Our Team

Staff and Trustees

STAFF TEAM

Founder & Director of Programmes

ABI HEDGES

  • Hi! I’m Abi, Blank Canvas’ Founder and Director of Programmes, overseeing all the fun that’s going on and spend my time dreaming and planning for what more BC can do. I LOVE working with young people and equipping them to step into their full potential. I am passionate about the local church and it’s role in serving young people.

    I love to chat, take photo’s, stroll on the beach and hang with my beautiful family.

Senior Youth Worker | Discipleship

LIZZIE WALSH

  • Hi, I’m Lizzie and I joined the Blank Canvas team in 2024 as the Senior Youth Worker.

    I oversee all things Discipleship for Blank Canvas and support Abi and the team across a number of projects.

    I’m a qualified football, basketball and wheelchair coach and are excited to support young people in accessing sports across Redcar, keep an eye out for Blank Canvas FC!

Youth Worker | Engagement

STEVE CASSY

  • Hi, I’m Steve and I joined the Blank Canvas team in 2022 when I begun volunteering at Youth Club at St Hilda’s Church.

    I joined the staff team in November 2023 and I take a lead on Workspace and our communication with parents and carers. You’ll find me hanging out across our different Blank Canvas spaces and working 1:1 with young people through YAFA!

    I’m part of Sacred Heart Church in Redcar and love to see churches across the town working together for good!

JUDE GRAHAM

Youth Worker | Intern

  • Hi, I’m Jude, I've come to Redcar on mission over the last 3 summers and arrived in September 2024 to spend a year being part of the team!

    I love the people of Redcar, and I can’t wait to be able to dive into a team that just genuinely loves people and wants to see positive change. There’s a reason that God has placed such a strong calling on my heart to Redcar, and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me and for the town of Redcar!

Youth Worker | YAFA

CAROL PETIT

  • Hi, I’m Carol, I began volunteering with Blank Canvas in 2023 at Workspace. I have a background in teaching and am part of the team at St Hilda’s Church, Redcar.

    Since becoming a Community Minister at St Hilda’s, I now have the opportunity to dedicate my time to supporting young people and their families through our YAFA (Youth And Families Advocacy) Programme. You can find me at Workspace and St Hilda’s Youth Club each week! If you require support, please click here to get in touch.

TRUSTEES

Chair of Trustees

MARK TATE

Treasurer

TIM THEOBALDS

DANIELA REITER

Safeguarding Trustee

Trustee

BRIDGET WOODALL

KRISTIAN SHEPHARD

Trustee