Our people
The people raising hope.
Meet the people behind Hope Raisers, Hope into Action Diss and the local partnerships that make practical hope possible.
Steve Jefroy
Director & Hope into Action Project Lead
Steve brings extensive experience in youth work, social enterprise, creative business and community project development. He has worked with young people through South Norfolk Council and Hope Church, helped lead Kadesh Education alongside Andi, and established a community outreach project in Ibiza supporting young people, tourists and local workers in the island’s nightlife district. In 2005 he founded independent record label Spearhead Records, building an internationally recognised music business alongside teaching music production to young offenders. An adoptive parent and former foster carer, Steve co-founded Hope Raisers CIC and is Project Lead for Hope into Action Diss, overseeing the development of supported housing for people facing homelessness and other difficult circumstances.
Andi Jefroy
Director and Green & Glory Project Lead
Andi brings extensive experience in education, supporting young people and developing community projects from the ground up. After working with young people through YMCA Training, she founded Kadesh Education, growing it from a box of books into a fully Ofsted-registered independent school supporting young people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, alongside developing Kadesh Farm as an alternative learning environment. An adoptive parent and foster carer, Andi went on to co-found Hope Raisers CIC and establish the Green & Glory community garden. She is also a practising artist and designer, bringing creativity alongside her experience in leadership, education, safeguarding and supporting vulnerable young people.
Hannah Playford
Director
Hannah brings considerable experience in business leadership, team development and working with young people. She is a co-owner and director of Simply Sound & Lighting, helping lead the growth and day-to-day operation of a successful business employing around 20 people. Alongside her commercial experience, Hannah is an experienced youth worker with a strong background in supporting and developing young people. She brings valuable skills in leadership, organisation, people management and community engagement to Hope Raisers.
Adrian Roy
Director
Adrian brings extensive experience in education, church leadership and community development. A former deputy headteacher, he has led Stonham Baptist Church, served on the leadership team at Hope Church in Diss, and helped establish Community Works, Waveney Foodbank, Diss Community Workshop and Hope Raisers CIC alongside Rosemary Roy. He has particular experience in developing practical community projects supporting people facing hardship and disadvantage. Adrian and Rosemary now lead The Well, the community church they founded in Long Stratton.
Rosemary Roy
Director
Rosemary brings extensive experience in education, church leadership and community development. A former teacher, she has worked alongside Adrian to establish and lead a number of community initiatives, including Community Works, Waveney Foodbank and Hope Raisers CIC. Her experience combines education, pastoral care and the development of practical projects supporting people experiencing hardship and disadvantage. Rosemary and Adrian now lead The Well, the community church they founded in Long Stratton.
Simeon Playford
Co-opted Director & Finance Lead
Simeon brings significant experience in business leadership, organisational growth and working with young people. He is a founder and director of Simply Sound & Lighting, which he has grown from a one-person business operating from a farm outbuilding into an established company employing around 20 people and supplying professional sound, lighting and technical equipment across the UK. Alongside his business experience, Simeon is an experienced youth worker and serves on the leadership team at Hope Church in Diss, bringing strong skills in leadership, strategy, team development and community engagement to Hope Raisers.