About The Greenhouse Project
Our mission is to build a culture of participation through which children and young people’s creativity is developed and their energy and ideas recognised and harnessed in regenerating our community.
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The Greenhouse Project is a charity founded in 1997 in the heart of Toxteth, Liverpool, designed to give disadvantaged children and young people the opportunity to increase their creative potential and grow their life chances.
We have delivered creative projects, performances and exhibitions involving more than 20,000 children and have worked with over 300 schools across Merseyside, delivering anti-racism initiatives for years 4,5 and 6 pupils.
Now with our own Early Years Childcare and Out of School provisions as well as our training programmes supporting young leaders and budding theatre producers — we know the value that participation in play and arts adds to the quality of life of all of our children and young people.
A Word from our Patron – Paul Khan
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Meet the Team
Children’s Services Manager Annaleigh Livens (from left), Young People and Partnerships Coordinator Cherise Smith, Young People’s Steering Group Coordinator Stephen Nze and Administrator Leona Watt.
Early Years Teacher Abbie Cashman (from left), Early Years Educators; Frozan Hashimi, Zahida Manzoor, Caitlin Kelly, Mia ****, Volunteers; ****************
Lead Play Officer Pat Smith, (from left), Deputy Play Officer Saba Benali, Playworker and Arts Coordinator Estellar Mudasiry, Volunteers: **************
Young Event Producers; (from left)*******
Meet the Board of Trustees
(from left) Mina Bihi, Jackie Benoni-Kwofie, Miriam Serrano, Vicky Brereton, Andreia De-Freitas Mendonca, Sarah Dodd, Debbie Wright
Amina Bihi, Trustee
Professional photographer and artist Amina has been a dedicated member of the board for the last thirteen years having first come to The Greenhouse Project as a volunteer. She later worked as project co-ordinator for the organisation’s Home Office-funded Positive Images initiative and as facilitator for the Liverpool Children’s festival. More recently, Amina has worked as a freelance Artist across the spectrum of Liverpool’s theatres, higher education institutions, museums and charitable organisations, researching and documenting for heritage and cultural projects. She has developed and currently facilitates creative workshops that empower individuals as survivors, to reclaim their own narratives through art and storytelling.
Jacqueline Sherean Benoni-Kwofie, Trustee with responsibility for Safeguarding
Having first arrived at The Greenhouse Project on a temporary placement, Jackie has twice served as a Trustee with her current term for the charity starting thirteen years ago. Jackie has a background in Health and Social Care, has operated her own childcare business and worked helping young people transitioning out of the care system. Now as a Team Leader with an award-winning supported accommodation provider, she is responsible for delivering a pathway of services for asylum seekers. Jackie has well developed safeguarding awareness, communication skills, and the ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity and empathy, which helps create inclusive environments where children feel secure, valued, and supported.
Miriam Serrano, Trustee and Treasurer
With a background in office management and a proven track record of managing budgets, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with regulations, Miriam is well equipped with the skills necessary for effective oversight of The Greenhouse Project’s financial systems. In addition, Miriam has worked within the care sector, which has deepened her understanding of the need for, and importance of, compassionate services and community support. Currently working as a Housing Officer for a social housing provider, she has greater insight into the challenges faced by members of our community, which enables her to advocate effectively for others.
Victoria Brereton, Trustee
Vicky’s care and concern for families who may be going through difficult times brought her to The Greenhouse Project in 2020 to donate children’s clothes and toys, her knowledge and experience as a Director of Human Resources brought her to The Greenhouse’ Board of Trustees. She qualified as a Sports Development Coach and held a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy before joining a large Liverpool 8 based family company in 2014, where she gained a level 5 CIPD in HR Management. Vicky became the company HR Manager before progressing to Group HR Director with responsibility to develop the group’s Human Resources strategy for the benefit of the business, the organisation’s 1,000 employees and supply chain partners. Vicky supports The Greenhouse Project’s Board of Trustees and staff, keeping them informed of personnel and employee relations policies and procedures, developing remuneration and reward strategies and ensuring compliance with employment and Health and Safety law.
Andreia De-Freitas Mendonca, Trustee
A former member and Chair of the Tiber Young People’s Steering Group and The Greenhouse Project’s ‘Young Event Producers’, Andreia joined the Board of Trustees in 2023. Andreia brings her experience as a Participation Officer with Liverpool City Council and as a Peer Researcher for a large-scale programme tasked with examining youth violence and delivering social action. Now employed as qualified Youth Worker she is responsible for supporting young people’s development through informal education, activities and guidance, for helping young people navigate life challenges, make good decisions and become empowered with a set of core life skills. Andreia provides the Board with a great understanding of the factors that affect young people’s lives and advocates on their behalf.
Sarah Dodd, Trustee
Sarah is a highly experienced Digital Programme Manager who, over the last thirty years has worked globally in the delivery and transformation of digital systems, both as supplier and in client roles. As a ‘Digital Her’ role model Sarah has been a mentor for the Girl’s Network working at Arch Bishop Blanch school and as a volunteer fundraiser she has worked with a number of Liverpool charities, organizing events, sourcing auction items and raising funds charitable causes. The skills that she brings to The Greenhouse Project include; programme planning and delivery, risk management, stakeholder and communication management, teambuilding and mentoring, which have supported an overhaul of the organisations IT systems.
Deborah Wright, Trustee
Founding member of The Greenhouse Project and Chief Executive from 2000-2025 Debbie has high level experience in strategic governance having worked with The Greenhouse Board of Trustees as well as the Directors and Trustees of Tiber Enterprise, Tiber Community Building and members of The Greenhouse/Tiber Young People’s Steering Group, who she has supported in setting the overall vision, strategy and operational direction of the organisations. She has served as the primary link between the boards, staff and the wider communities, bringing a strong business acumen to all decision making. Her experience covers everything from financial and risk management, leadership and culture, operations and communication.