Our Staff, Volunteers & Placement Students

Alan Curtis

Lead Co-ordinator

Alan, as the lead coordinator running the ELSH Hub, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and effectiveness of our educational hub. His responsibilities are tailored to the dynamic needs of our student body, which can vary week by week. Alan collaborates closely with the CEO and our dedicated staff and volunteers to develop, update, and refine our curriculum, aligning it with the high standards and goals of ELSH. He meticulously manages class schedules, ensuring that teaching and learning activities are well-timed and that resources are allocated efficiently to support them.

Beyond administrative tasks, Alan takes a personal interest in student management, overseeing enrolment, registration, and providing academic advising when needed. He is readily available to address student inquiries, complaints, and disciplinary matters, ensuring a supportive and conducive learning environment for all.

Moreover, Alan is responsible for managing the allocation of teaching and learning resources, ensuring that our hub operates optimally to facilitate student success. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail are instrumental in driving the ongoing success of our educational endeavours at ELSH Hub.

Alan’s dedication extends beyond the hub as he serves as the secretary of Amnesty in Barnsley, and his previous role as secretary of ELSH trustees demonstrates his longstanding commitment to our organization. As a volunteer at ELSH since 2017, he has been providing invaluable support, always going above and beyond to help.

Julie Martin

Lead ESOL Tutor

Julie joined ELSH in 2019 and serves as the Staff Lead for ESOL and the Talk English course, catering to speakers of other languages seeking to enhance their English proficiency and essential life skills. Working collaboratively with Alan in curriculum planning, she orchestrates individualised and blended learning experiences for different student groups and individuals, ensuring that learning and delivering lessons are thoughtfully curated in advance. Julie provides support for the closely ELSH volunteer team, and address the unique needs of learners for whom English is not their first language.

Through her targeted and innovative curriculum delivery, Julie empowers some of the most marginalised individuals within the Barnsley communities. Her possession of a BA Hons in Social Sciences, a prestigious Teaching Qualification, a TEFL certificate, and exemplary Leadership Skills, she equips our students to cultivate self-respect, resilience, confidence, and invaluable skills, fostering pathways to vibrant and fulfilling lives. ELSH’s commitment to fostering community strength is exemplified through its investment in volunteer-driven initiatives, thereby contributing to the reduction of inequalities and social isolation.

Julie prioritises the implementation and adherence to ELSH’s policies and procedures concerning Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, fostering a dynamic and secure a safe learning environment. With a knack for fostering engagement and motivation, Julie employs various strategies to promote equal opportunities and cultural diversity within the classroom. Her adept communication skills span multiple mediums, including verbal, written, and ICT-based methods, all aimed at cultivating self-esteem and mutual respect among learners. Through Julie’s dedication and expertise, ELSH continues to champion inclusivity and educational excellence within the community.

Kirsty Flannagan

Maths Tutor

Kirsty’s journey with ELSH began in 2020 when she joined as a student placement from Northern College, as part of her PGCE studies at Huddersfield University. Prior to joining the teaching team, she pursued qualifications in AET (Award in Education and Training) and LSP (Learning Support Practitioner), showcasing her dedication to the field of education. Following the successful completion of her placement, Kirsty transitioned into a part-time receptionist/administration role at ELSH, all while continuing her pursuit of further knowledge in teaching.

In recognition of her commitment and aptitude, Kirsty has since been promoted to the role of Mathematics teacher, where she plays a crucial role in supporting ELSH students as they progress towards further education. With her comprehensive training and hands-on experience, Kirsty brings a wealth of expertise to her teaching role, ensuring that students receive the guidance and support needed to excel academically. Her journey from student placement to esteemed educator is a testament to her dedication, passion, and continuous pursuit of excellence within the field of education at ELSH.

Our Volunteers

Zartasha Saeed

ICT Volunteer

Angelika Baniene

Food and Hygiene Volunteer

Angelika is an invaluable member of our ELSH team, known for her unwavering dedication and boundless generosity towards others. She consistently exceeds expectations, going the extra mile to assist anyone in need. During break times, Angelika extends her support by providing students with refreshments, ensuring they feel cared for and rejuvenated. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in managing our pantry, ensuring that our students have access to essential resources.

Beyond these duties, Angelika is also instrumental in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of our hub, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. Her willingness to lend a hand extends to providing interpretation services to students who may require assistance, further enhancing inclusivity within our program.

