Caroline Downey: Executive Director

Caroline is the Executive Director and she leads and supports the MERCi team. She has worked as a designer, editor, researcher, policy maker and environmentalist, in various fields such as recycling, community development, agricultural extension, environmental education and sustainable development - both here in the UK and abroad – and for local and national governments, private businesses and the voluntary and community sector.

carolined[at]merci.org.uk Read more

Simon McCloskey - Development Worker - Herbie

Simon's role is Development Worker for the Herbie project. Herbie was set up to provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables for residents of North and East Manchester in areas where there is currently little provision of fresh produce. The project has 2 vans which are walk-on shops and deliveries are made to housing estates, sheltered housing, churches, schools and creches. Read more

Ian Green: Merci IT and website developer

Ian Green has been teaching Information Technology (IT) in the community for several years; he was trained in many popular software packages and network administration whilst working for London Underground in the 90’s. He then left the world of paid employment and used his IT skills to run computer centres in various environmental, social and community projects in London on a voluntary basis. Read more

Jenny Nelson: Coordinator - Environment Network for Manchester

Jenny coordinates The Environment Network For Manchester, which is a collective of groups and organisations working towards the development of a truly sustainable city. Members of the network are involved in a wide range of activities and issues and Jenny helps link them together, supporting their work with a range of services. Read more

Tim McMahon: Strategic Engagement Worker - Sustainable Neighbourhoods Action Group

Tim's role is to gather the views, issues and concerns of The Sustainable Neighbourhoods Pool – a group of individuals and community organisations concerned with open spaces, housing, planning and all aspects of the environment. Read more

Bill Harrop: Strategic Engagement Worker - Transport Action Group

Bill's role is to support the voluntary and community groups across Manchester by seeking out any issues or ideas relating to transport and then assist to either resolve the problems or get ideas put into action. Bill works closely with the public bodies like the Council, GMPTE, NHS, Police etc, the service providers like the bus, train and tram operators, as well as the voluntary and community sector. Read more

Claire Morris: Coordinator - Sustaining Change

Claire has many years experience working in the public and third sector. After completing a degree in Sociology and Politics she worked in the charity sector where she was Ward Visiting Officer for Hope Hospital Citizens Advice Bureau. Claire then moved into the social care sector as a youth worker and deputy manager for a supported housing project for socially excluded young people. Read more

Finn Jensen: Development Worker - Sustaining Change

As part of the Sustaining Change team one of Finn's main tasks is to develop the Sustaining Change Network – catching ideas and share them among the network. He has previously worked as a teacher, journalist and factory worker in Denmark, as an immigration and asylum caseworker, coordinator of a law centre and a manager of a Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) in England. Read more

Paul Harrison: Development Worker - Sustaining Change

After obtaining a degree in Geology Paul began working in the insurance industry and spent 7 years working in various roles, ranging from Development Support Specialist to Team Manager. Paul also spent several months in India supporting overseas business development relating to the insurance industry. Read more

Beth Creedon: Development Worker - Herbie Mobile Greengrocer

Beth has a degree in English Literature, but soon found her niche, food, when she became a member at Unicorn Grocery in Chorlton, Manchester. She then went on to write for the local paper, give talks and cook, all around her specialist subject, wild food. She currently owns a successful organic food delivery business with her husband. Read more

Katy Carlisle: Finance and Admin Worker

I’ve always had a slightly worrying love for organising things and people so it made sense to combine it with my interest in sustainability and environmental issues. My background was originally in teaching languages and I think that education plays a key role in helping communities and organisations become more sustainable. Read more