Our Team
Anna Feeley (CEO)
I am the CEO of Ling Trust, a housing charity with a clear mission: to provide ethical, person-centred housing for people with care and support needs, many of whom face barriers in accessing secure and sustainable homes. Ling Trust was founded on the belief that housing is a human right, and that people with complex needs are due not just a roof over their heads, but the security, stability, and respect that comes with a genuine home.
With over 20 years experience in supported housing and supported living, I have held roles ranging from frontline support worker to Registered Manager and senior leadership. My career includes co-creating Let’s for Life, a specialist housing association offering bespoke homes for people excluded from traditional housing pathways. Throughout, my focus has been on values-driven leadership, person-centred approaches, and challenging poor practice.
At Ling Trust, I am committed to building an organisation where values underpin every decision, and where housing solutions are designed around people, not systems. I believe strongly that good housing changes lives — and our goal is to ensure that people with high and complex needs are not just housed, but given the opportunity to flourish, be included, and be valued in their communities.
Ryan Johnathan (Finance & Tenancy Support Manager)
Ryan brings a unique blend of skills to his role as the Finance and Tenancy Support Manager at Ling Trust, where he oversees the charity’s finances and provides crucial support to the Tenancy Support Officers. With experience spanning multiple industries, Ryan ensures the smooth operation of Ling’s housing services while supporting tenants and their needs.
Ryan’s career began in the culinary world as a chef in restaurants and hotels across North Wales and Cheshire. After several years, he transitioned to the finance industry, spending 18 years at M&S Bank/HSBC in roles including Fraud Detection, Underwriting, and Customer Relations, ultimately becoming Manager of the PPI Training Department. During this time, Ryan began volunteering with Ling Trust, an experience he found so fulfilling that he later embraced a full-time role with the organisation.
Known for his approachable and sociable nature, Ryan finds great personal reward in helping others and making a positive difference in their lives. He values the opportunity to work alongside and support the inspiring individuals at Ling Trust. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys supporting Liverpool FC, spending time with his wife and dog, staying active, and exploring great food.
Samantha Jade Maxwell (Tenancy Support Officer & Social Media Manager)
Samantha, or Sammy as she’s often called, is a vibrant and dedicated part of the Ling Trust team, serving as the Social Media Developer and Tenancy Support Officer. At 33 years old, she brings creativity and advocacy to her role, blending her skills in graphic design with a passion for making a difference.
Living with a mild form of Cerebral Palsy, Samantha uses a wheelchair to aid her mobility but never lets it define her. She’s a published author of books like "CP Isn’t Me", "Disabling Ableism", and “SILENCED.” which shine a spotlight on disability advocacy and challenge societal perceptions of disability and mental health.
Samantha’s favourite colour is purple, and she’s a huge fan of Michael Jackson. In her downtime, she enjoys music, baking, shopping, and getting out and about, while placing immense value on family, self-care, and disability rights advocacy. Her work with Ling Trust allows her to combine her creativity, strong values, and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Leanne Blackmore-Holmes (Tenancy Support Officer)
Leanne is a dedicated and detail-oriented member of the Ling Trust team, serving as a Tenancy Support Officer. Known for her caring and hardworking nature, Leanne is deeply passionate about helping others and ensuring they feel supported. She’s often described as reliable, honest, and always willing to go the extra mile to make people feel happy and cared for.
Leanne’s family is incredibly important to her, including her husband, two children, and grandson. She also loves taking care of her dad and brother. In her free time, Leanne enjoys interior design, tackling DIY projects, and taking relaxing walks in the countryside. Her favourite places include Gran Canaria and Ribblesdale Lodges in Gisburn, where she finds peace and inspiration.
Leanne’s dedication to her work and her friendly, compassionate approach make her a vital part of the Ling Trust team, ensuring that every tenant feels valued and supported in their journey toward independent living.
Jayne Knight (Company Secretary)
Jayne has over 35 years of experience in statutory, charitable, and social entrepreneurial sectors, with a focus on specialist housing and care. She is a passionate advocate for individuals with complex needs, working to improve housing, support, and life opportunities for families and individuals across the UK.
Throughout her career, Jayne has held roles in welfare rights, housing management, and local authority leadership, where she gained extensive expertise in managing housing and care services. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships, provide innovative solutions, and advocate for those often overlooked by traditional systems.
As a specialist supported housing consultant, Jayne has worked with public and private organisations to develop housing options and co-housing initiatives for people with disabilities. She also provides advocacy and support for families navigating complex housing and care challenges.
Jayne is the founder of YouKnow.org.uk, an online portal offering free advice on housing, disability, and social care, which has been featured on BBC Radio 4 and in national publications. She is also one of the original authors of the REACH standards, showcasing her commitment to person-centred approaches and improving lives.
Patricia James (Tenancy Support Officer)
Patricia is a dedicated Tenant Support Officer with a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. With a background as a qualified coach and ex-banker, she brings a wealth of experience in helping people navigate challenges and maintain their tenancies.
A true people person, Patricia is known for her warm, approachable nature and her commitment to going the extra mile for those she supports. She finds great fulfilment in building relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of tenants.
Outside of work, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending social events, and creating meaningful connections. Those who know her best describe her as reliable, trustworthy, and always ready to help with a smile.
Fletcher (Tenancy Support Officer)
Fletcher is passionate about his role at Ling Trust and loves the person-centred nature of the work. Supporting tenants and making a positive difference in people’s lives is what drives him every day.
Outside of work, Fletcher is a big football fan and follows Spurs home and away, embracing all the ups and downs with his mates. He’s all about making memories and values spending time with the people who matter most.