Mary's 10th Anniversary Stories: Kate Tolson To mark the 10th Anniversary milestone, Mary's is sharing 10 stories and memories of its staff, trustees, volunteers and service users throughout the years. #Marys10 Kate Tolson, Mary's Staff When did you first come to Mary's? I've been a staff member at Mary's since the charity was formed. Mary's social action work grew out of the youth and community work of St Mary's Church, which dates back to before the time I joined St Mary's Church in the 1980s. What did you get involved with? I was first employed as the Community Receptionist, I took room bookings and enquiries and got to know lots of our users. I am now the Premises Manager, looking after Mary's facilities in the Crypt and Neighbourhood Centre. The buildings have been developed and refurbished over the last few years and Mary's has grown in its staff team and service provision to our local community. How has Mary's made an impact on your life? My job is to create and maintain suitable facilities for Mary's youth and children's services and those of our many users groups to thrive. This is a responsibility that I endeavour to do to the best of my ability. Why should others get involved? In these times where government funding for youth work and also for schools has greatly reduced, the work of charities like Mary's is even more important to support our children and provide positive role models and opportunities for our young people. Read about more of the people who have helped build Mary's into the organisation it is today. Celebrate with us as we discover where they are now and what they gained during their time at Mary's.