Staff
People Matters has over 60 members of staff and volunteers who all work together to make our organisation the best that it can be. To see how we work together, see this diagram of our Organisational Structure.
We operate as both a charity and a social enterprise with an asset lock and are members of SEYH. (We were their social enterprise of the year in 2018). This means that we re-invest any surplus we make as an organisation in doing more things for our members and doing them better. As part of this we invest as much as we can in our staff such as through training so they can support our members in the best ways possible.
Below you can learn about some of our staff team. From them you can learn more about other staff members that you may be in contact with through the different services that we offer.
Elissa Matley
CEO
I’ve been part of People Matters since September 2014, and I’m proud to now serve as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, I lead the organisation’s strategic direction and oversee the delivery of all our services, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our members with compassion and integrity.
My background is in health and social care, where I managed large outreach and supported living services. I specialised in setting up support for individuals with complex needs, and that experience continues to shape my approach today.
I joined People Matters because of our shared commitment to person-centred, holistic support. As CEO, I’m passionate about growing our services while preserving the close-knit, family feel that makes People Matters so special.
Leah Cork
Director of Operations
I have been working with People Matters since November 2016 and I’m now Director of Operations. This means that I oversee all the services delivered to our members. Since joining People Matters, I have also had roles as a Support Worker, Group Leader for Teens and Twenties, Tutor, Volunteer Co-ordinator, and Service Manager.
Before I started working for People Matters, I studied a psychology degree at the University of Liverpool. During this time, I volunteered with charities in Leeds and Liverpool that support people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with other additional needs. I loved it so much that I decided to do it as a job! In my spare time, I love to bake, read, travel, go on walks, and particularly enjoy karaoke.
Mandy Craven
Deputy Manager
I started working as a bank support worker for People Matter in December 2019. At the time I was also working for another company and running Leeds ABC Group (a local autism charity). I gradually increased my hours with People Matters and eventually realised I would be happier just working for them. I like their people-centred approach and feel valued here.
I am autistic and I have never had to apologise for this at People Matters. If anything, People matters embrace my autism and I am often approached by staff for ideas or insights so they better understand autism and improve their support of members.
I have had several roles at People Matters. I started as one of the Outreach Service Co-ordinators in March 2022. This role makes me feel like I am making a real difference to our members and I take a keen interest in all of those that I am directly involved with. I also have an excellent relationship with all of the Outreach staff team.
I am also one of the People Matters Mental Health Champions so offer support and guidance to my colleagues if they need it.
Christine Sharpe
Deputy Manager
Hi, my name is Christine and I’ve been at People Matters since summer 2021. I started as a support worker and have taken on other responsibilities including Teens and Twenties Group Leader and Mental Health Champion. More recently, I became the Wellbeing Coordinator, leading the Safer Communities Project.
I am from Liverpool, and came to Leeds for university studying theology and religious studies. I like the city so much I’ve stayed – in my spare time, I’m likely to be cooking for friends and snuggling with my cat Baby. I also love karaoke and trying craft activities!
Amy Elliot
Deputy Manager
Johanna Viilo
Finance and Office Coordinator
As a Volunteer Coordinator I support volunteers at People Matters, organise student placements, recruit new volunteers and run the members council. I also work in the employment service doing admin support.
I completed a 3-month work placement at People Matters in 2017. I was studying a Social Services-degree in Finland and wanted to do one of my placements in England. I had such a great experience that I applied to work as a support worker when my placement ended. I have worked at People Matters in different job roles since then.
In my free time I like to travel, go on walks in nature and listen to music/podcasts.
Saul Reuben
Administrator
My work as an Administrator involves managing and updating our online HR services, booking training, and working with the Office Coordinator and other managers.
I started working for People Matters in September 2016 through a 6-month placement with PLUSS, after which I became a volunteer. In September 2017, I started a permanent job as an Administrator.
I was a member of People Matters when the charity first started and was a member of the first adult group. I was given an award for my volunteer work with People Matters, and I continue to do voluntary work when I am not in the office.
Jane Hogan
Social Groups Coordinator
I Joined the People Matters Team in 2016 and worked as a support worker within the Outreach service, also working as a group assistant and then group leader within the social groups, before taking on the role of Social Groups Coordinator in 2021. Prior to this I worked for a number of years within Education and learning support and as an Outreach Worker with street Homeless.
In my spare time I love to garden, bird watch, read, watch far too much television and craft.
Lynsey
I have been with People Matters Leeds since November 2022 and started as a support worker, since then I have been an assistant leader for Teens and Twenties group, wellbeing group and I am now a wellbeing group co-ordinator.
I love been able to work with members on new activities and challenges and enjoy watching them put into practice new skills they have learnt at our groups and I will never get fed up of watching people gain confidence in themselves and grow new relationships. Going to work every day is rewarding and I am very lucky to belong to such a great charity.
When I am not working i love to spend quality time with my family and friends, shopping, watching movies and i also love to bake, play a musical instrument or just dance and sing in my kitchen to who ever will listen to me.
Vikky
Fundraising Coordinator
I’m Vikky, Fundraising Coordinator at People Matters and a Job Coach with Nourishing People. I’m passionate about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping our members grow through meaningful work and community. Every day I’m inspired by the wonderful people involved in People Matters — their stories, strengths, and determination make this work a joy. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a team that champions inclusion, empowerment, and real change.
Nick Shelton
Development Coordinator
I joined People Matters in 2021 as a Job Coach and have had many different roles since then.
In my spare time I go walking and visit nature spots. I am particularly fond of gannets. I also play Dungeons and Dragons and have recently set up a new group aimed at people with disabilities. I would not have been able to do this without People Matters support.
