Sue Paxton – Founder and Co Charity Manager

As a founding Parent Carer it has been an absolute pleasure to see the difference our work now makes to the lives of disabled young people and their families in Mendip. I came up with the idea and led the steering group from 2011 to 2013 when we opened our first club and have been a Volunteer Chair and Lead until Autumn 2017. My daughter was 10 years old when the idea of a Youth Club first started, it seemed like such a huge thing to open a Youth Club for children with additional needs, now we’re running 3 and lots of other things besides! None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the super, amazing team who support us, everyone is passionate about The Pod and ensuring its success.

Becky Bird – Co-Charity Manager

Hi I am Becky, and I joined The Pod as Co-Charity manager 18 months ago.  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, especially at the very popular silent discos.

I have worked for the past 30 years in schools supporting children with additional needs and also as a social worker in and around Frome.

I love arts and crafts, cycling,  and being outdoors. My challenge for 2023 is to complete a Sea Swim in June to raise money for Pod.

I enjoy working with our community to develop projects for Pod including JAMM, Workshop and Scrapstore, and seeing our members flourish.

Gemma – Administrator & Community Support Assistant     

Hi, I am Gemma, and I  very much looking forward to working at The Pod having joined as Admin & Community Support Assistant.

I have lived in Frome all my life and am excited to be part of something for the community in which we live.

I have two lovely daughters who are becoming more independent so I have that extra time to be involved in something new. I have worked for the same company for the last 26 years and am looking forward to supporting the group and the exciting opportunities that it may bring.

I also love walking and spending time with family and friends as well as holidaying in the UK and further afield.

Nicki – Pod Youth Club Leader

Following in the footsteps of our wonderful team member Rebecca, Nicki has stepped in to run Pod Youth Club. 

Nicki currently runs Pod Plus and is bringing her enthusiasm and creativity to our younger members. .

See Nicki’s intro below. 

Kate – Zone Leader

My name is Kate and I’m the new leader for the young carers youth group, The Zone.

I’m originally from Ireland, and moved to Frome just over a year ago. I work in psychology, and have been working with young people for 5 years. I am very excited to be a part of The Pod team. 

Nicki – Pod Plus Leader

My name is Nicki and I am lead worker at Pod Plus.

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 enjoying spending time, chatting and laughing with this older age group.

I love trying new things and am looking forward to exploring the new experiences that the young people at Pod Plus are planning for our future sessions.

Sara- Youth Worker at Youth Club

Hi I’m Sara! I’ve lived and worked in Frome for most of life and settled here to raise my family.

After volunteering at Pod Youth Club I was lucky enough to join the team as a Youth Worker in March.

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.

It’s been great getting to know the children and being part of a new and friendly team. 

Kate – Scrapstore Coordinator

Kate joined the Scrapstore team in September 22. She has a background in theatre set and prop making and loves being creative out of recycled materials. She has lived in Frome for over 20 years and enjoys being part of community projects and events.

The Scrapstore project has been growing since last year and the charity now has storage to create a little Scrapstore Warehouse.

Kate is excited about being able to welcome by appointment other charities, community groups, and education and care providers to source their materials for art, craft, and play.

She is passionate about building the Scrapstore and supporting Pod members to run our Pop Up events.

Look out for Pod SCrapstore materials in Victoria Park at the Play Trolly.

Kevin – Youth Worker at Youth Club & Workshop

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.

Josie – Youth Support Worker at Zone

My name is Josie and I love being a youth worker for Zone. I originally took on the role to gain work experience in 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 at Zone I can be found studying for my nutrition diploma, going for weekend walks, getting crafty or trying out new recipes.

Sarah – 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 help to 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.

Emma – Youth Worker – Youth Club

I am new to the Pod Team having volunteered at youth club for a while.

I really enjoy supporting the group and have lots of fun with the activities.

I live in Frome and have a young family.

Karen- Youth Worker – Youth Club

Hi I’m Karen and I am delighted to have joined The pod team after thoroughly enjoying a period of volunteering at Youth Club.

I have worked in schools in and around Frome for more than 20 years supporting young people with additional needs. For the past three years I have worked predominantly supporting young people with their social, emotional and mental health wellbeing.

I have an art background and love getting creative! I enjoy being outside, spending time with friends and travelling.

Sue – Bank Support Worker – All clubs

Hi, I am Sue and this photo was taken while I was doing my two favorite things, being in the garden and having a cup of coffee.

I wanted to join The Pod team as I have always enjoyed being with young people and getting to know them, very often gaining inspiration from them to achieve their aims in life, even in a small way.

My background is nursing mostly. I have always enjoyed working with people. Now I enjoy walking, swimming, some crafts such as knitting and sewing, and the slower pace (usually) of being retired.