Victoria Lofthouse - Trustee Victoria joined the Children's Links and Linking Up Boards in 2022. Expand Victoria is an experienced, qualified social worker and manager with nearly thirty years’ experience working with vulnerable individuals who present with complex needs in diverse and multi-cultural environments within the UK and International Development. Victoria is currently employed by LPFT CAMHS and manages a multi-disciplinary team. Victoria's previous employment has been with the NSPCC, Metropolitan Police Service (leading on an innovative crime prevention early intervention program) and third sector homeless organisations, in addition to volunteering and working for NGO’s in South East Asia. She has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, policy and guidance related to the field of child welfare. Victoria attained a BA (hons) in Applied Community Studies and also achieved a distinction (MSc) in Social Work from Lincoln University
Rachel Aylmer - Chief Executive Officer Rachel became Chief Executive of the Children's Links Group in April 2022. Expand Rachel has overall responsibility for creating, planning, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of Children's Links to improve the lives of children, families and communities. Rachel joined the Children's Links team over 20 years ago, having previously worked as an accountant and a primary school teacher. During her time at Children's Links, she has been involved in services for children and workforce development as well as leading the strategic direction of the charity. She is passionate about delivering high quality services and promoting the importance of play
Ms Rachel Croft - Trustee Rachel Croft has 18 years of experience within the learning and skills sector. Expand Rachel Croft has 18 years of experience within the learning and skills sector and is currently employed by the Department of Education. Outside of work, Rachel is a keen swimmer and enjoys reading and is looking to carry out some further volunteering work. She joined the board of Children’s Links in December 2012.
Mr Al Wright - Trustee Al Wright joined the Board of Trustees for Children's Links and Linking up in November 2016. Expand Al believes that being a Trustee with Children's Links Group is giving him the opportunity to use his corporate and SME technology skillset to compliment Children's Links' wealth of Charity Sector experience. His experience is allowing him to contribute to shaping the delivery of a range of innovative services on a national scale.
Jessica Firth-Brown - Trustee Jessica joined the Children's Links and Linking Up Boards in 2022. Expand Jessica is a solicitor partner within the family department of local solicitors Sills & Betteridge. She specialises in domestic abuse and children matters. She came to know of the work of Children’s Links through the Contact Centres and so applied to become a trustee. Jessica has two young children who very much enjoy their visits to the Toy Library!
How do I book a place at a Children's Links child contact centre? Expand You need to read our parent information leaflet and/or referrer's guide for professionals. You will then need to make a referral using the form on the website. All of this information can be found here.
How do I become a Toy Library Member? There are three different types of membership; hire only, family and organisational. Expand Further information can be found about the different types and how to join on our the Join the Toy Librarypage.
Helena Kucharczyk - Chair of Trustees Helena joined the Children's Links Board as Chair in January 2024. Expand I have over 20 years experience working in the public sector including most recently being part of a senior management team for a Local Authority children's services. I have extensive knowledge and experience of Ofsted Inspections, Safeguarding, Education Outcomes and SEND improvement. I have also significant experience of working with colleagues from the Department of Education at a regional and national level. I have recently begun to set up my own company, which will provide data analysis, quality assurance, performance and improvement advice to local authorities and other organisations which support the public sector. I have had previous experience of being a member of a governing body for a special school that was rated inadequate by Ofsted, supporting their rapid improvement and have also chaired a number of partnership meetings within safeguarding partnerships. I am passionate about supporting the improvement of outcomes for children and young people and welcome the opportunity to support Children's Links as its Chair of Trustees in delivering its ambitions and goals.
Dr Katie Ruane - Trustee Katie joined the board of trustees for Children's Links in August 2022. Expand Dr Katie Ruane is a practitioner psychologist, who works as a senior educational psychologist in a local authority. This role sees her applying organisational and leadership psychology to achieve change for families at a strategic level. Katie also has previous experiences as an associate governor and university tutor. Katie has worked with children and their families for over 16 years, striving to promote positive outcomes for all. She believes in equity, inclusion and community-led support, which aims to listen to, hear and empower those who may find themselves in vulnerable situations.
Dr Jonathan Wainwright - Trustee Jonathan joined Children's Links and Linking Up Boards in 2022. Expand Dr Jonathan Wainwright is currently on a career break and still acts as a visiting tutor to the university where he was until recently, employed was head of social sciences. Jonathan has a background in organisational development having worked in both private and public sectors before moving into academia. His research interests are in leadership in the early years and currently acts as a governor in two local primary schools.
Do you have any job vacancies? If you are looking for a new opportunity in children's services then Children's Links may have what you need. Expand Our website is updated with all of the latest job vacancies please take a look.
Do you have any childcare availability? We have four nurseries in the Children's Links Group. Expand Places in our four settings become available at different times. If you are looking for quality care for your child in Lincolnshire or Hampshire you can contact the nurseries directly and ask them to arrange a viewing and book sessions here
Consultancy Expand We offer consultancy work tailored to the needs of the organisation. Our areas of expertise include working with vulnerable children, families and communities, ensuring participation and enabling service users to have a voice. Together, we work towards transforming the systems that support and protect children and young people and families. If you would like us to support you with children's sector work please contact us
Can I request Children's Links support at a prison visit? Expand Unfortunately you are unable to request Children's Links supports your visit at the moment. We would like to be able to work in more prison in the future supporting children and their families through this difficult period. Ask at the prison you are visiting if play support is available. Keep looking at our website page 'Things to do with your child' and try out the free activities. This will enable your to talk about what they have been doing whilst visiting.
Can I raise funds for Children's Links? We are delighted you would like to help us raise funds for Children's Links. Expand We would like to support you with your fundraising so please find out more on our website and Get involved
Can I decide how I would like my gift to be used? Can I decide how I would like my gift to be used? Expand Gifts that are 'unrestricted' (i.e. that we can use wherever they'll make the biggest difference) are the most valuable to us as they can be used where they're most urgently needed. You can also leave a gift in your Will to a particular area of our work such as contact centres, campaigning for children's rights, education and training or a certain geographical area.