General Contact Details
Email; renewingroots@frea.org.uk
Patrick Rodgers - Regional Manager
Patrick has worked supporting vulnerable people, particularly from the Irish community living in Britain, since 1998, when he started volunteering at the London Irish Centre. He went on to work for Irish Centre Housing supporting people experiencing homelessness to obtain and maintain housing.
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After moving to Greater Manchester Patrick worked with homeless families before taking up a position with Irish Community Care Manchester as an Advice and Information Worker. Patrick believes that empowering individuals leads to stronger communities and that as community organisations we can make a positive impact in this process.
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Outside worker Patrick loves going to football, Gaelic Football and is passionate about music.
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Ring: 07432 138682
Email: patrick.rodgers@frea.org.uk
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Natalie Hughes-Crean - Specialist Case Worker, based at Leeds Irish Health and Homes
Liverpool born and raised, with family of Irish heritage, Natalie is now based in Leeds. She loves the Yorkshire countryside, but does miss living by the sea.
Natalie’s first career was in education. For over a decade she worked as a teacher in Leeds and London before moving to the charity sector in 2015 as a project manager. Always drawn to work where she is listening to and working with people, Natalie has a strong history of delivering initiatives by leveraging relationships with key stakeholders in focus communities. She has supported communities through a range of projects ranging from shared reading, food poverty, sexual health and employability.
Outside of her work with Fréa, Natalie also works as a Celebrant and a Doula. In her free time, Natalie enjoys being out in the countryside. She loves to read, sing and does yoga to relax.
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Ring: 07849835841
Email: natalie.hughes-crean@frea.org.uk
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Ciaran Connolly - Specialist Case Worker, based at Irish Community Care in Merseyside
Ciaran, hailing from Co. Fermanagh and now rooted in the North West of England for 8 years. With extensive experience in the charity sector across Northern Ireland, he specializes in project development and community empowerment. Ciaran's expertise spans the charity sector, higher education and local government, culminating most recently in a 6-year role as a Senior Family Group Conference Coordinator for Lancashire County Council.
Passionate about empowering communities, Ciaran believes in giving ownership to those who have faced immense challenges and adversity. He is committed to supporting individuals in reclaiming what's rightfully theirs. In his free time, he relishes family moments, indulges in Gaelic Games, delves into podcasts, and enjoys DIY projects—a testament to his hands-on approach to transformation.
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Ring: 07732901782
Email: ciaran.connolly@frea.org.uk