Angelika’s selfless contributions epitomize the spirit of community and support at ELSH, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students each day.

Abdul Ghani Saeed

Admin Assistant Volunteer

Abdul, as an ELSH Volunteer and certified Fire Marshal, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and safety of the educational hub. He actively manages the organization’s social media platforms, engaging with the audience and sharing valuable resources to enrich their learning experience. Abdul oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates logistics, and facilitates learning sessions to enhance program efficiency.

Safety remains Abdul’s top priority in his role as a Fire Marshal. He promptly responds to emergencies, implements safety protocols, and provides interpretation services to participants, fostering inclusivity within the program.

Committed to cultivating an inclusive environment, Abdul creates a supportive space where language learners feel empowered to excel. His multifaceted contributions significantly contribute to the success of the ELSH program, enabling individuals to achieve their language learning objectives.

Areej Younes

Volunteer ESOL Assistant Teacher

Areej Younes has been a part of ELSH since 2021, offering her services as a volunteer ESOL teacher assistant. With an education degree, Areej brings a wealth of knowledge, cultural understanding, and empathy to her role. She embodies a unique blend of passion, expertise, and collaboration, enriching the learning experiences of students from various cultural backgrounds.

Her unwavering dedication to empowering others through education elevates her to an indispensable position within our program. Areej’s commitment resonates deeply with our mission, fostering an environment where every learner feels supported and inspired to excel. We are privileged to have Areej as part of our team, driving positive change and shaping brighter futures for our students.

Salma Ahmed

Volunteer Conversation Assistant

Salma Ahmed joined ELSH in 2021, bringing her passion for language learning and cultural exchange to our community. As a volunteer Conversation Assistant, Salma plays a vital role in facilitating communication between Arabic and English speakers. Her expertise ensures smooth interactions, enabling students to build confidence in conversational English.

Salma’s supportive approach creates a nurturing environment where students feel encouraged to actively engage and take risks in their language practice. By fostering a safe space for learning, she empowers students to embrace challenges and grow in their language proficiency journey.

Anna Goryca

Support Assistant Volunteer

Anna Goryca, a dedicated resident of Barnsley for over a decade, brings a wealth of personal experience and a profound commitment to her role as a Volunteer Trustee Board Member at ELSH. Anna’s journey with ELSH began following a challenging period in her life, marked by a serious accident in 2014. It was during this time that she discovered ELSH and became involved in its early stages at the Worsbrough Community Centre. Starting as a student and later transitioning into a volunteer, Anna gained invaluable experience and forged meaningful connections with fellow volunteers and learners alike.

Although Anna found full-time employment after a few months, her dedication to ELSH remained steadfast. Despite being unable to volunteer regularly, she stayed involved and maintained close contact with the organisation. Anna attributes her enhanced self-confidence and improved English language skills, crucial for her career advancement, to her volunteering experience at ELSH. After six months, Anna’s passion for helping others led her to become a training support, where she trained new staff and further honed her coaching skills.

Over the years, Anna’s commitment to supporting and empowering others has remained unwavering. Her return to volunteering at ELSH as an assistant to teachers is a testament to her dedication and passion for making a difference. Anna’s ethos of giving her utmost effort in everything she does ensures that she will contribute positively to the organisation’s mission. With her experience, skills, and wholehearted dedication, Anna is poised to make meaningful contributions as a Volunteer Trustee Board Member, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community and inspiring positive change.

Zarbakht Saeed

Volunteer Graphic Designer

Zarbakht Saeed brings a dynamic fusion of creativity and precision to ELSH as our volunteer Graphic Designer. With a keen eye for detail and a strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Zarbakht independently produces an array of high-quality graphics, including brochures, flyers, business cards, student and staff identification cards, social media posts, trifolds, and more.

Zarbakht oversees the entire design process, from conceptualisation to final execution, ensuring that each project aligns seamlessly with the organisation’s objectives. Her work effectively articulates the brand’s message across diverse media, maintaining a cohesive, innovative, and visually captivating brand presence.

With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to design excellence, Zarbakht’s contributions are instrumental in enhancing our visual communications and supporting our mission. Her creativity and precision make her an invaluable asset to the ELSH team.

Pooja Ramchandani

Teacher Volunteer

Councillor Pooja Ramchandani, representing the Labour Party in the Kingstone Ward, brings a wealth of community-focused experience and dedication to her role. With a passion for serving her constituents and fostering positive change, Councillor Ramchandani is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of the local community.

