Joan Simms is founder and CEO of Uptown Youth Services, which has been operating within the London Borough of Merton for over 20 years and she has been the driving force throughout its history.

UPTOWN previously operated in the London Borough of Wandsworth –

She brings broad experience and knowledge, operational, strategic management and service delivery. This has contributed widely to the growth and development of UPTOWN and manages the delivery of youth activities and programs with and for young people and their families.

She has extensive local government and Voluntary / Third sector experience as an officer, face-to-face youth work and Lead Accreditation Manager for Wandsworth and Merton Youth Services.

This is reflected in her long-standing passion for supporting and helping advance the lives of young people whether through programmes, activities and education in its broadest sense.

Joan is passionate about young people accessing opportunities to maximise their life chances irrespective of their background.

The core philosophy of Uptown has been to provide mentoring to young people – providing them with positive role models and helping them to ‘see another way’ and make better life choices.

Lisa Conway-Hughes has been a  Trustee of Uptown since 2017 and has been involved since 2014. Lisa is also a Chartered Financial Adviser and a regular speaker, blogger and podcaster on all things financial. Lisa has lived in Wimbledon since 2003 and has two children. 

Toni Simpson has been a Trustee of Uptown since 2017. Toni works as Head of Digital Channels and Development for Marie Curie and has a lot of charity and Digital experience. With two children Toni got involved whilst on Maternity leave to ‘do some good’ in her local area.

Clair is a fundraiser with 18 years’ experience within the education and youth sector.  She is a local resident and has volunteered for many local charities over the last couple of decades.  She is passionate about supporting young people and nurturing their talent and potential.