Meet The Team!
Sue Paxton
Charity Manager
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.
Becky Bird
Project Development Manager
I joined The Pod as Co-Charity manager in 2021. Since then the charity has grown and my role has developed. I am now the Project Development Manager and am enjoying making further links to community organisations, listening to our beneficiaries and creating new opportunities.
For the past 30 years I have worked in schools supporting children with additional needs and also as a social worker in and around Frome. I am passionate about challenging discrimination, supporting people to live their best lives and achieve their aspirations.
I had previously been involved with Pod for 4 years as a volunteer at events as part of Frome Town Rotary. It is great to see the children, young people, and families joining activities and having a great social life through Pod projects and activities.
Emma
Zone Leader and Pod Youth Club Youth worker
I joined Pod as a volunteer at youth club for a while, and really enjoyed the group.
I started working as a youth worker in youth club and have recently become lead worker for Zone.
I really enjoy supporting the group and have lots of fun with the activities.
I live in Frome and have a young family.
Nicki
Project Lead - Pod Youth Club, Pod Plus & SEED
I have enjoyed being lead for Pod Plus for a few years and am also having fun, bringing enthusiasm and creativity to our younger members in PYC.
I have lived in Frome all my life and I love the diversity and vitality of this wonderful town and it’s inhabitants. I am a qualified early years teacher and am now enjoying spending time, chatting and laughing with the children and adults in both groups.
I love trying new things and am looking forward to exploring the new experiences that the people in both groups are planning for our future sessions.
Kate
Scrapstore Coordinator
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.
Sara
Youth Worker at Youth Club
After volunteering at Pod Youth Club I was lucky enough to join the team as a Youth Worker in March 2023. It’s been great getting to know the children and being part of a new and friendly team.
I’ve always worked with children and their families and love my part time job as a reception class teacher.
I’m really looking forward to working with this older age group and so far we’ve had lots of fun with the varied activities on offer at the club.
I’ve lived and worked in Frome for most of life and settled here to raise my family.
Josie
Support worker at Zone + POP disco
My name is Josie and I love being a youth worker for Zone and now POP disco. I originally took on the role to gain work experience, working with young people and enjoyed it so much that I never left! It is such a privilege to build meaningful relationships with those who attend the club and watch them grow week by week.
When I am not working at Pod, I can be found studying for my nutrition diploma, going for weekend walks, getting crafty and trying out new recipes.
Kevin
Youth Worker at Youth Club
It’s been an amazing experience working for POD. Since being given the opportunity to join the fantastic team in September 2015 I’ve learnt loads, and it’s been great seeing the young people develop and grow as individuals.
Workshop is an exciting new project to be involved in. I enjoy digital design and sketching daily in my free time. Supporting others to be creative is really rewarding. I love seeing everyone trying new things and learning new skills.
Gemma
Administrator
Sarah
Project Lead - POP disco + Pod Plus Support worker
HI I’m Sarah. I work with Pod Plus but you’ll sometimes find me helping out in Pod Youth Club too.
I also run Pod Pop Disco once a month. and join in with everyone having a great time.
It is so much fun supporting both groups with activities, and on outings to exciting places. Being able to share my hobbies and sometimes my animals with everyone is such a joy.
Francesca
Project Co-Lead - SEED
I am really chuffed to be part of The Pod. It’s such a lovely team and everyone has made me feel so welcome. I work at Pod youth club and the new project Seed Pod which is going really well.
Jonathan
Employed Resident DJ - SEED Project Assistant + Marketing (volunteer)
I am Jonathan, I work on many projects with POD including POP disco, and Pod Plus , I also support the charity with Marketing.
I enjoy supporting people to achieve their goals
I personally enjoy listening to Music and going out for food
Ryan Atkins
Community Assistant - Bingo
I started The Pod as a Pod Plus Member in 2021 and then decided to become a volunteer for The Charity in 2022.
I started working at Bingo in 2023 in The Cafe and now am a bingo caller and also a volunteer at POD Disco, Scrapstore and other events.
In 2024, I was a finalist for BBC Somerset Make A Difference Volunteer Of The Year Award.
I love helping people and volunteering in the community.