In addition to her duties as a councillor, Pooja Ramchandani is actively involved in supporting ELSH, demonstrating her commitment to education and empowerment within the community. Her advocacy for inclusive and accessible education aligns closely with ELSH’s mission, and her support further strengthens the organisation’s ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals seeking to improve their skills and opportunities.

As a dedicated representative and community leader, Councillor Pooja Ramchandani’s collaboration with ELSH underscores her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and promoting social mobility within the Kingstone Ward and beyond.

Helen Palfreman

Teacher Volunteer

Helen is a dedicated Volunteer Teacher at the Educational Learning Support Hub (ELSH), with a solid background in teaching. Drawing on her extensive experience, Helen provides tailored educational support to a wide range of students, including refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals from the BAME community. Her teaching approach is centred on creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where learners feel encouraged to grow both academically and personally.

With a warm and approachable manner, Helen works closely with students to help them overcome challenges, develop new skills, and build confidence. In addition to delivering quality education, she also promotes resilience and personal development, ensuring that students are equipped for success in life beyond the classroom. Through her voluntary role, Helen plays a crucial part in fostering a sense of community and support at ELSH.

Her unwavering commitment to the organisation is evident in her dedication to every learner’s success. Helen’s passion for education and her drive to make a positive impact reflect her deep connection to ELSH’s mission and values.

Marny Barton

Assistant Teacher Volunteer

Marny is a dedicated Teaching Assistant at the Educational Learning Support Hub (ELSH), committed to empowering students through personalised support and guidance. With a passion for education and a strong belief in the power of learning, Marny assists learners from diverse backgrounds, including refugees, asylum seekers, and members of the BAME community.

Her goal is to help students build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their educational goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. Marny is known for her approachable and patient nature, ensuring each student feels valued and understood.

She plays an active role in creating a welcoming atmosphere at ELSH, fostering a sense of belonging for all. In addition to academic support, Marny encourages personal growth, helping learners navigate challenges and build resilience.

Josephine Tan

Advanced Support Volunteer

Josephine is a versatile and dedicated volunteer at the Educational Learning Support Hub (ELSH), contributing her time and energy to a wide range of activities. She first joined ELSH by helping at a drop-in session and has since become an integral part of the team. Josephine assists with break time refreshments, ensuring that students have a welcoming space to relax and recharge.

She also plays a key role in the pantry, helping to organise and distribute food to those in need. Additionally, Josephine supports students who struggle in class, leading small focus groups to provide extra guidance and encouragement. Her dedication and willingness to help wherever needed make her an invaluable member of the ELSH community.

Josephine’s proactive attitude and friendly nature help create a positive and inclusive atmosphere. She is always ready to step in and offer support, no matter the task at hand.

Our Placement Students

Harrison Beck

Barnsley College Student Placement

Harrison, enrolled in the Accounting T-Level program at Barnsley College, actively engages in his academic journey while simultaneously gaining practical experience through his placement at ELSH. This invaluable opportunity serves as a cornerstone in his pursuit of a future career as an accountant.

Immersing himself in the work environment at ELSH, Harrison diligently acquires first hand knowledge and skills essential for his professional development. His proactive approach underscores his dedication to acquiring practical insights that will pave the way for success in his future endeavours as an accountant.

Archie Bradley

Barnsley College Student Placement

Archie has been attending Barnsley College since September 2023, pursuing a Level 3 Accounting T-Level. Alongside his academic endeavors, he maintains a part-time position as a chef, showcasing his dedication to both his studies and professional development.

Additionally, Archie dedicates his Mondays to a work placement at ELSH, where he actively contributes to the organisation’s initiatives. This multifaceted approach highlights Archie’s commitment to holistic growth and his proactive engagement in practical learning experiences.

Casey Seres

Barnsley College Student Placement

Casey is a placement student currently supporting the administration team at the Educational Learning Support Hub (ELSH). With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach, she assists with a variety of tasks, from managing paperwork and scheduling to helping keep the office running smoothly.

Her organisational skills and enthusiasm have been a great asset to the team, ensuring that the administrative side of ELSH remains efficient and effective. Casey is passionate about gaining real-world experience and contributing to the smooth operation of the organisation, helping ELSH continue its mission of supporting learners from diverse backgrounds.