Our
Family

CEO

Originally from London, I have lived in Devon for over 30 years. My wife and I live on Dartmoor with our foster children, we also have 3 grown up children and 5 grandchildren.

I have worked mostly in the Charitable Sector, developing and delivering projects that benefit vulnerable and marginalised children and young people and their families. More recently I have worked for University of Exeter, supporting the design and delivery of mental health services in the southwest with the Department of Health. I love collaborating with others to explore and test out new ways of working that could make a lasting difference for people.

Head of Operations

I have lived in the West Country most of my life and the Plymouth area for 30 years - it is stunning and constantly inspires me. I live with my husband Paul and our menagerie of animals just outside Plymouth. My two children have grown up, and I have a beautiful “lock down” granddaughter.

I was an artist and a teacher before joining the Plymouth City Council Youth Service, working with marginalised groups of young people and within community engagement projects. Before joining Friends and Families, I cared for my disabled parents and tended gardens in my locality.

Family Support Manager

I was born in Plymouth and have lived here all my life. I love living so close to the sea and finding places to explore in Devon with my dog Cassie.

I graduated University of Plymouth in Health and Social Care in 2019. I’m really excited to part of Friends and Families and their amazing services.

Making Sense Project Co-ordinator

I was brought up in Wembury near Plymouth and have recently moved back there with my partner Sean, daughter Grace and lurcher Talen. My daughter Grace has Polymicrogyria, a brain malformation resulting in Cerebral Palsy, developmental delay and Epilepsy.

I worked in the Civil Service for 12 years prior to working for Friends and Families. I enjoy sourcing new equipment and toys for the Lending Library as well as planning new exciting activities for the Making Sense group.

Social Action and Volunteering Lead

I have lived in and around Plymouth for most of my adult life. I graduated in 2008 with a BA Hons in Youth and Community Work and worked as a youth worker for the local authority in various capacities for over 16 years. In the final two years, I worked in an intensive role with young people and their parents/carers as part of a multi-disciplined team.

I am a father to three adult girls and grandfather to two beautiful granddaughters.

I am excited to be working with Friends & Families and hope to add to their already experienced team, promoting and developing opportunities for the families we work with.

Finance Coordinator

I was born in Iran and graduated with a degree in accounting before working as an accounting manager in Tehran for 15 years. I moved to the UK in 2017 and have lived in Plymouth since 2018 with my wife, son and little daughter. Since living in Plymouth, I have learned English, gained GCSEs and a Level 3 AAT accounting qualification.

I like Plymouth and Cornwall and have visited famous places, beaches and towns. I feel very lucky to be part of the friendly team and happy working environment at Friends and Families.

Peer Support Apprentice

I am Sam, a new member of the team who joined up in January 2022. I grew up in Totnes before moving to Plymouth recently. Growing up I was never diagnosed or even picked up for my autism, meaning I never got access to the support I needed. I would not wish that on anyone else, so now I work with Friends and Families to make sure everyone gets the support they need.

Peer Support Apprentice

I have recently joined the team in 2023 after being offered the opportunity to develop my ambition of providing support to young people. Creating a bridge for people who may otherwise ‘fall through the cracks’ within services is a passion of mine. Helping people see their own strengths and showing them how to advocate for themselves is what I aspire to do within Friends and Families.

Mascot

I have been part of Friends and Families all my life! I particularly enjoy meeting and having my photo taken with our families and their children. During the day I spend much of my time with the rest of the team in our centre. But what I love doing is to be out meeting with lots of children and some adults too! 

So, if you are a school, a playgroup or any group wanting to help us with our mission and raise awareness about our work - send me an email and I will always do my best to come over and say "hello".

Sessional Activity Worker

I’ve been involved with Friends & Families for many years, and really enjoy the activities, especially water-sports! I think the charity is fantastic because it covers all disabilities and supports every member of the family. I discovered the charity because my two younger brothers were supported through the Fun and Freedom Club and I got involved because I wanted to give back.

I’ve worked in youth work in the past and lived in Plymouth for nearly 20 years, currently with my cat, Shady and my tortoise, Hercules.

Sessional Activity Worker

My full-time job is working with children with additional needs in an educational setting. I enjoy supporting both children and young carers on all our different activities.

Sessional Activity Worker

I began working for Friends & Families

Sessional Activity Worker

I enjoy working with all the different Friends & Families groups and like how there is always an activity for everybody to enjoy. I am currently studying A-levels in Biology, Business Studies and Geography.

In my spare time, I race slalom skiing for the Plymouth Snowsports Club and regularly go out mountain biking.

Activites & Office Coordinator

I grew up in Plymouth and have briefly spent time living in Cheltenham and Brighton where I got my BA Hons and Master’s degree in Popular Music. Outside of work, I spend my days writing songs, performing with my band and playing far too many video games!

Releasing my own music has enabled me to build a welcoming and connected community of people with shared experience and I’m excited to be a part of the Friends and Families team where we do exactly that in so many ways!

Fundraising Coordinator

I have lived in the Plymouth area for over twenty years, including studying for a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Plymouth. As a parent of a child with additional needs, I am passionate and invested in improving the lives of both children and their families.

Through my role as funding coordinator, I am excited to use my personal experience and enthusiasm to secure resources to enable Friends and Families to provide much needed support to our local community.