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Meet The Team!

Sue

Charity Manager Designated Safeguarding Lead

As a Founding Parent Carer & Charity manager from 2017, it has been an absolute pleasure to see the difference the Pod activities make to the lives of the people we support in the Mendip area.

I believe that being a carer alongside my role in Pod, keeps me rooted to the value that Pod has on the community we support and ensuring their needs are met.

The charity has grown beyond anyone’s imagination, but I remain committed to making sure we never lose sight of our members’ voices and that they always feel valued and achieve their full potential.

None of this would be possible without our super amazing team and volunteers. Everyone is dedicated to The Pod and its success, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

Gemma

Charity Co-ordinator Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

I have always worked in roles which support others, as a police officer for 10 years and more recently a primary school teacher. I enjoy working with young people and adults with additional needs and believe in providing everyone with a safe and nurturing environment to be their true selves.

I was born in Frome and have lived here most of my life, so I am really excited to be part of a charity that gives so much to the community. I feel that my previous skills and experience will support Pod staff and volunteers to provide the fantastic opportunities and support they offer the local community.

Nicki

Project Lead

I have lived in Frome all my life and I love the diversity and vitality of this wonderful town and its inhabitants. I am a qualified Early Years teacher, and I love trying new things. I am looking forward to exploring the new experiences that the people in both groups are planning for our future sessions.

I enjoy spending time chatting and laughing with the children and adults in our groups whilst bringing enthusiasm and creativity.

Emma

Project Lead, Youth Worker and Assistant Community Tutor

I live in Frome, I have a young family and a dog. We enjoy walking, swimming and spending days at the beach together. I have experience working with children and adults with additional needs and I also have a Level 3 qualification in Understanding Autism.

I enjoy working with children and adults with additional needs, I am adaptable and can work in lots of different roles and settings. I like planning activities, like crafts and cooking and having a whole load of laughs. Over time working with the Pod, I have taken on a variety of roles, including youth worker at Youth Club and project leader at Zone. Being part of a team at The Pod is incredibly rewarding, and I feel proud to play my part in making a positive difference.

Kate

Scrapstore Operations Co-ordinator

I joined the Scrapstore team in 2022, it has been growing steadily and I’m loving the new little Scrapstore in the town centre. I have a background in theatre set and prop making and love being creative using recycled materials. I have lived in Frome for over 20 years and enjoy being part of community projects and events.

I am excited about building the Scrapstore and supporting Pod members to run our Pop Up events, and being able to welcome by appointment other charities, community groups, and education and care providers to source their materials for art, craft, and play.

Beth

Community Tutor and Scrapstore Development Co-ordinator

Information coming soon

Volunteer Co-Ordinator

Information coming soon

Francesca

Youth Worker

Primarily, I am Mum to 2 lively, neurodivergent children who keep me on my toes! I have also worked at a First School in Frome for 5 years, so I know lots of young faces around the town, and I love to see children I have taught, who remember me.

I am a counsellor in training and have a passion for helping others live a fulfilling life by understanding their own mental health and development.

I have really enjoyed the challenge of working with older children than I have previously. It is a different set of skills needed to facilitate creating a fun, open and safe environment for older children, with some additional needs. I think we manage to do it well at The Pod.

Sara

Youth Worker

I joined The Pod after volunteering at the Youth Club. Alongside my role at The Pod, I work as a supply teacher in Frome and have extensive experience supporting and educating young people and their families.

I was keen to work for a charity and was delighted to become part of The Pod Youth Club team. I enjoy the positive, energetic atmosphere and find it incredibly rewarding to support and encourage young people as they grow and develop.

Louana

Project Assistant

I am a mum to two lovely children who keep me busy, make me laugh every day and always teach me new ways of seeing the world.

I am so grateful to be part of the team at Pod because I believe in the importance of creating supportive and inclusive spaces for everyone. Through my own experiences as a parent carer, I understand how valuable community support can be. I am proud to be part of an organisation that empowers individuals, supports families and makes such a positive impact on the lives of so many people. I am passionate about supporting people and making a positive difference in the community and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Pod.

Ryan

Community Assistant

My first interaction with The Pod was attending their weekly Pod Plus session in 2021 and then decided to become a volunteer for the charity in 2022. I have volunteered in various projects including Pod Disco, Scrap store and Bingo. I am currently employed by The Pod and enjoying new experiences within the charity.

I like that Pod gives people new opportunities and I love helping people and volunteering in the community.

Jonathan

Employed Resident DJ and Marketing (Volunteer)

I have a background in marketing and IT and I am also a DJ. I have skills in event organising and working in communities running community sports. I won an award as part of the last Olympics held in the UK.

I enjoy supporting people to achieve their goals and everyone is so supportive when you first join The Pod.

Kevin

Community Assistant

I work full time but in my spare time I do a variety of volunteer work for various charities in Frome. I love having the opportunity to meet new people and help out where I can.

I like to help people and feel that I am doing something worthwhile and useful. I like making new friends.