Stories
Destiny’s Story
Destiny lives with her brother and mum but not her dad, because he’s in prison. At school, she likes maths but she doesn’t like it when other children are mean. She told us, “I only have friends because
Since Level Trust began in 2013, we have been giving children and young people the things they need to learn. We work in partnership with schools and nurseries in our town, making sure our help goes where it’s most needed.
Destiny lives with her brother and mum but not her dad, because he’s in prison. At school, she likes maths but she doesn’t like it when other children are mean. She told us, “I only have friends because
15-year-old Farah noticed that her school shoes were starting to get too small for her.
She wore them for a couple of days but they started to really hurt her feet. Farah comes from a large family
Frank has had a hard life. The lines on his face and the tooth decay tell it without words. He arrived at the Uniform Exchange with a bag containing his daughter’s school blazer and jumper. Sinead, his daughter,
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I feel extremely honoured to be the CEO of Level Trust.
It is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I spent many years as a senior leader in education working in a variety of settings including: custodial and secure units, mainstream primary and secondary schools and alternative provision.
I have been a part of the Level Trust team since 2021 and my favorite part of my job is working with our amazing staff, trustees and volunteers to support children and families across Luton. In my spare time you will find me walking my four dogs, reading or watching Strictly!
I support the running of our Uniform Exchange and Learning Locker and also work out in our amazing local community and schools to build relationships and reach those in need more directly. My favourite part about my job is using my own life experience to support families and meeting the wonderful next generation of adults. I love hearing individual thoughts and feelings straight from our community and seeing how we can help. I am so passionate about the importance of Level Trusts and its role in our community and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
As a successful HR professional with 20+ years experience at operational and strategic level, my
passion is unlocking the barriers to successful growth for SMEs with people at its core. Fuelled by my
passion and enthusiasm for understanding the needs of people and ensuring this contributes to the
success of business, I firmly believe that people are a business's greatest asset.
I am delighted and honoured to be supporting Level Trust in a people and HR capacity – playing a
part in the charity’s amazing journey and the incredible impact the team are having on the everyday
lives of those most vulnerable in society.
Outside of work, I place family at the heart of everything - nurturing my 14 year old Autistic child to
be the best he can be, and raising money and awareness for the charity Erase Meso – a charity
raising critical funds for Mesothelioma (Asbestos Cancer Research) following my brothers terminal
diagnosis 4 years ago but defying all odds, through clinical immunotherapy trials, now being in
remission.
Fowzia Ahmed is a teacher passionate about creating inclusive environments where young people feel supported and empowered to thrive. As a former Deputy SENDCo, she has extensive experience in safeguarding and SEND. She currently leads Student Leadership and Girls’ Aspirations, developing opportunities that inspire confidence and personal growth. Fowzia is also the founder of Barakah, a community initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders.
I’m 28 and from Luton. I have 4 children who are 11, 7, 6 and 6 months. I grew up in Marsh Farm and know the struggles of not having the right uniform.
I enjoy visiting new places, crafting something up and spending time with my family.
I became a trustee for Level Trust because I have a strong love for all the work they do supporting families like my own with everyday problems. I’ve been in that situation myself and now I’m looking to advocate and help others benefit from all the opportunities Level Trust has to offer.
A qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial stewardship, Sharon Esnard serves as a trustee of Level Trust, helping to guide the charity’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance. Sharon is committed to creating a fairer start for children in Luton and uses her professional insight to support Level Trust’s mission of removing barriers to education. Her work reflects a strong belief in the power of practical, compassionate support for families.
Catherine Farrell has been involved in fundraising for over 28 years and has been working with Level Trust since March 2022.
An expert in networking, raising money for special projects, running capital appeals and core funding. Catherine has raised millions of pounds for social welfare projects, community and youth projects, homelessness, hospices and disability charities. She is energetic and passionate about her work and understands the motivation for giving. She is a trust and major donor fundraiser and has also obtained significant funding through national lottery sources.
Rachel Warwick is Chair of Trustees at Level Trust. She has experience in fundraising, marketing, and governance in education and the charity sector. Rachel founded the national holiday hunger charity MakeLunch in 2011 and is currently Director of Mobilisation at Scripture Union. She is passionate about tackling poverty and creating opportunities for children to thrive.
Sufian Sadiq is the Director of Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, with responsibility for overseeing two regional Hub areas in the South East of England. Chiltern Teaching School are one of the largest providers of CPD to the sector nationally.
He is a passionate activist within the educational landscape around race, equity and inclusion. He is a Fellow and Board Member of the Chartered College of Teaching, as well as a Fellow for the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.
He plays an active role in numerous charitable organisations as a Trustee and also holds key governance roles within educational organisations.
Mostaque grew up in the Bury Park area of Luton, close to the Kenilworth Road stadium of his beloved Luton Town Football Club, where he holds the position of Community Ambassador.
He runs a local printing company Bartham Press, founded Community Interest Luton, and leads on its various initiatives which seek to better the lives of people in the region.
Mostaque has worked in business and charity for many years. He knows the local area and the people very well, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his ambassador role.
Chris is the Chief Executive of Youthscape, a national youth charity based in Luton. His work has focused on supporting young people’s development in areas like mental and emotional wellbeing.
In his spare time he’s a bit of a Mac nerd and a member of The Magic Circle.
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Anisah graduated from UCL with a degree in Education and Philosophy and started her career in the field of admissions.
She is now Head of Student Experience and Corporate Communications for Luton Sixth Form College and is the youngest female, ethnic minority Head of Department in the history of the college.
Anisah is a strong advocate for Luton and showcases the town on a national platform, something which she describes as a privilege.
Wasim is a passionate solicitor who has grown up in Central Luton. As a Partner at Hannah Solicitors, he has been committed to promoting progression and creating opportunities for the young and upcoming generation.
Whether it’s legal advice, career guidance, or community development, he is always available to make a positive impact.
Wasim has worked with small boutique and large firms bringing together skills from both and is part of a community employment objective to create brighter futures.
Altaf is the Principal and CEO of Luton Sixth Form College, the oldest and one of the largest and best specialist sixth form colleges in the country supporting the dreams of over three thousand highly ambitious young professionals.
Altaf is convinced the future UK Prime Minister will come from Luton Sixth Form College – you read it here first!
I work for Whittaker Plane and alongside Level Trust. I am passionate about helping people and I enjoy working behind the scenes to make sure businesses run smoothly and efficiently. Originally from Chicago, I have now called Luton home for over 15 years. When not working, I can be found with my two kids or inside the pages of a good book.
Mark Plane qualified as a Chartered Accountant with ICAEW in 2011 and founded Whittaker Plane in 2014.
Whittaker Plane Ltd is founded on values of integrity and excellence and supports many businesses and charities to achieve their goals.
Whittaker Plane supports Level Trust with book-keeping, payroll, accounts and advice to the CEO and Trustee board.
As a Luton parent Mark has seen the great work of Level Trust in his children’s schools.
I run the Uniform Exchange and Learning Locker. As a mum with three children, I know what it's like trying to get everything the children need for school. You just get what they need and they grow, it breaks or they lose it! It can be really hard to find the money to replace or buy new things when there’s not much left after you’ve paid your bills. I like helping people and I get to know lots of families on my estate. I'm known as the uniform lady (!) and people say hello when I'm out with my family or walking my dog.
I have spent many years working within the public sector. At 18 years old, I joined the Police Force and spent a number of years policing on the front line. I then moved into education, primarily focussing on safeguarding and supporting children and young people. I have two young children myself, who keep me busy and I love to spend time outdoors exploring with them. You may also find me exercising or with my head in a book.