Welcome to our staff profiles series, where we are celebrating the talented staff at London Plus! This week, meet Henry, our Communications Officer…

Hi Henry! Let’s start by hearing a bit about you. What are some of your hobbies?

I love to play chess, for the past year or so I have been trying to get my rating up. I’m also a bit of a film nerd – I watch a lot of movies in my spare time. I have a soft spot for horror, as good horror is amazing and bad horror is fun.

I go to gigs quite often, I really enjoy live music – a brilliant live show I saw was a metal band called Gojira and the crowd was lots of fun. I always get in the mosh pit!

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have actually hitchhiked the whole length of New Zealand and back again! I spent 8 months travelling around New Zealand, it’s the best place I’ve ever visited for hiking.

So what’s your role at London Plus?

I am the Communications Officer. My role involves everything communications based – I manage the social media channels, I update the website with blogs and news, I write newsletters and I create videos. Anything that involves communicating with people outside the organisation about the work of London Plus. I also support the networks in various ways, for example our Social Prescribing Network, to make sure they have everything they need.

How did you end up in this role?

I did an BA degree in Media and Environmental Communication at University of Brighton, followed by an MA in Media Campaigning and Social Change at University of Westminster. This led me naturally to working in the charity sector – I have always wanted to work with charities.

I wanted to have a job that has a positive impact on the world, and I think charities are the best placed to do that. London Plus is a great place to start your career in the charity sector, as it’s so connected to everything happening. It’s a great way to gain insight into the inner workings of a sector, rather than just being on the outskirts.

What gets you out of bed on a Monday morning?

I am passionate about blending creativity with social action. Making an impact is important to me – and this role at London Plus lets me do this. I want to work for a cause I believe in and at London Plus I can.

Why is your role important?

There’s two sides to it really. The first is, letting people know about London Plus. The second is sharing information and inspiring people across the capital. We want people to understand the issues facing London charities and community groups, so that they are better supported. But we also directly support charities and community groups in London, so we can help them make a bigger impact in their own work.

Thanks Henry. Before you go, what’s your favourite hidden gem in London?

It has to be a pub in Camden called the Hawley Arms – it is a tiny little pub, but always so busy! The bar staff are really friendly and it’s always packed with lovely people. Chaotic but in a good way!

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A big thank you to Henry! Stay tuned for more staff profiles, and check out more below!

• Anne, our Operations Manager
• Emily, our London Communities Emergencies Partnership Manager
• Hannah, our Networks Manager
• Penny, our Researcher and Data Analyst
• Laura, our Communications and Engagement Manager

Want to find out more about London Plus? Check out our About Us page.

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