Mark Kelly | Director
Mark is a qualified and experienced support worker who has worked with adults with a variety of mild to moderate learning disabilities. He is passionate about what he does and is a firm believer that everyone should receive the same opportunities regardless of age or ability!
Mark is experienced in one-to-one support as well as providing support in group settings. He has organized many successful outings and loves seeing the enjoyment that others get out of experiencing new opportunities. Mark’s aim is to provide a service that is open to all abilities. With a wide range of activities – there will be something to suit everyone! As well as the enjoyment and new friendships that will flourish from social outings; Mark also aims to promote independence and improve self-confidence in a safe and comfortable environment. He loves doing this work and seeing the difference the right support can make is what makes him want to do it more!
Mark really enjoys his role within the team – supporting clients out on activities, as well as being in constant communication, with SEN, Social Service, and other professional organizations. Mark has completed his level 5 in health and social care. Mark’s background is in sports and manual work (as well as having served in the Army!). He loves getting ‘stuck in’ and is a great motivator – encouraging others to actively join in at their own pace. Mark enjoys checking out venues to ensure they are suitable as well as negotiating the best deals to ensure our clients get the most from their outings! Mark is very keen to make a difference to others as well as being passionate about changing attitudes towards disability!
Charlotte has worked with adults and children with learning disabilities for nearly 8 years. Charlotte believes that everyone should have the same opportunities and be able to enjoy activities in a safe environment. Charlotte is very passionate about what she does and helping Socialising Buddies’ clients to enjoy the activities we offer. Charlotte also gets involved and is very hands-on in her work and deals with all the admin sides of Socialising Buddies and safeguarding. Charlotte has an NVQ in Health and Social Level 3 and has an up-to-date DBS, safeguarding, and first aid. When she isn’t working with Socialising Buddies she is busy being a mummy and running her own successful Dance Company: The Island Dance and Theatre Company where she is also a dance teacher.
Greg has worked for many years with adults and children with learning difficulties and started by using music therapy and music workshops to help engage with people with dementia and adults with learning difficulties in the care setting and community. This helped Greg to write his dissertation on the subject and led to his Degree in Commercial music. Since leaving his degree, Greg moved into the role of a carer joining the Socialising Buddies team Over 6 years ago, He has also obtained his NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care. Greg is also a full-time musician and event organiser and spends some weekends performing across the Island and UK solo or in a band.
Megan | Supervisor
Hi, I’m Megan. I am a friendly, bubbly person who loves to meet new people. I have worked with people with learning difficulties for the past 4 years. I like animals, and walking my dog, and also enjoy going to the cinema, music, and spending time with my friends and family. I am currently working on my NVQ Level 3 and hoping to continue to make a difference in my clients’ lives. From starting at Socialising Buddies Megan has gone from strength to strength not only supporting her clients above and beyond but also supporting her team so will make an excellent addition to the management team.
Carl | Supervisor
Hi, I’m Carl and I’m excited to be here at SB. I have always wanted to work in social care and help make a difference in people’s lives. In my spare time, I love computer games, retro and new, and can never turn down a fishing trip.
Ry | Support Worker
Hi, I’m Ryan I enjoy all types of sports playing and watching, I enjoy making music and hiking in my spare time, I look forward to meeting you all
I like having a job where I know I can make a real difference in a person’s life. I’m a friendly, compassionate person. I have studied hospitality supervisor & management and customer services, I have a level 2 in Health and social care. I have worked in care homes for over 2 years and have hands-on experience with children with additional needs. I have a clean driving license. In my spare time, I love to bake cakes and spend time with my family and children going on walks, swimming, days, out at the park and beach.
