Leicestershire Cares Welcomes Two Passionate Leaders to its Board of Trustees
Leicestershire Cares is delighted to announce the appointment of Danielle Young and Dean Cross as its newest trustees, recognising not only their professional expertise, but also the longstanding, impactful contributions they’ve already made to the charity’s mission.
Danielle Young of Nelsons Law has been a familiar and highly valued presence across Leicestershire Cares’ programmes for several years. In 2024 she was honoured with the Education Volunteer of the Year Award for her exceptional commitment to supporting education events, where she has regularly volunteered her time to work directly with young people. As a new trustee, Danielle will now help shape the strategic direction of Leicestershire Cares, bringing her insight from the frontlines of volunteering into governance and planning. Her firsthand understanding of what works for young people and business volunteers alike will be invaluable as Leicestershire Cares continues to expand its education and employability programmes.
I’m proud and genuinely delighted to be joining Leicestershire Cares as a trustee. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with the charity for over ten years through Nelsons’ business membership, and during that time I’ve seen first‑hand the positive impact Leicestershire Cares has on individuals, businesses, and communities across the county.
I strongly believe that individuals and businesses have a vital role to play in supporting the communities in which they work and operate. Living and working in Leicestershire has given me a strong appreciation of the challenges faced by our local communities, many of which Leicestershire Cares is dedicated to addressing through its work.
Through volunteering with Leicestershire Cares over many years and seeing first‑hand the empowerment it brings to the people and communities it supports, it was clear to me that this is a charity whose values and mission I feel closely aligned with. Leicestershire Cares plays a vital role in bringing people together and creating opportunities for those who need them most, and I’m really looking forward to supporting the team and contributing my skills and experience to help the charity continue its important work.
Danielle Young
Also joining the Board is Dean Cross, Centre Manager at Haymarket Shopping Centre, whose organisation was recognised with the Community Impact Award at the Leicestershire Cares Celebration Event in 2025. This award celebrated the Haymarket’s innovative use of retail space to create dynamic community hubs that support youth engagement, workshops, skills development and wider local activities. Dean’s leadership in these initiatives has significantly strengthened the connection between business, place and community wellbeing.
Dean’s transition from award‑winning community partner to trustee reflects his deep commitment to collaborative action and to shaping environments where young people and families can thrive. As a trustee, he will bring a practical understanding of commercial and community partnership working, helping the charity broaden its reach and impact.
I am delighted to be joining the board of Leicestershire Cares. Having been a business member for the last couple of years and having been involved with some of the projects I am very much looking forward to making a positive contribution to the future success of the organisation as a board member
Dean Cross
Danielle and Dean bring a vast array of skills and experience to our board as well as the hands on knowledge of volunteering on our projects . I know their passion and commitment will help us to continue to develop ,so we are better able to offer support and opportunities to young people and community groups across our city and county
Kieran Breen, CEO of Leicestershire Cares
Danielle and Dean’s deep engagement with the charity’s work means they are already trusted voices among volunteers, schools and business partners. In their new roles as trustees, they will help guide Leicestershire Cares as it continues to strengthen community partnerships, improve employability outcomes and inspire young people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.