About the Learning Community

My name is Karen Shaw and I came to work at The Learning Community as Business Development Manager for 6 months in January 2014.  And I am STILL here and CEO!  That is because I strongly believe in everything that we do and everyone that we support.  Supporting those who need a helping hand sometimes is the best job and I relish every day doing it.    I love the fact that some people come to us and engage with our services which results in positive change to their lives.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you are never too old to learn new skills!

My background of multiple jobs includes 12 years as Contract Account and 15 years working in Project Management before taking up the role of CEO of The Learning Community.  Both of which have given me a thorough insight and skills needed to manage a Community Hub.

Inclusivity is in the heart of everything we do here at The Learning Community and everyone is welcome to access our range of services.

Creating fruitful and productive partner relations is what I do best and never before have we needed to work in collaboration as we do at present.

I am a Trustee/Director on a number of Boards focussing on Women In Business, Children’s Education, Homelessness Families and Young People, taking pride in my contribution to good causes and service pathways.

My favourite past time (when I get any) is spent with my wonderful family, walking and drinking very milky tea.

Contact details

Email: Karen@thelearningcommunity.co.uk

Mobile  07793940848

My name is Sam Shaw and I am the Digital Inclusion Officer at  The Learning Community.

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My role involves delivering IT to those in need in their homes and community hubs.  The majority of our referrals come from Rotherham Social Prescribing Advisors and GP Link Workers although we do have some self referrals.

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Our learners range from 18 to 97 years old and it is amazing how the older generation are now grasping the concept and benefits of using IT equipment and mobile phones.

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I love working with the older generation teaching them about technology, and they all treat me like their granddaughter!!

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Contact details
Email: sam@thelearningcommunity.co.uk
Mobile : 07939222146

My name is Yvonne Kenyon and I am the Family Hub Navigator at The Learning Community. My role is to support delivery of all Family Hub Activities and be the contact at The Learning Community Hub/Family Hub

I have worked within the Rotherham community for around 20 years.  I have supported mental health groups, women's groups and was an Outreach officer in Early Years covering the whole of Rotherham.  More recently I have supported teenage parents and young carers at Barnardo's. I have had various roles and challenges, met lots of people along the way and loved it all.

In my spare time I like to walk the dog, spend time with my family and use my floristry skills

Contact details

Email    yvonne@thelearningcommunity.co.uk

Mobile   07931851288

My name is Blue, I am the Community Growth Officer for The Learning Community. I am passionate about inclusivity and ensuring everyone can learn and develop within our community to live their life to the full and follow their own dreams.

I have a strong background in SEN support, LGBTQ+ advocacy and group facilitation of two support groups in the Rotherham area as well as events management experience. I believe that we are all capable of being whoever we want to be in life and its an honour to get to be a part of learners journeys while they take steps towards strength and happiness within our wonderful community.

Contact details

Email  blue@thelearningcommunity.co.uk

Mobile 07534870384

Amanda joined the team initially as a volunteer in March 2024 when she came to support the Community Fridge and Fareshare services.

Amanda has grown in confidence and now brings a wealth of skills when delivering our cooking on a budget classes across all projects.

Amanda also supports the Befriending project as her calm nature is priceless!

Contact details

Email   amanda@thelearningcommunity.co.uk

Phone 01909 564888

Roger is our walk lead and is all about wellness, mindfullness and enjoying the great outdoors Roger supports our Severe Mental Illness project and works hard to gain the trust of those brave enough to venutre on one of Roger's walks whilst he endeavours to get 10,000.00 steps in a day!

"Roger also specialises in personal resilience, having had his own incredible journey of rebuilding his life, after facing major adversity. Hearing Roger's story has made him a hit with our community, the other not for profit organisations he's worked with, and even international audiences."

Contact Details

Email: roger@thelearningcommunity.co.uk

Mobile: 07388 682589