Gemma | Support Worker
40-year-old born and bred Islander. I feel caring is in my blood, my mum is my inspiration and has worked with adults with learning disabilities for 25 years. we were brought up being part of her work family. I have now been working with LD for 5-years and have loved every minute of it. I love to make a difference to people to help them live their best life. I have an NVQ 2 in health and social care and I’m just finishing my NVQ 3. I am first aid and meds trained. I’m an ex-qualified lifeguard who has an NVQ 2 in hairdressing. I love to learn new things and keep active. In my spare time, I love traveling with my 15-year-old son cooking, arts and crafts walking, and going to festivals. I am part of a large family and love spending time with this crazy Bunch. I have a full clean driving license clean DBS. I can’t wait to be part of the S.B. team.
Heather | Support Worker
Hi, I’m Heather, and I have recently started working as a support worker for Socialising Buddies. I am a calm and caring person, and I always enjoy having a chat and a laugh. I like making a difference to someone’s day and helping to bring out the best in people. I have previously completed a BTEC in Travel and Tourism, and I worked in the hospitality industry for many years, where I gained lots of experience in working with people from different backgrounds. Most recently, I returned to college to study childcare, with special needs assistance. I then went on to work as a childcare assistant in a preschool, where I gained experience and skills working with children with additional needs. I then relocated back to the Island this summer after living in Ireland for 14 years. I have two children of my own, who keep me busy, and I enjoy spending time with family and friends, the outdoors and walks on the beach. I am a big fan of live music. I am fully committed to my new role and would like to further develop my knowledge and skills by starting an NVQ, and I am also dedicated to continuous personal development.
Kat | Support Worker
Hi, I’m Kat and I’m extremely excited to be part of the SB team. I love making positive differences and I’m very passionate and motivated to make this happen in everything that I do to enable people to live their best lives. For the past 5 years, I have been working in a complex care home, where I experienced and learned a lot of invaluable skills. Before this, I completed my undergraduate degree in Law, then progressed to complete my master’s in Law. In my spare time, I love spending time with my 3 beautiful children, gaming, and crocheting.
Michael | Support Worker
Hi, my name is Michael I’m 35 I am friendly approachable, and caring before joining Socalising Buddies was in retail for 18 years I love being part of the team at SB. In my spare time, I like to watch football listen to music, and go to the gym, and love to spend time with my family
Deanna | Support Worker
Hi, I’m Deanna, I’m excited to be a part of Socialising Buddies. I’m an easygoing person, very caring and compassionate, I have family members with additional needs so growing up with them has taught me how to support and care for their different needs. I like to have tea and chat and help in any way I can and put people at ease. I like being outside and kept busy and of course, having a giggle. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family and friends, and also currently training to be a masseuse.
Sapphire | Support Worker
Hi, my name is Sapphire I am looking forward to meeting you all and starting my journey with socialising buddies. This is the perfect job for me as there is nothing I won’t try. I love trying new things and meeting new people. I am a happy and very approachable woman and a good listener. If you need to have a laugh I am your woman but equally, if you would like to have a cry and a listening ear I am also your woman.
When I’m not working I am at home looking after my toddler boys and my bunny rabbit. I love a good Netflix series and a good cup of tea and chats.
I can’t wait to meet you all and hopefully make your days a little brighter.
Sophie | Support Worker
Hi everyone, I’m Sophie. Here is a little bit of information about me. I’m a qualified Teacher who has worked in a school for students aged 11 to 19 with severe learning difficulties and complex needs.
I then relocated to the IoW, where I had holidayed for 20 years. I then decided on a huge career change. I purchased 11 acres of farm land, which I am currently developing into a work experience and therapy based facility for islanders with special needs and disabilities. So far we only have 11 cheeky but very cute sheep! Chickens and goats will be the next additions to our farm.
I love my part time role of support worker at Socialising Buddies, as I can continue to support clients to achieve their aspirations and independence in a world where everyone is offered the same opportunities. I really look forward to meeting you!
Helen | Support Worker
Hi, I am Hels, I am pleased to have joined the SB team. I am a happy person who loves new adventures and making a difference. I have worked with people all my life from tourism and hospitality to charity shop management and animal engagement. I love history and music and generally have a fun time with my friends. My son has grown and left home now so time for me to help others.