Yvonne Clark
Chief Executive
Yvonne spent many years as a nurse and is also a carer. As well as being Chief Executive she is responsible for the operational side of Carers in Bedfordshire. She also runs several Carer Support Groups across Bedfordshire. Yvonne is located at our Bedford office.
Paul Brasier
Deputy Chief Executive
Paul was originally an engineer but later went into teaching. He is also a carer. Paul is responsible for the strategic planning and business management of Carers in Bedfordshire. Paul is located at our Biggleswade office.
Karen Balfe
Parent Carer Support Worker
Karen is a part of our specialist project called 'Parents Together' which helps and supports parents of children with additional needs who live in South Bedfordshire and Luton. Karen is herself a carer.
Chris Barber
Administrative Assistant
Chris is the administrator at our Bedford Office and he also helps Robert with The Hub. He is a bit of a whiz at solving our IT problems. Chris is located at our Bedford office.
Kathy Carter
Carers Cafe Co-ordinator
Kathy was a specialist carers social worker till she joined us to oversee the running of our 'Carers Cafes'. These run on Saturday afternoons in either; Bedford, Biggleswade or Houghton Regis and offer a variety of activities for carers to bring their cared for and families to and everything is free. Activities include beauticians, chiropodists, hairdressers, physiotherapists, children’s computer games and toys, children’s videos, demonstrations (e.g. microwave cooking, digital photography), care workers, carer support workers and refreshments. She will be at every Cafe to chat to carers and follow-up on any problems or needs. Kathy is located at our Bedford office.
Robert Cunningham
The Hub Young Adult Carer 16-24 Co-ordinator
Robert co-ordinates 'The Hub YAC' throughout Bedfordshire which is our specialist serivce for young adult carers aged 16 to 24. Presently we have two Hub nights running in Bedfordshire, one in Kempston and one in Leighton Buzzard. Robert provides help and support on a one-to-one basis, including emotional and practical support, help with education, employment and training issues. He also arranges some pretty exciting social events like go-karting, paintballing, flying, tobogganing and weekends away. Robert is located at our Bedford office.
Gillian Desborough
Microwave Cookery Tutor
Gill is our microwave cookery tutor and provides training for carers at our Bedford centre but is planning to offer the course countywide. Gill is located at our Biggleswade office.
Jacqueline Dunn
Computer Tutor
Jacqi is our computer tutor and provides training for carers throughout the county. Jacqi is located at our Biggleswade office.
Chris Kidd
Administrative Assistant
Chris is the Carers Cafe Administrator, Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive and he also edits our bi-monthly magazine called "Carers". Chris is located in our Bedford office.
Linda Di Michele
Choices for Carers Co-ordinator
Linda co-ordinates our carers breaks project, called Choices for Carers. Carers can access funds for a variety of purposes provided it gives them a break from their caring role. You can apply directly to Linda on 01767 315079 or make an application through another organisation, such as Rethink or The Alzheimer’s Society. Linda is located at our Biggleswade office.
Sally Petre
Central Bedfordshire Co-ordinator
Sally helps and supports adult family carers and runs several Carer Support Groups. As well as the co-ordinator for our services to carers in Central Bedfordshire she is also the manager of our Biggleswade Carers Centre. Sally is also a carer herself. Sally is located at our Biggleswade office.
Geraldine Place
Adult Carer Support Worker
Geraldine has recently joined us and she helps and supports adult carers across Bedfordshire. Geraldine is located at our Biggleswade office.
Melanie Reynolds
Relaxation Therapist
Mel is our relaxation therapist and pampers carers at our Bedford and Biggleswade centres during the week. Mel also pampers at the Carers Cafes on a Saturday afternoon and at The Hub nights in Kempston and Leighton Buzzard.
Janice Shankland
Siblings Carer Co-ordinator
Janice runs our Siblings Project to provide help and support for children with a brother or sister who has additional needs. The service offers sibling carers their own club and social events. She also helps and supports young carers between the ages of 4 and 18. Janice is located at our Bedford office.
Elaine Wallbank
Parents Together Project Co-ordinator
Elaine is a parent carer herself and co-ordinates our specialist service for parents of children with additional needs who live in Bedfordshire or Luton. We call the service 'Parents Together' and it trains volunteer parent carers to act as 'Befrienders' for other parent carers. In addition, it provides special training and support for parents of children with additional needs who are going through the transition from childhood to adult. Parent carers are, of course also entitled to all of the other services offered by Carers in Bedfordshire. Elaine is located at our Biggleswade office.
Barbara Ward
Finance Assistant
Babs helps with the financial administration and is responsible for maintaining our financial records and paying invoices, bills etc. Babs is located at our Bedford office.