We are a small team of staff and volunteers with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do, and we do it with passion.
We are currently also recruiting new trustees to help shape the future of Charlton Toy Library – find out more here and get involved!
Vicky Thomas
Toy Library Co-ordinator
Vicky is originally from Athens, Greece and moved to London in 2002. With over 30 years of admin experience and studies in child psychology, she oversees the running of the stay-and -play sessions at Charlton House, with the help of volunteers and supports the Outreach Worker. She also organises numerous events throughout the year, supervises our volunteers and helps with fundraising.
Email me: info@charltontoylibrary.org.uk
Sharon Jay
Outreach Worker
Sharon has been running the Outreach project since July 2013, and works with vulnerable families in the community, supporting them with toys, clothes, safety equipment, books, food vouchers and much more. Every Christmas she runs a very successful Christmas present and Food voucher appeal for the Outreach families.
Email me: outreach@charltontoylibrary.org.uk
Janine Khoshnevisan
Treasurer
I’m originally from Lincolnshire but have lived in Charlton since 1989. I love this area and work part-time in a local primary school as a Learning Mentor, French Tutor and Librarian.
I have been a trustee and the Treasurer of the toy library since 1993. My own children used the toy library and my grandsons now use it too. The toy library has seen huge changes over the years, most notably running a very successful and much-needed outreach service.
Email me: janine@charltontoylibrary.org.uk
John Stephens
Chair
I originally worked as a teacher in Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich schools and then moved into management roles in arts and music education. I am now senior manager at Surrey CC Arts and Music Service and chair Cultureboxsurrey.org.uk.
Former roles include Head of Greenwich Music Service and deputy head at Fossdene Primary School SE London. Other interests include making music, and film photography (member of The Gate Darkroom at Thames-Side Studios). I’ve lived in SE London since 1980 and in Charlton since 1996
Email me: johns@charltontoylibrary.org.uk
Emily Wallace
Trustee
Growing up in Kent and living in Greenwich since 2019, I became a Trustee of Charlton Toy Library in July 2024. I’m delighted to be part of such a warm, friendly and passionate team. I have a background in communications within listed property and infrastructure businesses, as well as an early career in HR. I’m passionate about social mobility and believe that every child should have access to education and the opportunities this creates. In my free time, I enjoy running, yoga, reading, exploring Greenwich’s pubs, and spending time with my cat, Yoshimi.
Email me: emilyw@charltontoylibrary.org.uk
Kate Hall
Trustee
I joined the Charlton Toy Library as a member when my daughter was born. I became a trustee after seeing the impressive work that CTL does in the community – both in terms of outreach and support for families at the lending library.
Originally from Washington, DC, I have lived in South East London since 2018, and I am a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London.
Email me: KateH@charltontoylibrary.org.uk
Cat Farnsworth
Trustee
I became a Charlton Toy Library member with my son 3 years ago, and was immediately impressed with what great work it does. The stay and play sessions, the support from the volunteers, the lending library, and – of course – the outreach work are all so valuable to the community.
I’ve recently become a trustee of the CTL, and hope to help keep delivering these key services to the families of Charlton and Greenwich.
I grew up in East London, moved to Charlton in 2018 and I work in radio production.
Suzie MacKenzie
Trustee
I am a local mum of three children and come to the stay and play sessions at the toy library with my son.
I’m delighted to have joined the team as a trustee as the passion and dedication of everyone at the toy library is really evident. I’m excited to be able to contribute to the fantastic work that the team do and to support opportunities for local children.
My background is in HR within the charity sector and I work part time for an international charity.
Bren Albiston
Trustee
I live in Greenwich with my partner and son. I am a city solicitor, who specialises in pensions and trusts law.
I decided to become a trustee of the Toy Library because of the important work it does in our community, supporting parents and children. Whether that is through our outreach programme, or simply as a place for parents and children to come together to make and meet friends. As a dad I know how important having a space like this is.
Want to work with us?
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
Sophie Durcan helps on Fridays with the stay-and-play session (9:30-12:30) and with fundraising events.
Susan Wainwright runs a singing session on Fridays (10:30-11:00)
Jen Stanley
Jen helps out on Tuesday mornings at CTL. She lived in and around Charlton since 1984, when she completed her teacher training PGCE at Goldsmiths’ College. She taught in Lewisham primary schools for over 25 years, with breaks to have her own children. “We used to visit Charlton Toy Library regularly: it was a brilliant amenity for us then and I am so pleased that it still serves our community.”
June Shand
June studied at the Royal College of Music for four years – and spent the next 20 years working in theatre. She moved to Plumstead in 1986 – decided to change careers and trained as a nurse at the Brook Hospital on Shooters Hill. She moved into the community and worked as a Health Visitor until she retired. June is now enjoying singing with the children at the Toy Library on a Tuesday morning.
Charlton Toy Library 