I provide information, advice, and support to callers who may be experiencing or affected by abuse. The helpline supports victims, as well as their fr...
Millie Robinson
Frontline Services Officer
I provide information, advice, and support to callers who may be experiencing or affected by abuse. The helpline supports victims, as well as their friends and family members, and professionals and agencies seeking to refer individuals to Hourglass.
My responsibilities include responding to helpline calls and providing appropriate, accurate, and timely information, advice, and support. I assess the nature and urgency of each contact and respond in an empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental manner. I ensure that callers feel heard and supported while helping them identify realistic and achievable options that are appropriate to their individual needs and circumstances.
Outside of work I enjoy watching true crime dramas/documentaries as I find them very interesting, I love walking my dogs and spending time with my family & friends.
Kiera Koroma
Frontline Services Officer
My name is Keira, and I am a Frontline Services Officer and work on the Helpline. My role involves actively listening to callers and ensuring they lea...
Kiera Koroma
Frontline Services Officer
My name is Keira, and I am a Frontline Services Officer and work on the Helpline. My role involves actively listening to callers and ensuring they leave a call feeling heard. Often it has taken a great degree of strength to contact the Helpline and I feel a core aspect of my role is to acknowledge, admire and celebrate this with callers.
I’ve worked for a number of Helplines and telephone-based roles. I’ve also volunteered for a number of organisations since I was a child. Including transformative placements as a Student Carer and as a Befriender focusing on older clients. I’ve also been part of research focusing on social care in Britain. So working for Hourglass is a wonderful opportunity to combine my various roles and research.
A unique fact about myself is that I studied Archaeology for A Levels and I went on to study Social Anthropology for my undergrad.
Sarah Scott
Frontline Services Officer
I provide support to callers on the Hourglass helpline. The helpline receives calls from victims, friends and families of victims, and other professio...
Sarah Scott
Frontline Services Officer
I provide support to callers on the Hourglass helpline. The helpline receives calls from victims, friends and families of victims, and other professionals and agencies who may be referring victims of abuse to Hourglass. My role as front line officer is to answer helpline calls, providing appropriate information, advice, and support to callers, and to write appropriate and accurate responses to written enquiries from service users.
It also includes assessing the nature of each call and responding in an empathetic and supportive manner, ensuring callers receive advice and support which is appropriate to their needs in a non-judgmental manner and which clearly identifies realistic and achievable options.
Outside of work my hobbies include walking, horse riding, and snowboarding, I like to cook and enjoy films and criminology. I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across the charity.
Penny Wilby
Community Fundraising Manager
As Community Fundraising Manager, I am responsible for corporate community grants, community fundraising events and the management of our corporate pa...
Penny Wilby
Community Fundraising Manager
As Community Fundraising Manager, I am responsible for corporate community grants, community fundraising events and the management of our corporate partnerships. My role includes researching potential corporate community grant opportunities, delivering community fundraising events such as Raise a Cup, supporting our runners in the London Landmarks Half Marathon and other challenge events, and working closely with our corporate partners.
This involves helping their teams remain engaged and informed about Hourglass, and identifying new corporate partners who want to develop their corporate social responsibility commitments and strengthen their values through partnership with Hourglass.
Outside work I enjoying swimming, going to the gym and knitting, although not all three at the same time. My wool would get wet.
Gemma Priestley
Frontline Services Officer
In my role as Frontline Services Officer I manage the online information services on a job share with another colleague. I am the point of contact for...
Gemma Priestley
Frontline Services Officer
In my role as Frontline Services Officer I manage the online information services on a job share with another colleague. I am the point of contact for instant messages on our instant messenger and text line services that are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
I also manage the helpline inbox where we receive email enquiries regarding abuse and neglect. Across these three platforms, I respond to a variety of enquiries and when necessary make referrals to other organisations or adult safeguarding.
Michelle Taylor
HR & Governance Officer
I work part-time as HR & Governance Officer at Hourglass, supporting the charity’s HR administration and governance processes. I also work closely wit...
Michelle Taylor
HR & Governance Officer
I work part-time as HR & Governance Officer at Hourglass, supporting the charity’s HR administration and governance processes. I also work closely with the Board of Trustees, supporting governance processes and coordinate board and committee activity. Before this role, I worked as Office Support & Stewardship Officer, managing a variety of administrative and operational tasks, including fundraising, gaining hands-on experience of the important work Hourglass does to support older people across the UK.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, walking, reading, trying new recipes and spending time with friends and family.
Joscelyn Grant
Finance & Operations Lead
My role at Hourglass is the Finance & Operations Lead. I am responsible for the day to day management for the organisation’s finances and operational ...
