I have worked for developmentplus since October 2006, initially as the Administrator for the St Giles Neighbourhood Team and then, following 9 months of maternity leave, as a Development Worker across the City.

In November 2015, I was made General Manager of developmentplus following the departure of our CEO Jeanne Bain who co-founded the organisation 18 years ago.  I was extremely proud to be offered the position and will strive to take the organisation on to the next phase of its journey with passion and enthusiasm.

My time out of work is primarily spent with my family, either at home or on days out. I also have a passion for reading.

I am delighted to be working for developmentplus.  My work and personal life have always been dedicated to community and a sense of fairness.  For over 20 years I have worked in the charity sector for three charities that hold similar values to those of developmentplus. I have always been inspired to work in an environment that is fair, inclusive, and empowering for beneficiaries, volunteers, and staff.

In my spare time I love gardening, I am currently designing a new garden. I love camping and enjoy going to a festival with friends every year.

I’ve been working with the homeless for a few years now. I helped to devise the Homelessness Report with developmentplus. I am now the Lead Development Worker at Project Compass,  based at 97 High Street, Lincoln which is an advocacy service supporting individuals to access key homeless provision in Lincoln.

I’m an ex primary school teacher. I enjoy climbing and running. And it’s great to be back with developmentplus.

 

I have managed and delivered community development programmes in Lincolnshire and Bedfordshire for the last 15 years working with children, young people and their families. Prior to that I ran exhibition and education programmes in museum and galleries around the country  specialising in contemporary craft as I trained as a textile designer. My claim to fame is that I made the gloves for the film Titanic.

My project experience has included working with young people at risk of exclusion from school, with prisoners, prison staff and families, LAC young people, running mentoring programmes and employability workshops.

I am a mentor as part of the business mentoring group at Priory Lincoln school and run my own courses for adults in wellbeing through journaling. I also run a regular class for home schooled children in practical science and design activities.

I have two children, one who is teaching the other still a student so can now spend more time outdoors in my garden and I have a bit of a thing for bushcraft and cooking on open fires.

Hi, my name’s Ian and I’m really enjoying working with participants Steps Programme 1:1 coaching and mentoring project for the next three years. We also run a free, optional, and social, cycling group fortnightly, given the wellbeing benefits associated with gentle exercise, green spaces and socialising. My background is in working with children and families over the last 25 years and I trained as a life coach in 2015. I’m fascinated by people’s stories and ways in which we all make our way through life’s different seasons using our experience, values, resourcefulness, courage and friendships to live it to the full and to enjoy ourselves along the way.

When I’m not at work I’m to be found in various community group settings playing traditional music; singing or dancing at a Barn Dance/Ceilidh. I also love my bike and being out and about in the glorious Lincolnshire Countryside.

Hi, I’m Alex and I joined developmentplus in December 2021.

My background is working within the Pharmacy sector, and most recently in a forensic setting. I am currently studying Psychology with the Open University and it is my passion to understand others, why we do what we do, helping individuals with the challenges life often presents and most of all embracing our differences as people and enabling others to do the same.

I am a devoted mum in a neurodiverse household and my hobbies are writing poetry and surrealist painting and artwork. I have also been known to sing a bit of karaoke in my time.

 

I am looking forward to really listening to what others have to say, hopefully making a positive difference to people’s lives and I believe that this is the beginning of something wonderful.

Hi, my name is Libby Liberty, I previously worked at Lincoln Baptist Church for 14 years as site supervisor and started the LIFT project 6 years ago which was feeding the homeless and the community around the church area, it started as a small project but soon grew to where we were feeding 50 people from the local hostels, the homeless and the community.

I have lived experience of homelessness and addiction many years ago.  I am a mum to 3 children who keep me busy when I am not working. I enjoy holidays in the sun and camping with the family. I am enjoying my work with project compass and have a real heart for helping and supporting the rough sleepers.

Hi I am Sue Oliver, I am the newest member of the team, but the oldest in age. I have worked for 26 years in banking, latterly as a training manager for Lloyds, and 14 years as a childminder.

I am married with four grown up children. My hobbies are gardening, sewing and walking.

I firstly joined the team as a volunteer which I found both challenging and rewarding, so when I was asked to join as a member of staff I jumped at the chance!

 

 

 

I’ve worked with Developmentplus and followed their projects for a while, so was thrilled to join the team in 2023.

Joining Project Compass, I work with the street homeless to provide essential daily provisions and work with them to achieve long term solutions and access to support & housing. We’re also working hard to change the way people consider homelessness and offer real solutions as to how they can support people in the city facing or experiencing this.   

I would consider myself a real advocate for community, what I believe it should represent and how it should factor into our daily life. I think one of the fundamental short falls in our society is the current disconnect of people. We know now that can have a severe knock on to mental health, as well as being the common cause of many other social problems. 

 In short, people are happier in groups, we’re social creatures, and I absolutely love creating environments and initiatives that promote this. Either in people that I work with or the spaces that I work in.

 My time away from work is generally spent outdoors, nature is so great for the soul.  I love bird watching, walking, camping, growing things and dancing. All done in the wonder of the wilderness. 

Hi, I am Laura, I have been working with developmentplus since November 2022 but my history with the organisation goes back a few years further.

After spending most of my life moving around with my military family we decided to settle in this beautiful city of Lincoln. In 2018 I started working with the developmentplus Steps programme after losing my home to a fire, my job due to an illness and dealing with all the upheaval this caused. I felt so supported by my mentor, my confidence higher than it had been in years, that when I heard they were setting up an art club, I jumped at the chance to be part of it.  A couple of years later I was asked if I would like to help run the art club, it’s the best thing I have ever done. Since 2022 I also work as a project admin support where I have been able to help give out warm packs to those struggling to keep warm at home and get people into cooking on a budget courses in the city. Art club is still my main love, and I am excited to soon be running a green project on my allotment plot in the centre of the city.

Outside of work I enjoy exploring new places, cooking while listening to music with my family and meeting friends for a drink, catch up and occasional boogie.