What do you do at the Penlee Family Project?

“I am one of the founder members of the Penlee Project and a Director.  I also work for the project in a lead role and oversee the Multi-Generational Work, which really means bringing different generations together for fun, to learn together and for community cohesion (togetherness). Children bring something to the work we do that is special, their vibrancy and optimism and hope, living in the moment and older people bring ‘their stories’, their wisdom and many, many skills and talents. It is a privilege to develop this work with the children and people who come to Penlee. We are a diverse group, varying needs and from various places but together we create connection and support.  I also work with Kim and the other two Directors to support the people who volunteer for Penlee.”

What do you like about working for the Penlee Family Project?

“The fun and friendship, the social connection and the opportunities to learn new things in a group. I am also an older person and I benefit from the stimulation and pressures – keeps me young! I like being part of a team and seeing the volunteers progress and come on board. I have also really enjoyed seeing the project evolve to its present place.”

Can you say a little bit about your prior experience and qualifications?

“I was a Children’s Social Worker in Cornwall for many years. During the last few years of working for the Council I managed a team and progressed to the Practice Education Team before retirement over 4 years ago. I also trained in counselling children and adolescents in 2010 which I believe added value to my social work role. It strengthened my understanding of adversity, what impacts on our life chances and personal trauma and recovery. My most inspired work came in 2002 when I worked on the Sure Start Programme in Camborne, I learned so much about community engagement and working ‘with’ families’. It is for people and communities to work together to change what they want to change and to be creative and supportive as this helps us all. Politics have always interested me too, Sure Start being a great example of political will to change the way we work with communities and the value it placed upon the early years of a child’s life. Kim and I, we met on the Sure Start Project, take this into our roles with Penlee.”

What do you like to do when not working at the Penlee Family Project?

“As a wife and mother to three daughters and a grandmother to 6 grandchildren, I am always busy. I love family life, baking, family get togethers and playing with my grandchildren but also time for me to sew, to go for long walls, do yoga and fitness and be out and about in our camper van.  I live in a village surrounded by friends who I have known for many, many years, new friends too through my sea swimming and friendships through being part of various local groups too. I like nothing more than a coffee and catch up, preferably in a nice, welcoming space where good coffee and cake is served and a daily dip in the sea no matter what the season.”