Joscelyn Grant
Finance & Operations Lead
My role at Hourglass is the Finance & Operations Lead. I am responsible for the day to day management for the organisation’s finances and operational function. I compile the Annual Budget and in conjunction with external auditors, compile the Annual Accounts. I am a member of the FAR & HR & Remuneration Sub-Committees which are held with Trustees quarterly.
I work closely with the fundraising team to put together budgets for fundraising applications and produce reports to funders to show how the funds are utilised in line with our funding applications. Outside of Hourglass, I love to travel and visit different places, spend time with my family and friends and enjoy time with my grandchildren. I enjoy the theatre and live music & a good red wine.
Mia Brown
Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)
In my role as Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), I provide specialist support to older victim-survivors experiencing domestic abuse. My work includes ...
Mia Brown
Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)
In my role as Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), I provide specialist support to older victim-survivors experiencing domestic abuse. My work includes conducting risk assessments, safety planning, and delivering practical and emotional support tailored to individual need. I work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary agencies to support coordinated responses and effective risk management. Alongside frontline casework, I attend multi-agency forums and abuse clinics, and deliver presentations to raise awareness of abuse in later life.
I am committed to strengthening multi-agency working and improving responses for older people experiencing harm.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis. I am passionate about ensuring older people’s voices are heard and contributing to the creation of a safer ageing society.
Bethany Vague
Information & Data Officer
As Information and Data Officer, I analyse Hourglass frontline service data to support projects across the charity. This includes lobbying campaigns, ...
Bethany Vague
Information & Data Officer
As Information and Data Officer, I analyse Hourglass frontline service data to support projects across the charity. This includes lobbying campaigns, fundraising bids, strengthening partnerships, and external communications.
I also oversee the Knowledge Bank, where I communicate with external contributors and work with the marketing team to encourage academics and practitioners to share resources about safer ageing.
Outside of work, I am based in Cornwall and love going on walks and seeing live music. Please reach out with any data requests/queries and I’m also always open to song recommendations!
Joseph Vardon‑Hynard
External Affairs Lead for England and Wales
Joseph Vardon Hynard is the External Affairs Lead for England and Wales at Hourglass, where he champions the rights and voices of older victim survivo...
Joseph Vardon‑Hynard
External Affairs Lead for England and Wales
Joseph Vardon Hynard is the External Affairs Lead for England and Wales at Hourglass, where he champions the rights and voices of older victim survivors of domestic abuse and neglect. He joined Hourglass following a decade-long stint in Westminster, where he worked for several MPs and Ministers as a researcher, adviser and most recently Chief of Staff. In his role at Hourglass, Joseph leads engagement with policymakers, ensuring the experiences of older adults are represented in legislative and public discourse.
He has notably represented Hourglass at Westminster and the Senedd, driving calls for comprehensive and inclusive strategies to address the abuse of older people.
Danny Tatlow
Research and Policy Officer
In my role as Research and Policy Officer, I handle the Charity’s research and policy needs. This includes conceptualising, project managing, and deve...
Danny Tatlow
Research and Policy Officer
In my role as Research and Policy Officer, I handle the Charity’s research and policy needs. This includes conceptualising, project managing, and developing qualitative and quantitative research projects on a variety of different topics. It also comprises developing, evaluating, and tracking the effectiveness of internal and external policies to protect older people from abuse and proposing methods by which such policies could be improved, including trauma informed working with lived experiences voices and older victim-survivors of abuse.
Additionally, It includes drafting policy and research briefings and responding to consultations and legislation, as well as researching robust evidence-based material for submission to Government and other statutory bodies.
Finally, through the role, I collaborate with academics and support external research projects, as well as represent the charity at external meetings and working groups, providing advice, guidance, and information to social policy makers, including MPs, civil servants, and third sector representatives.
Molly Mizon
Digital Communications Officer
I am the Digital Communication Officer at Hourglass and I manage our social media platforms, and assist with other digital platforms such as our websi...
Molly Mizon
Digital Communications Officer
I am the Digital Communication Officer at Hourglass and I manage our social media platforms, and assist with other digital platforms such as our website. I studied Graphic Design at University; I love typography and generally creating aesthetically pleasing visuals.
In my spare time, I am often getting stuck into at-home DIY projects, or sat at my sewing machine creating something new.
Emma Lees-Gray
Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)
Emma Lees-Gray: In my role as a Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), I provide one to one trauma informed casework to support individuals who have exper...
Emma Lees-Gray
Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)
Emma Lees-Gray: In my role as a Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), I provide one to one trauma informed casework to support individuals who have experienced domestic abuse. This includes working with victim survivors to complete risk assessments to inform safety planning which is relevant and practical for the circumstances, whilst effectively reducing the risk.
I also liaise with other professionals and services to increase awareness of domestic abuse amongst older people, and engage in partnership work for effective wraparound support of the individual.
Outside of work, I enjoy supporting my favourite football team, reading and crocheting.
