Who we are
Helping Hands Community Trust supports people facing difficult situations and needing clear guidance.
We provide free, independent and non-judgmental advice that helps people understand their rights, make informed choices and move towards greater stability.
We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, heard and supported.
These guide every conversation we have, whether someone arrives at a drop-in session, meets us through outreach or needs longer-term support.
Four values shape our work. We are:
- Hopeful
- Approachable
- Non-judgmental
- Empowering
Our values shape how we welcome people, listen to them and work together to find a way forward.
How we benefit the people we support
Our goal is simple. We help people take back control of their lives at a time when they may feel overwhelmed, isolated or unsure where to turn.
We support people through their whole journey. Many come to us for immediate help with benefits, debts or forms, but stay connected as they work through wider challenges.
We offer practical support to:
Reduce stress
By giving clear information
Help people
Understand difficult systems
Build confidence
As well as independence
Connect people
To the right services at the right times
Give people space to talk
Openly without judgment
Our Vision
A community where every person has the confidence, tools and opportunities to thrive.
Amy Davies
CEO of Helping Hands Community Trust
Our mission
To provide free, independent and non-judgmental advice that tackles the root causes of hardship.
We listen with compassion, focus on people’s strengths and work together to create practical steps forward.
Our approach
We follow four core principles that guide how we deliver our support.
These principles allow us to offer support that is consistent, reliable and built around our service users.
Our team
Helping Hands is led by our Chief Executive Officer, Amy Davies, who oversees our strategy, operations and community partnerships.
We have a dedicated team of managers and advisers who run our drop-in services, outreach projects and community programmes.
Each team member brings specialist knowledge and a people-focused approach.
Our Trustee Board provides oversight and ensures we remain accountable to the community we serve. Current trustees include:
Nigel Swan
Chair
Rev Les Gill
Vice Chair
Claire Flinders
Trustee
Lesley Thornton
Trustee
Ranjoth Johal
Trustee
Nazma Sayani
Trustee
Ray Green
Trustee
Nick Sumner
Trustee
Anita Baldwin
Trustee
Simon Howes
Trustee
Together, the team and trustees ensure our charity is secure, responsive, and able to support people year after year.
For people seeking help
We offer a safe place to talk, clear guidance on complex issues and support for as long as needed.
For our partners and supporters
We provide a structured, dependable service with strong governance, transparent reporting and a proven impact across the local area.
Our work reduces hardship, strengthens community wellbeing and eases pressure on wider services.
Why our work matters
Uncertainty can affect anyone. A sudden change in health, family or work can leave people unsure of their next steps.
By offering free, independent advice and ongoing support, we help prevent issues from becoming long-term struggles.
We aim to strengthen the community so that fewer people reach the breaking point, and more people feel able to thrive.
Not sure where to start?
If you are unsure whether you need a drop-in session or an appointment, come to a drop-in first or give us a call.
Our team will listen, talk through what is happening and guide you to the right support.
You can also contact us via telephone or email if you would prefer to talk things through before visiting.