Board Of Trustee / Directors
Karen Nolan
Co-Chair, Trustee / Director
Karen Nolan is the Co‑Chair of Litherland Youth and Community Centre, bringing extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to supporting young people, families, and local communities. As a senior charity leader, Karen is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Alongside her governance role at LYCC, Karen serves as Chief Executive of YMCA St Helens, where she leads transformational work in housing, wellbeing, youth support, and community development. Her career has centred on championing social impact, strengthening organisational culture, and ensuring that services truly respond to the needs and voices of the people they are designed to support.
Karen is dedicated to partnership working and believes in the power of community-led solutions. Her strategic insight, compassionate leadership style, and drive for positive change help guide LYCC’s vision and long‑term growth.
Rachel Fitzsimmons
Co-Chair, Trustee / Director
Rachel brings over 20 years’ experience in the youth and community sector, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people today. A qualified Youth Worker, she has led projects and services across the NHS, voluntary sector, and higher education — from youth volunteering and advocacy to health and wellbeing programmes.
Rachel has lectured in Youth Work and Sexual Health at Glyndwr University and the University of Lancashire ,and is Co‑Founder and Managing Director of Talk the Talk Education CIC — a leading education and training provider based in the North West of England. For over a decade, the organisation has delivered high‑quality, evidence‑based programmes to schools, colleges, youth services, local councils, and independent organisations, focusing on topics such as sexual health, self‑esteem, resilience, empowerment, and equality.
A respected specialist in Health and Wellbeing education, Rachel’s particular passion lies in Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). She is dedicated to ensuring that all young people receive consistent, inclusive, and empowering learning both inside and beyond the classroom. She also champions open, honest conversations between parents and children about relationships and wellbeing, promoting honesty, respect, and authenticity in every interaction.
Rachel regularly shares her expertise on local and national media, with appearances on BBC Breakfast (BBC One), Steph’s Packed Lunch (Channel 4), Woman’s Hour (BBC Radio 4), BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC Radio Merseyside.
Beyond her professional work, Rachel enjoys writing and performing comedy and music -channels through which she brings humour, creativity, and heart to the issues she cares about most. Her unique combination of compassion, expertise, and energy makes her a powerful advocate for young people and a trusted ally to the adults who support them.
David Barrington
Interim Treasurer, Trustee / Director
David Barrington owner of Barrington’s Independent Funeral Services with his wife Claire. David took over his dad’s business in 1995 when his dad retired and has built the business into a high quality funeral service offering flexibility, care and compassion for local bereaved families. David’s voluntary experience includes being a member and then chair of the governors of Greenacre Nursery School in Bootle and in the funeral sector for the National Association of Funeral Directors: membership of the Committee for Professional Standards, and membership of the executive committee which led to David being the President of the NAFD for the period 2019-21 and helping to lead the funeral profession during the Covid crisis. David’s skill set is in customer service, operations and management. He is delighted to be able to serve again for LYCC which is an invaluable resource for the local community.
Elisabeth Harris
Trustee / Director