Catbytes Community

Staff

Damian Griffiths

Job Title: CEO

Damian worked as a web developer in start-ups for 16 years. During this time, he began volunteering in Lewisham and set up a digital drop-in with the support of the Lewisham Pensioners' Forum. In 2016, he founded Catbytes CIC to address digital exclusion in the borough.

Catbytes has grown significantly over the 10 years since its foundation and is now the primary provider of digital inclusion services in Lewisham. Damian's motivation stems from a desire to apply a practical, problem-solving approach to digital disenfranchisement—one that is constantly informed and refined by real-world interactions.

Patricia Kempson

Job Title: Project Manager

Aaliyah Davis

Job Title: Digital Drop-in administrator

Aaliyah has 9 years of experience in IT, covering product and technical support. She started volunteering with CatBytes in 2019, refurbishing donated devices and helping learners as a Digital Buddy. She later worked on the Digital Inclusion Project at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), supporting service users to build digital skills, access online services, and gain confidence with technology.

Now the Digital Drop-in Administrator at CatBytes, Aaliyah uses her experience to help fix the digital divide. She believes everyone should have their own device and the skills to use technology to stay connected, access opportunities and take part in today’s digital world.

Tristan Owen

Job Title: Office administrator

The Board

Tacey Kobayashi (Chair)

Tacey’s interest in digital inclusion began while working as a part-time baker which required filling in and posting paper Self Assessment forms. When not baking, her full-time job as an analyst and programmer with HM Revenue & Customs’ tax platform brought her face-to-face with the logistical and managerial difficulties of moving the service online.

Concern led to volunteering with Catbytes as a home buddy in 2019. Since that time, she has built websites as part of Catbytes’ support for local businesses and improved her knowledge of accessibility tools within Wellcome Collection’s website team. She is now Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Steve Mulford (Treasurer)

Stephen has 12 years experience in local government (and many prior to that in other organisations) as a data engineer and database developer. He is passionate about digital literacy and empowerment through understanding of technology within local government and in the wider community.

John Paschoud

John has worked in computing from 1972 until retirement, in an interesting series of very different roles. He headed the applied research team at a London university which developed new Internet and information management technologies, and has advised local councils and national government agencies on using IT effectively. He has taught computing to undergraduates, school teachers, day-release plumbers and members of Parliament.

After retiring from most paid work, as well as volunteering for Catbytes as a board member and a digital buddy, he is a governor at two schools, a trustee of charities focusing on road safety and computer history, an elected councillor in Lewisham, and he runs a CodeClub for children at a local primary school.

Lisa Bygrave

Lisa is passionate about digital inclusion and community empowerment. She brings a strategic, people-focused approach to Catbytes’ mission of bridging the digital divide, drawing on her background in leadership, coaching, and personal development.

As a member of Soul Purpose 360, she is committed to motivating and inspiring Black and minoritised women to overcome personal obstacles and reach their full potential. Formerly a co-director of Horizon Alternative Education, she continues to champion growth, confidence, and accessible opportunities for all.