My name is Cherry Riley I am one of the founder members of Freespirits Day Care and mum to Alex who is one of the young adults that uses the service.  My role at Freespirits is that of  Director Trustee and within that role I undertake the book keeping and accounts and all that is of a financial nature.  For the first 25 years of my working life I worked for a private sector company in the ceramics industry starting as office junior at the age of 18 and moving through the company to PA to the Managing Director and again book keeper/accounts clerk. I also ran my own business in the retail sector for 10 years.  For the latter 15 years of my working life I have and still am working for the NHS in a team administration role having some responsibility for over 150 staff at any one time.  My work at Freespirits is entirely voluntary but I find it worthwhile and very rewarding.

Please let me take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new manager of Freespirits Day Care. I started the Management position in March 2018. I have worked in Health and Social Care for almost twenty years, with seventeen years’ experience based in Day Service provision. I have also done Person-Centred Planning, Facilitating and worked on the Social Work team doing various roles including assessment of care. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to transfer all my knowledge, experience and skills to Freespirits Day Care. Louise Marsden continues to support as Deputy Manager and together with a great team off Staff we are improving and modernising the service to ensure we are providing the best service we can.

Hi my name is Louise. I started with Freespirits from the beginning and was previously a Care Assistant at Blackfriars Day Centre. I started as an Apprentice Support Worker in 2011 after leaving further education. Over my time here, I have gained my NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, and I have formed some amazing working relationships with the individuals that attend Freespirits. Over my years with Freespirits I have worked my way to the role of Deputy Manager which I thoroughly enjoy, and I am currently working towards my NVQ Level 3 in Management. Freespirits has been part of my life for many years, and it’s been incredible to see how far our individuals have come, and welcomed new individuals along the way. I am excited for the future of Freespirits and move exciting ventures to come.

Hi my name is Lizzie. I have worked with Freespirits since February 2019. I have worked in care for 5 years, with individuals with support needs, including complex care. The thing I enjoy the most about working in care, is giving back to people and ensuring that the best quality of life is provided. Freespirits is a fun, enjoyable and a place for open opportunities for all individuals to express their personalities.

Hi my name is Daniella. I am new to the care sector and have been with Freespirits for almost a year now. In that time, I have completed my NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care and I’m hopefully starting to work towards my NVQ Level 3 and further my learning development. I have found my time here most rewarding and I am very person-centred.

Hi my name is Katy. I have been a support worker at Freespirits now since November 2017. I have 14 years’ experience in the care sector having worked in various different areas of care, including mental health, learning disability and rehabilitation. I have gained my NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care during a previous role. I moved from Wales 10 years ago and took a planned career break to spend time raising my young children who are now both at school. I decided to return to the profession. I find my new role at Freespirits truly rewarding and enjoyable. I am passionate about working with individuals with support needs and promoting independence.

Hi my name is Lorraine. I have been in the sector of care in all aspects for the last 41 years, ranging from mental health, dementia and stroke. I recently held a senior care position in a very busy day service supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and challenging behaviour. I have worked with young adults with EBD. I hold the NVQ Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care. I am also a qualified aromatherapist which I can utilise with the individuals at Freespirits.

Since joining the team, I can honestly say it has been the most rewarding experience since leaving my previous role in the day service.

Hi my name is Kate. I recently joined Freespirits in November 2017. I have spent the last 20 years working in the care sector. First starting with complex geriatric care in nursing homes, I then moved onto working in the community supporting people from all backgrounds and ages. I lived in Canada for a short time before returning to Britain and joining AMG for 8 years, again working in the community and day centres for young adults with complex needs. Since joining Freespirits in November, I have enjoyed supporting people with their support needs, seeing them shine, and becoming part of the team at Freespirits.

Hi, I’m Laura,

Before Freespirits I hadn’t done a lot of support work, I was used to bar/retail work. However I have worked in a residential setting. Freespirits is such a brilliant place to be a part of, the whole team works together so well to ensure all the individuals gain the full enjoyment from the service. And the individuals themselves make your day with their personality and character, you cant help but smile!

Hi, I am Tina.

I have over 25 years experience working with adults with support needs. I joined Freespirits in Jan 2019. I really enjoy my job here, I love working with all our individuals. I describe myself as a fun and compassionate to everyone’s individual needs.

Hi, I’m Nicky, I am the cook at Freespirits. I am 43 years young and have 2 daughters. I have a passion for food and watching people enjoy my meals. I volunteer at my local church as much as possible feeding the homeless and anybody who needs a meal. I was awarded the queens award in 2016 for voluntary work. In my spare time I like swimming, walking, reading and socializing with friends and being a taxi for my children. I started my role within Freespirits in may 2018 and I have enjoyed every minute working in this special service. I like to see the individuals enjoying their meals. I have loved getting to know them all and their individual personalities, it’s a wonderful working environment and charity. I look forward to a long future at Freespirits.