Our staff
Paul Fordham

Head of Centre and Chief Executive (Development Officer)
Full-time (almost!)
I lead the overall direction and development of Abbey, working with staff and trustees to ensure the centre remains welcoming, financially sustainable and responsive to the diverse communities of Kilburn and nearby neighbourhoods. I have particular oversight of our Community Activities Programme and lead on fundraising and financial sustainability, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation, and understanding local needs so our work remains effective and impactful. I also support and develop our staff team and lead on our volunteer strategy, helping to ensure our programmes continue to thrive.
Favourite thing about your job? Aside from the impact our centre has on local residents’ lives every day, it’s the people. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such dedicated, kind and inspiring staff, volunteers and interns — they make Abbey a very special, nurturing place.
Kafia Qureshi

Room Rentals Coordinator
Part-time: Monday-Friday
I am the Room Rentals Coordinator at Abbey and I also cover on Reception daily at 1-2pm. I work on building the room rentals profile for Abbey as well as maintaining existing rentals. Room rentals contribute to fundraising for Abbey Community Centre.
Favourite thing about your job? I enjoy meeting and welcoming members to the centre and I feel happy when we secure room bookings - especially when the booker comes back to us again.
Tissy El-Janfali

Senior Early Years Worker
Part-time: Monday-Thursday
I work with families in Children’s Services and am committed to providing a nurturing, secure and enabling environment where every child and family can thrive. Passionate about child-led learning, fostering independence, and supporting emotional wellbeing; coordinating with external agencies and working alongside families to support child development. Dedicated to fostering positive attitudes and outcomes in compliance with EYFS framework and health & safety policies to shape an inclusive community atmosphere for all.
Favourite thing about your job? Being part of a family’s memories and milestones, from learning parenting styles to their child’s first experiences, such as learning to talk or walk and so forth. It’s very rewarding and personal to connect with others at these special times and grow together, as a community.
Emily Haggard
Centre Operations Manager
Monday to Thursday
We're delighted to welcome Emily as our new Centre Operations Manager from 1st April 2026. She joins Abbey with significant experience in operational management within public-facing organisations. Emily will play a key role in ensuring the centre runs smoothly every day, overseeing the building and compliance, and supporting staff, volunteers and room hirers.
Working as part of the senior leadership team, Emily helps keep our centre running efficiently so our programmes and activities can thrive.
Bryony Littlefair

Publicity and Fundraising Coordinator
Part-time: Wednesday-Friday
I manage the centre's website, social media, and publicity, like our newsletters. I am also one of the fundraising staff - I apply for grants, seek out other funding streams, promote individual, legacy and corporate giving. Along with this I input on monitoring and evaluation at the centre, especially for our Community Activities Programme, and develop the centre's annual Impact Report.
Favourite thing about your job? I love getting grants in and then being able to see first-hand their impact on the local community, it's very rewarding. Also, Jordan and Lydia's baking!
Lydia Ghazali

Kilburn Good Neighbours Coordinator
Part-time: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
My primary role is coordinating our award-winning befriending scheme, as well as providing safeguarding support for vulnerable adults at the Centre. I have overall supervision of the Food Club, whilst contributing to other centre events. As a qualified nutritionist, I teach a monthly nutrition class, helping people build healthier eating and lifestyles. My role also includes recruiting and coordinating interns while supporting other volunteers at the centre.
Favourite thing about your job? Helping people work together, learn from one another, and build something positive for the community is what I enjoy most.
Zamzam Osman

Children's Services Coordinator
Part-time: Monday-Thursday
I have 14 years of experience in my current role supporting children and families at Abbey and many more years within registered charity organisations. I work with families to help them access local services and ensure they are informed about the support available for themselves and their children.
Favourite thing about your job? I am committed to empowering families and promoting positive outcomes for their children .
Simone Carneiro

Centre and Community Activities Programme Coordinator
Full-time: Mon-Fri
As Centre Coordinator, I ensure the centre is safe, welcoming, and smoothly run, supporting staff and volunteers, managing facilities and resources, and working closely with Reception and Room Bookings to create a positive, enjoyable experience for all centre users. As Community Activities Programme Coordinator, I plan and deliver engaging activities for people aged 60+, coordinating tutors and resources, and building strong, positive relationships to create an inclusive, responsive programme.
Favourite thing about your job? It’s truly rewarding to see the positive impact our centre has on people’s lives. I love helping our community stay active, connected, creative and inspired.
Romana Temani

Centre Reception & Admin Assistant
Full-time: Monday-Friday
I'm the Receptionist at Abbey, supported by a brilliant team of volunteers, so I'm usually the first point of contact at the centre. My day-to-day work is very varied - counting donations, drawing up volunteer timetables, following up on enquiries, building repairs administration and generally keeping everything organised in our Warm Welcome space.
Favourite thing about your job? The people - you never know who's walking through the door or what story they'll bring, but it's always something that brightens the day.
Jordan Murray

Events, Activities and KGN Coordinator
Full-time: Monday-Friday
I run and oversee some activities at the centre (Low-Cost Cooking, Tech Buddies, Community Lunch and Gardening Group), as well as organising our events. I work on the Kilburn Good Neighbours Scheme with Lydia too. The newest project I'm working on is Welcome and Thrive. I also work with corporate partners to facilitate bespoke team-building volunteering days. When I'm not behind my desk, I'm often found in the kitchen whipping up some cakes or treats for an Abbey event.
Favourite thing about your job? When I've been able to help somebody, and know that my involvement has made positive impact.
Jason Reid

Centre Assistant
Part-time: Monday - Friday
I have been working as a Centre Assistant at Abbey Community Centre for the past five years, where I play an active role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the centre. My work focuses on welcoming visitors, supporting activities, and helping to create a safe, friendly, and inclusive environment for everyone who comes through our doors.
Favourite thing about your job? What I enjoy most about my role is caring for and looking after people. I find it especially meaningful to support older residents, help visitors feel comfortable and welcome, and see members of the community connect through activities and services at the centre.
Kidist Abraha

Early Years Worker
Part-time: Monday-Thursday
I run drop-in sessions for children under five, supporting their behaviour and development. I provide advice and encouragement to parents to help their children’s growth and refer families to appropriate services when needed. I also run crèche sessions and plan daily activities based on each child’s individual needs and developmental stage.
Favourite thing about your job? I love seeing the children I’ve known since they were crawling now walking to school in their uniforms. Watching them grow and knowing I’ve been part of their early journey is incredibly special and rewarding.