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  1. Who we are
  2. Who we are
  3. Staff

Staff

Robert Dighton (Director)

Robert Dighton first started working at ELHAP in 1989 as a playworker.  He then qualified in play therapy and worked at the Whipps Cross Hospital Psychological Support Service for over eight years where he specialised in childhood trauma, grief and loss.  For over four years, Robert served as the programme convenor for the Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Play Therapy at Roehampton University.

Robert returned to work at ELHAP in 2005. In 2018, he completed his MSc in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent. His entire career has focussed on the importance of children’s play in promoting physical and mental well-being.  Robert has been the director of ELHAP for over fourteen years and started job sharing with Johanna Merry in May 2018. 

Johanna Merry (Director)

Johanna Merry first started work at ELHAP in 1987 as a volunteer and then a relief play worker.  She went on to gain extensive experience across the social care sector in both children’s and adults services, developing a wide range of innovative projects with successful outcomes.   Johanna established SeaChange Advocacy in 2009 to provide independent consultancy across London and Essex and has supported teams at every level to improve performance and transform services. She also worked for Barnardos for 29 years in various roles and has a background in Inclusive Theatre.

Johanna is a specialist trainer focusing on communication and empowering support for people with learning disabilities.  As an advocacy consultant Johanna has supported families in adverse situations; including Family Court proceedings and has broad experience of complex safeguarding cases.  Johanna was a trustee at ELHAP for 11 years before becoming ELHAP Director in May 2018 – a role she job shares with Robert Dighton.

Rachel Joseph (Head Of Development)

Rachel Joseph joined ELHAP in 2016 as Head of Development. Since joining the team, she has been focusing on raising ELHAP's profile and developing a range of income streams to ensure we are financially sustainable in the long-term.  Rachel has worked in fundraising management for the last 18 years, and has worked for a range of national and international charities, including Cancer Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK and Children of the Andes.  Rachel was born and raised in East London and feels privileged to be part of an organisation that is providing such a vital benefit to this area of London. 

Kelvin Ha (Senior Team Leader)

Kelvin joined ELHAP as a Volunteer in October 2010, looking for work experience at a local charity. Fast forward to the present day and Kelvin is now our Senior Team Leader, managing both our Playground and Orchard Project.

Kelvin has garnered his experience working with children, young people and adults with disabilities throughout his time on ELHAP’s three main projects: the Playground as a Casual Playworker and Team Leader; the Orchard project as an Activity Worker; and the Transition Project as a Project Leader. Kelvin continues to directly work on all projects as well as striving to develop our services for the families who use ELHAP.

Cathy Charles (Office Manager)

Cathy was employed in various administration positions throughout her working career.  She was General Manager at a City conference centre for 21 years, with a staff pool of 15 employees.  Before joining ELHAP in September 2017, Cathy worked at an independent school in a Facilities and Health & Safety capacity, and has extensive experience of policies and procedures within a child specific environment.

Cathy brings with her a wealth of organisational skills and staff welfare is high on her radar.

Nirmol Dey (Orchard Project Team Leader)

Nirmol

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Latest

  • ELHAP-Connects Workshops Schedule (2nd and 3rd Lockdowns)

    ELHAP-Connects Workshops Schedule (2nd and 3rd Lockdowns)

    Check out ELHAP-Connects online workshops in the 2nd and 3rd Lockdowns (November 2020 onwards)

  • ELHAP-Connects Workshops Schedule (1st Lockdown)

    ELHAP-Connects Workshops Schedule (1st Lockdown)

    Check out ELHAP-Connects online workshops in the 1st lockdown (April – July 2020)

  • In memory of Roy Mears

    In memory of Roy Mears

    Roy attended ELHAP as a child and then later as an adult. He was always very happy there and it was a vital part of our family support system and his enjoyment.

  • ELHAP Bridge

    ELHAP Bridge

    ELHAP Bridge can offer short term placements to “bridge the gap” for some of the children and young people left without school, college or day service provision due to Coronavirus. It may be particularly suitable for children & young people who are not in education or training, whose school place may be at risk.

Most read

  • Why volunteer

    Why volunteer

    Volunteer at ELHAP and make a real difference. There are so many reasons to volunteer at ELHAP, including to gain valuable work experience, develop your confidence and self-esteem, improve your CV and your employability as well as to enhance your UCAS application.

  • Services overview

    Services overview

    We don't believe that "one size fits all" - people and families have diverse and changing needs. This is why we offer a wide array of unique projects. We believe that it is every person’s birthright to live and play adventurously and each our projects are based on this founding principle. We offer a range for project for different ages groups and needs

  • Support ELHAP

    Support ELHAP

    We need your support now! It is only with the generosity of people like you that we are able to support over 800 children, young people and adults with disabilities and additional needs from across East London and Essex. Even before COVID19, ELHAP was facing an unprecedented challenge due to the closure of other local services. We now have more families than ever before in need of our support.

  • The difference we make

    The difference we make

    ELHAP's services enable children and young people to experience the magic, freedom, creativity, fun and challenges of inclusive adventure play. These experiences impact on our service users in so many positive ways.

  • How to apply

    How to apply

    How to apply to become a volunteer at ELHAP

  • Roles and opportunities

    Roles and opportunities

    We have lots of volunteer opportunities at ELHAP...There is a role for everyone so please apply to volunteer at ELHAP!

  • Vacancies and roles

    Vacancies and roles

    We have a fantastic and dedicated team of over 90 people employed in different jobs. ELHAP is a professional organisation that attracts people from different backgrounds but with a common passion and determination to help improve the quality of life for each and every person using ELHAP services.

  • Help us support our families in these difficult times

    Help us support our families in these difficult times

    Donate now and support all our vulnerable families. Every penny will go directly to supporting our families of disabled children through this incredibly difficult time and keep ELHAP running now and in the future.

  • Reports

    ELHAP reports

  • Why work for us

    Why work for us

    We have a fantastic and dedicated team of over 90 people employed in different jobs. ELHAP is a professional organisation that attracts people from different backgrounds but with a common passion and determination to help improve the quality of life for each and every person using ELHAP services.

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ELHAP (Every Life Has a Purpose) is a registered charity (Registration No 1077508) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (Registration No 3697053). Registered office: 119 Roding Lane North, Woodford Bridge, Essex, IG8 8NA.