Meet the policy and communications team

To influence change we must make a compelling case to policy makers at all levels, drawing together the strongest evidence, and identifying solutions that prevent homelessness. We are committed to raising awareness, changing perceptions and empowering people to act when it comes to ending homelessness.

We work across national and local government to influence the development of policy, strategy and investment. We conduct research to better understand homelessness and how we can address it. We manage and provide information to help people access the right help when they need it. We promote the good work being done on the frontline, raise awareness of important issues affecting the sector, and campaign for improvements to the support available to those experiencing homelessness.

  • Caroline Bernard

    Head of policy and communications

    Caroline currently job shares her role with Helen Mathie, jointly overseeing Homeless Link’s policy, research, information and communications team. 

  • Helen Mathie

    Helen Mathie

    Head of policy and communications

    Helen job shares her role with Caroline Bernard, jointly overseeing Homeless Link’s policy, research, information and communications team. Helen is currently on maternity leave. 

  • Gareth Thomas

    Information manager

    Gareth oversees the StreetLink website and our online directories of homelessness services, including Homeless England. Gareth also leads from Homeless Link on the London Housing Foundation Atlas of London's Homelessness services. 

  • Louise Weaver

    Communications manager

    Louise is the communications manager at Homeless Link. Louise is currently on maternity leave. 

  • Helen Harrison

    Communications manager

    Helen is the communications manager at Homeless Link. Helen is currently covering Louise Weaver's maternity leave.

  • Chris Brill

    Chris Brill

    Policy manager

    Chris is our policy manager with particular responsibility for a number of areas including welfare and migration.

  • Michaela Des Forges

    Michaela Des Forges

    Policy manager

    Michaela is our policy manager with particular responsibility for a number of areas, including leading the Supported Housing Alliance and policy work on health inequalities, Housing First, youth homelessness and MEAM. 

  • Debra Hertzberg

    Research manager

    Debra is research manager at Homeless Link, coordinating research into homelessness and across other areas of social exclusion. Debra is currently on maternity leave.

  • Laura Greason

    Laura Greason

    Policy manager for the MEAM coalition

    Laura is policy manager for the Making Every Adult Matter coalition, working with a team across Clinks, Homeless Link and Mind. Laura works to strengthen the link between the policy and practice elements of the coalition ensuring that our national policy is informed by the work of local MEAM Approach areas and the experiences of people with multiple needs. 

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