The Team

The entire Get Changed organisation runs on a voluntary infrastructure. A committee of nine (plus our co-ordinator), from a diverse cultural background, takes full responsibility for accounting, administration, policy making, public relations, funding applications and all operational matters. In addition the ‘Friends Of Get Changed’ network provides a further team of volunteers involved in local fund raising events, publicity and weekly group support.

 

 Skills and Experience:
10 years managerial experience in the fast moving consumer goods industry.
Supports a family member with Down Syndrome.

Carol is a hard working, committed person who is proud to champion independence and autonomy for adults with learning disabilities.

Carol says: “Get Changed is a diverse group with various levels of disability. The interaction amongst the students is heart warming as they all clearly love Get Changed, and I love the ‘buzz’ experienced by the participants getting ready for a production – it’s electric!”

 

 Skills and Experience:
Seven years working in various care settings and with a variety of client groups.
Full involvement in the past three Get Changed productions in a support role.
2.1 Degree in Health and Social Care.

Laura firmly believes in supporting and promoting independence and self confidence for the people she supports.

Laura says: “I have been a trustee of Get Changed for a short time and am enjoying working alongside other group members to make sure Get Changed is able to carry on its highly important and advantageous service to its members and all those involved.”

 

 Skills and Experience:
Twenty year career in sales, marketing and corporate production.
Director and partner of PSH Marketing Communications producing corporate marketing events for clients such as Kodak, DeWalt, Mattel and the AA.
Operations Manager for an arts and disability organisation in Swindon – Reach Inclusive Arts.

Pippa’s role with Reach included business planning; running a volunteer programme; personnel procedures; funding applications and overseeing good practice for access and inclusion throughout the organisation. This experience has been invaluable for Get Changed.

Pippa says: “I am delighted to be able to use my past experience on behalf of Get Changed and witness first- hand the individual progress of our participants.”

 

 Skills and Experience:
Career in finance and accounting with a global IT company.
Six years as driver for a local bakery company in Okehampton with invaluable knowledge of the local community.
Key involvement with Get Changed participants through direct support.

Tony is conscientious and hard working and considers that the social inclusion of adults with learning disabilities in the local community is key to people reaching their full potential in life.

Tony says: “In addition to the usual duties of Treasurer I work closely with the Chairman and Secretary to seek the necessary funding to ensure that Get Changed continues its valuable service. I also work closely with the other trustees and volunteers in our fund raising activities.”

 

Skills and Experience:
Retired in 2009 from a 20 year career working with people with learning disabilities.
Experience includes work as a Mencap leisure development worker and support worker for adults with learning disabilities.
Development officer in Adult Learning working with marginalised groups of people, and a Person Centred Planning co-ordinator for people with learning disabilities.

Christine has over twenty years experience working both directly and indirectly to support people with various levels of learning disability in the areas of leisure, work, education and person centred planning.

Christine says: “I passionately believe in helping people with learning disabilities to lead quality lives that are fulfilling and independent.”

 

 Skills and Experience:
Life time experience of caring for a son with learning disabilities and mental health problems. Liaison between residential    care and Get Changed.
Over twenty years experience of fund raising for various charities including Get Changed. Managed a farming business and a holiday letting business for many years.

Carol, originally from Tobago, brings her diverse cultural experiences to Get Changed, together with first-hand experience of caring for a learning disabled adult.

Carol says: “I support Get Changed as it allows my son to meet and interact with a wide range of people. The work Get Changed does importantly helps the public to overcome any negative pre conceived ideas they may have about people with learning disabilities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Jenny Norman

Jenny joins the managment committee in autumn 2011 as a committee member, she brings a new skills set to the team

Skills and Experience:

Following a career as a Computer Analyst/Programmer, Jenny changed course completely and began working in Adult Learning.  Her thirteen years in this field included, at various times, managing adult learning centres, indirectly supporting the provision for adults with learning disabilities, teaching Adult Literacy and managing the budget.  She recently completed a term as a trustee for a local charity.

Jenny says: “The contribution Get Changed makes in helping adults with learning disabilities make the most of their talents and skills is inspiring.  I am only too pleased to have the chance to help this valuable work in any way I can”

 

 Ian Snell

Ian joins the managment committee  autumn 2011 as a committee member, he also brings a new skills set to the team.

 Skills and Experience:

I am a freelance professional photographer with vast experience of the photographic industry both in retail and as a photographer.
I have had images published in Local & National newspapers and national magazines as well as corporate web sites.

I have been a member of Lions Clubs International with experience in organising events and encouraging member participation in activities/projects. I have gained valuable administration and communication experience, keeping members informed of incoming correspondence and creating outgoing correspondence.

Ian says “My experience and knowledge of local and Devon wide media contacts will help Get Changed to expand its exposure more widely giving the participants of Get Changed greater opportunities to reach and tell others about the important work they do”.

 

 Mark Freeman

Mark joined the group as a trustee in March 2012 as a result of the support he gave to the  organisation for the Get Changed Art Auction in November 2011.

 Skills and Experience:

Mark has recently retired following thirty eight years in education in Somerset and Devon – as teacher, deputy   headteacher and latterly as County Adviser for Primary English and County Adviser for School Support Staff. He is closely involved with the running of Church House in South Tawton and is the organiser of the monthly markets held there.

Mark Says “Drama has a great deal to offer in developing imagination, confidence, social skills and a greater understanding of the ways of the world. It is hugely important that such a charity is given the necessary support to enable it to survive – and thrive!”

 

 Skills and Experience:
Three years working for Making Moves supporting independent living skills for adults with learning disabilities.
Short Breaks (for adults with learning disabilities) support worker for several years.
Day care support worker for adults with learning disabilities.

Penny is committed to helping people with learning disabilities live in the style of their choice. She has consistently supported Get Changed participants to be as independent as possible and realise their full potential using the medium of performing arts.

Penny says: “I really enjoy working with our participants at Get Changed, creating fantastic plays with the help of professional arts directors. Our members have many skills in drama, dance and music and it is great to see how people develop their confidence and abilities through their work with us.”

 Participants represent Get Changed members as part of our team structure. They meet 3 times a year with trustees and feed back group ideas and aspirations. The whole team meet together once a year at the annual AGM. Current reps are:

 Skills and Experience:
Long-standing participant of Get Changed sharing his skills with other students.
Reports at trustee meetings on progress and development of the weekly sessions, representing users’ views and feedback.
Good public speaker and ambassador for Get Changed.

David knows how important Get Changed is to all the participants. He loves learning drama skills and performing plays for everyone to enjoy.

David says: “ I take part in fund raising as often as I can as I know we need to raise money to keep going. Get Changed is a very important part of my life.”

 

Caitilin Brennan (participant Rep)

Catie is a participant and Group Representative working alongside the Get Changed Trustees. Catie has been a part of the Get Changed group for two years.

Skills and Experience :

Catie has, in the past, been involved with the Young Farmer movement and played a part on their committee where she took notes. Catie now works on the farm where she lives helping with growing vegetables, animal care and working in the farm Cafe, she also helps out at the local market where she helps sell the produce that is grown on the farm.  Catie studied ICT at St Lloyes College in Exeter. Recently Catie attended a meeting of Micro Providers with a Get Changed trustee where she spoke up and told the Micro Provider group about Get Changed.

Catie says (about a forthcoming production)  ” Good times!! I hope that we have a great-show in April (Friday 13th April  and Saturday 14th April). I know it will be a great show!!