Ashleigh Green
Frontline Services Officer
I am a member of the Frontline Services team, providing advice, guidance and support to individuals through our online services. I am committed to off...
Ashleigh Green
Frontline Services Officer
I am a member of the Frontline Services team, providing advice, guidance and support to individuals through our online services. I am committed to offering compassionate support and helping people access the services that can assist them.
Peshva Sharif
Volunteer Coordinator
I co ordinate our UK wide volunteer programme, leading recruitment, induction, day to day support and the deployment of volunteers to community events...
Peshva Sharif
Volunteer Coordinator
I co ordinate our UK wide volunteer programme, leading recruitment, induction, day to day support and the deployment of volunteers to community events and the helpline. I work with colleagues to embed volunteers within the organisation and promote our volunteer offer, maintain strong engagement and retention within our growing volunteer community, build partnerships across the four nations, representing us within VCO networks, and ensure our approach stays aligned with sector developments and best practice.
Outside of work, not a hobby as such however I have a soft spot for all things 80s — the sights, the sounds and the fashion of my formative decade.
Kyra Gonzales
Frontline Services Officer, IDVA/ISVA
As an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), I work 1-2-1 with older victim/survivors of domesti...
Kyra Gonzales
Frontline Services Officer, IDVA/ISVA
As an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), I work 1-2-1 with older victim/survivors of domestic abuse who have been referred to our service. This can include providing advice and advocacy, completing risk assessments, creating safety plans, and providing emotional and practical support.
As a Frontline Services Officer, I reach out to professionals and go out into the community to raise awareness about Hourglass and the abuse of older people. This can be through introductory meetings, pop-ups, training and events.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and going for walks.
Kirsty Judd
IDVA Frontline Services Lead
I am an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and Acting Frontline Lead for the Thames Valley area at Hourglass. In my role, I provide special...
Kirsty Judd
IDVA Frontline Services Lead
I am an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and Acting Frontline Lead for the Thames Valley area at Hourglass. In my role, I provide specialist advocacy and support to older victim-survivors of domestic abuse and lead on frontline delivery across the Thames Valley. I work closely with police, local authorities, health services, and voluntary sector partners to improve safeguarding responses, raise awareness of domestic abuse in later life, and strengthen referral pathways for older people.
I am particularly passionate about ensuring that abuse in later life is recognised, understood, and responded to effectively, and about amplifying the voices of older victim-survivors within wider domestic abuse and safeguarding systems.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my horses, which I find grounding and restorative.
Elizabeth Fox
Frontline Services Lead (England and Wales)
My name is Elizabeth, my colleagues and friends call me Lizzie. I have worked for Hourglass since 2021. And in that time, I have qualified as an IDVA,...
Elizabeth Fox
Frontline Services Lead (England and Wales)
My name is Elizabeth, my colleagues and friends call me Lizzie. I have worked for Hourglass since 2021. And in that time, I have qualified as an IDVA, ISVA and OPVA. Providing me with a Diploma.
I am part of the Leadership team covering all four nations of the United Kingdom. Alongside two other leads, we work together to make sure older people are safeguarded from domestic abuse.
I work directly with victim-survivors. Some day-to-day operations see myself being involved in Research and media projects. Hosting training or being a panellist on a webinar. I attend various meetings, conferences and work across a multiagency platform, attending MARAC, DARDR, CPS evaluations and local groups. I represent the voice of the victim survivors of domestic abuse and raise awareness through interventions.
Clare Leonelli
Information Officer Frontline Services
In my role as an information Officer on the hourglass helpline, I provide emotional support, information and guidance to people needing our services. ...
Clare Leonelli
Information Officer Frontline Services
In my role as an information Officer on the hourglass helpline, I provide emotional support, information and guidance to people needing our services. This includes listening with empathy, offering reassurance, and signposting callers to relevant services and support.
I first joined Hourglass as a volunteer and spent two years supporting the helpline before moving into a permanent role. I have now been with the charity for seven years in total and I am proud to be part of an organisation that works to support and help older people to ensure they feel safe heard and supported.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three grandchildren.
Chloe Evans
Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)
I am a Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), supporting older people experiencing domestic abuse by providing tailored safety planning, advocacy and emot...
Chloe Evans
Frontline Services Officer (IDVA)
I am a Frontline Services Officer (IDVA), supporting older people experiencing domestic abuse by providing tailored safety planning, advocacy and emotional support to our clients. In my role I work collaboratively with partners across the statutory and voluntary sectors to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their safety and wellbeing, helping them access the services they need and navigate systems that can feel overwhelming.
I’m passionate about making sure people feel heard and supported throughout their journey.
Outside of work, I’m a big sports fan and I especially enjoy watching football in my spare time.
Daisy Robinson
Digital Design Assistant
In my role as a digital design assistant, I support the charity's design and social media needs. This also includes assisting the digital communicatio...
