I had the pleasure of volunteering for Braintree Mencap on and off since 2014 and in November 2026 took on the role of Leisure Assistant. I first got involved when my Son attended the “Young Person’s Social Club” which later became known as “Bridge”. I drove the Mencap mini bus for trips, events and for the weekly member’s hockey sessions at a local club. I have assisted at most classes across the week and have known many of the members for more than 10 years.

Away from Mencap I enjoy being outdoors, I walk for fitness and have a keen interest in metal detecting on beaches and fields, I have had some interesting finds which are often the topic of conversation with Mencap Members.

I have very recently joined Braintree Mencap in August 2026, I enjoy Healthy Lifestyle Support and offered this Coaching in my previous role at Chelmsford Royal Mencap. Prior to this I worked for the NHS for 10 years my role was with the HPFT Learning Disability Team.

Outside of Mencap I am passionate about exercise and exploring! I go on adventures in my two cars affectionately named “Little Flexy Dave” & “Big Flexy Dave”, I travel all around the UK often accomplishing 500 mile road trips around the country up to Scotland and down to Penzance!

I am an experienced Singer and Musician with nearly 30 years of performing experience and a real passion for making music accessible to everyone.

I have spent many years working with children and adults with additional needs, bringing singing, live music and plenty of fun to my sessions.

My approach is relaxed, inclusive and all about making sure everyone feels welcome, involved and free to enjoy music in their own way. 

I have always enjoyed sharing art and craft creativity with others, ever since being a Teacher in a Nursery school many years ago! Since 2012 I have worked in the wonderful community of SEN & Disabilities as a Personal Assistant and this is what bought me to Braintree Mencap, supporting a member to access day service activities. My Mencap family bring me so much joy, I am thrilled to be able to share my love for art and craft with them too! I work as a Leisure Assistant on a Thursday evening for the Gateway Club and am straight in there embracing what ever the theme of the evening is!

I have 3 adult children, 3 amazing daughter in laws and 5 beautiful grandchildren and not forgetting my 3 fur grandbabies, doggies belonging to two of my Sons! Family time is always treasured especially as one of my sons, his wife and 2 of my gorgeous Granddaughters live in Perth, Australia. Facetime is always wonderful but nothing will ever beat visiting them in Australia and turning virtual hugs into real ones.

Braintree Mencap became my happy place in January 2025 when I began supporting a young lady to access Gateway Club, soon we were attending many more sessions and we both found ourselves part of the Mencap family very swiftly! I was incredibly fortunate to be able to take up a position of Leisure Assistant in January 2026 and then moved into the Admin, Finance & Media role in July 2026. I love all things Mencap and feel blessed to have found such a wonderful Club with the most fantastic staff, volunteers and beautiful members.

Away from Mencap I have Coached Sen & Disabilities trampolining for 11 years, it is so rewarding to be part of someone’s trampolining journey. I have two smashing young adult daughters who I love spending time with whenever the opportunity arises. I also enjoy knitting, cross stitching, kayaking and paddle boarding, my best holidays are camping and doing all 4 of those things whilst away!

I have always enjoyed caring for people, starting out as an Health Care Assistant in a hospital in London and then after moving to the Braintree area I began a role as a Support Worker, this brought me to Braintree Mencap with 3 members who attended the Musicmania sessions, I fell in love with everything about Mencap! I was fortunate enough to become a part of the team as a Leisure Assistant 4 years ago now and support the members in a variety of classes including Drama, Musicmania, Funky moves and our ever popular Gateway Club social evening.

Away from Mencap I take great pleasure in spending time with my family, I have 4 grown up children and 4 grandchildren who all keep me very busy! I have a huge passion for cooking, I am always trying new recipes especially exploring exotic recipes and meals, this usually attracts the family to come round too!

I have had many years of experience offering support and advice to anyone with a learning disability, their families and carers, I have the pleasure of running the Family Support Project which is free to access by members of Braintree District Mencap.  I can offer advice on Health, Finance, Mental Health, Transport, Education, Employment, Housing, Care and Community Support and Legal Matters.  I also enjoy supporting the fundraising events at Braintree Mencap.

Away from work I take great pleasure in spending quality time on the Suffolk Coast with my husband and our caravan of 20 years! I can often be spotted on the seafront taking in the beautiful sights and atmosphere!

I manage the lovely Braintree Mencap Leisure Team and together with my staff we organise and run a variety of fully inclusive activities for our members over the week. My aim is to always ensure our members reach their goals and through our kindness, dedication, flexibility and patience we see many positive outcomes .

I also have the pleasure of running our extremely popular Gateway Club, a weekly social club with a different activity or event each week, the Club that regularly attracts over 100 people on a Thursday evening, it is often the highlight of our the member’s week.

I am also involved in the planning and running of fund raising events such as Fairs, Quiz Nights and Race Nights which raise vital funds for the Braintree Mencap charity.

My book keeping role at Braintree Mencap ensures all the Charitie’s finances are in order, I pay invoices, deal with utility and maintenance contracts and administrate the staff payroll.  I work closely with our accountants to produce the annual financial accounts which are posted on the Charity Commission website. I also take great pleasure in supporting fundraising events throughout the year.

I am affectionately known at Braintree Mencap as “Cocktail Carol” and hold a secret recipe for my much sought after home made Gin & Tonic Cheesecake! I am passionate about travelling and especially enjoy holidays abroad in Asia.

I joined Braintree Mencap as General Manager in January 2026 and am now in the role of CEO to this wonderful charity. I have had many years of experience working with children and adults in mainstream, charity provision and other settings with special interests in trauma informed practise, positive behaviour management, safeguarding and SEND. With my broad industry experience and having developed from the ground up I am always happy to lend a hand and be a visible, active member of the charity supporting the team as a whole and welcoming all.

Away from Mencap I enjoy performing arts and supporting a Drama group for children of ages 4-18, I take great joy in watching their talent and confidence grow in comedy & drama, musical theatre, singing, dancing and acting.