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.
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 for 33 years. I love this area and work part-time in a local primary school.
I have been a trustee and the Treasurer of the toy library for 29 years. My own children used the toy library and my grandson now uses 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
Patricia Santome
Trustee
I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain but completely integrated in Charlton! I fell in love with Charlton Toy Library 12 years ago, 10 of which I’ve been a trustee. I’m passionate about the work we do for our community.
Email me: patricias@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
Bridget Gourlay
Trustee
I joined the Charlton Toy Library originally as a member with my son and greatly enjoyed hiring toys and taking part in the stay and play sessions. I became a trustee to give back to the wonderful work the toy library does.
I work for an international children’s charity in communications management.
Email me: bridgetg@charltontoylibrary.org.uk
Jo Rollings
Trustee
I was born in South East London and spent a lot of time visiting Greenwich and Charlton with my nan when I was younger.
As a survivor of domestic abuse my passion is to always help those who feel that they are not being heard and people within the community. I currently work for a VAWG Charity and am a specialist in relation VAWG and Charity service management and advocacy, I therefore wanted to support the Charlton Toy Library due to my skill set as it is such a worthwhile service being provided.
Email me: JoanneR@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
Want to work with us?
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
Julie Pepperrell is at the Toy Library every Thursday helping with the stay-and-play sessions. She also runs a Sensory Play session (10:30-11:00 am) on Thursday mornings.
Sophie Durcan helps on Tuesdays and Fridays with the stay-and-play session (9:30-12:30).
Julie Cullen helps on Thursdays with the stay-and-play session (9:30 – 12:30).
Susan Wainwright runs a singing session on Fridays (10:30-11:00)
Charlton Toy Library 