting the amazing mix of people that support and use these services.

In her spare time, she likes icy swims and singing in choirs, though rarely at the same time.