MESMAC in Leeds

Meet Jethro. Before joining MESMAC, he had an exciting career in television, casting for some of the UK's most beloved quiz shows. This role allowed him to meet diverse people from across the UK and work alongside some of TV's biggest stars. He is now thrilled to apply his community development skills to support gay, bi, and MSM individuals at MESMAC. He is particularly passionate about helping to remove the stigma surrounding HIV and sexual health. A memorable past experience includes cleaning the hot tub in the famous Geordie Shore house!

Meet Kemi, a Community Development Worker with a strong passion for health equity. With over a decade of experience in the sector and three years at MESMAC, Kemi leads community engagement and awareness initiatives focused on HIV and STIs. Her role involves strengthening community capacity through outreach, health education, and strategic partnerships, all while collaborating with stakeholders to promote prevention and access to sexual health services. Kemi is deeply motivated by fighting inequalities in healthcare access, striving to ensure marginalized communities receive the care they need and aiming to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. She finds immense satisfaction in making a difference and bringing smiles to those who may feel overlooked or undeserved.

As MESMAC's Digital Engagement Worker, Sammy is at the forefront of creating engaging content for diverse communities across Leeds. Before joining MESMAC,he spent a year teaching in Cairo an experience that deepened their passion for connecting with people and understanding different perspectives. He's dedicated to improving access to sexual health services, particularly for MARPs (Most At-Risk Populations) and People of Colour, ensuring vital information and support are easy to find and accessible to all. Fun fact: Sammy was an Arsenal supporter long before it became fashionable!

Sam joined MESMAC in 2015 as a Finance & Admin Worker in the newly launched Hull service, bringing experience from both a Local Authority and a Building Society. Now Finance & Admin Manager, they lead the team that keeps MESMAC running smoothly behind the scenes overseeing HR, Health & Safety, project monitoring, budgets, and acting as Company Secretary. Based in Hull, Sam is proud of the team's dedication and the vital role they play in supporting MESMAC's frontline work across communities.