Daisy Robinson
Digital Design Assistant
In my role as a digital design assistant, I support the charity's design and social media needs. This also includes assisting the digital communications officer and brand and digital development lead, as part of the marketing team. I design posters, social media posts, infographics, update logos and the website.
Outside of work, I love gaming and being creative – drawing, painting and print making.
Chantal Smithson
Frontline Services Officer
Within my role as a Frontline Services Officer at Hourglass, I am based within our casework team. I have a caseload of service users who have all expe...
Chantal Smithson
Frontline Services Officer
Within my role as a Frontline Services Officer at Hourglass, I am based within our casework team. I have a caseload of service users who have all experienced domestic abuse of some kind, with many who present with various vulnerability factors and are aged over 60. The support I provide means that I am able to risk assess, safety plan, provide emotional support, look into housing options, consider legal protection orders and liaise with other services to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach if needed and to secure onward support services once they have reached the point of case closure.
I also regularly have a shared responsibility with the rest of the team to manage the referral inbox, but also to undertake development work to keep raising awareness of the services we provide, along with the support we can offer to those who may not feel represented within alternative domestic abuse charities in relation to their age. I feel extremely lucky to provide a sense of hope to those who may never thought putting an end to their abusive experiences was even possible, but I am also fortunate to have an amazing, supportive team to work with.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family whilst travelling to new places and gaining new experiences.
Poppy Everton
Frontline Services Lead (High Risk Cases)
I have worked for Hourglass since 2021, originally employed by the charity as an expert older people’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) an...
Poppy Everton
Frontline Services Lead (High Risk Cases)
I have worked for Hourglass since 2021, originally employed by the charity as an expert older people’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). I have dealt with the most serious and high-risk cases of abuse of older people, many of whom have endured domestic abuse from intimate partners, ex-partners, and often their own adult children. I recently moved into a new role as Frontline Services Lead for High-Risk Casework which has come about in direct response to the increase in serious and high-risk cases the charity is dealing with.
Prior to my role at Hourglass, I worked as a healthcare assistant in various nursing homes, specialising in dementia care and palliative care. In this capacity, I witnessed first-hand the abuse that older people face. These experiences drove me to pursue a role where I could advocate for those suffering abuse.
Richard Robinson
Chief Executive
Richard Robinson became Chief Executive of Hourglass in January 2019. He has worked in the third sector for over 20 years and has experience in educat...
Richard Robinson
Chief Executive
Richard Robinson became Chief Executive of Hourglass in January 2019. He has worked in the third sector for over 20 years and has experience in education, international development, medical and arts and culture organisations. With early career experience as a journalist, Richard combines a strong knowledge of communications with strategy and business nous as well as spending time as a Director of Fundraising.
Most notably, Richard led the Olympic 2012 Charity, The Legacy List and worked to build regeneration and culture programmes across East London. He also spent time in India working with leprosy organisations and led a music industry charity through modernisation and change management challenges. Richard seeks to build profile for charities ‘just under the radar’ and combine this with a strong, visionary business plan with income generation and innovation at its heart.
Maggie Evans
Director of Frontline Services
With over 22 years of dedicated service to Hourglass, I serve as the Director of Frontline Services and as a member of the organisation’s Executive Te...
Maggie Evans
Director of Frontline Services
With over 22 years of dedicated service to Hourglass, I serve as the Director of Frontline Services and as a member of the organisation’s Executive Team. I oversee all aspects of our frontline delivery across the UK, ensuring that our Helpline, Casework, and specialist support services provide safe, effective, and compassionate support to older people at risk of or experiencing harm, exploitation and abuse.
I bring extensive knowledge of social care provision, having previously worked within a Local Authority delivering domiciliary and residential care. Throughout my career at Hourglass, I have developed specialist expertise in the abuse of older people—its causes, dynamics, and impacts—and I am frequently called upon to advise on complex cases and best practice in safeguarding.
I have contributed to national research on the abuse of older people, articles and guidance on safeguarding older people, and provided expert advice to a wide range of statutory and non-statutory organisations responding to cases of abuse. I also regularly participate in Domestic Abuse Related Death review panels, offering specialist insight into the risks, needs and experiences of older victim-survivors.
Veronica Gray
Deputy CEO, Director of Policy
Veronica is the charity’s policy and external affairs strategist. Her vision has helped raise the profile of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older ...
Veronica Gray
Deputy CEO, Director of Policy
Veronica is the charity’s policy and external affairs strategist. Her vision has helped raise the profile of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people across the UK.
As an experienced safeguarding expert she has a reputation for innovative programme development and incisive campaign management.
Veronica, who was formerly the Director of the charity in Northern Ireland, is also a seasoned media spokesperson, who worked with the CEO on the rebrand and strategic vision of the charity. She led on the design of the Safer Ageing concept and successful development of Safer Ageing Week.