Who are you?
Hello, I’m Jane Williams – Director of The Turning Tides Project.
I’m an Occupational Therapist and a musician. I am passionate about two things:
Music and the belief that “disability” does not belong to individuals but is caused by the way society treats “difference”.
Music plays a part in every society – it is an essential part of what makes us human.
As Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant says “music is like a langwitch... it is the sound that dreams are making”.
Many disabled people have little or no access to music. This lack of access prevents them from participating in their society, it denies them their right to follow their dreams; it disables.
Why did you set up The Turning Tides project?
I worked as a free-lance music facilitator for people labelled as having “learning disabilities”, “autism spectrum diagnoses” and “challenging behaviour” for 7 years. During this time I ran community music projects and weekly music groups, taught instrument, song-writing and performance skills, formed bands that recorded their own original songs, wrote film sound tracks and performed live gigs, and wrote and delivered ‘Why Music?’ Workshops for Social Care providers and wrote a book called Music and The Social Model.
**Want to learn more about the Social Model**
I learnt three things:
The Turning Tides Project draws together a group of people with:
I call these people ‘The Happening-makers’
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
What principles do you live by?
(If you’d like to know more about Jane and how she works she’s published a book or contact us)
Hello, I’m Jane Williams – Director of The Turning Tides Project.
I’m an Occupational Therapist and a musician. I am passionate about two things:
Music and the belief that “disability” does not belong to individuals but is caused by the way society treats “difference”.
Music plays a part in every society – it is an essential part of what makes us human.
As Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant says “music is like a langwitch... it is the sound that dreams are making”.
Many disabled people have little or no access to music. This lack of access prevents them from participating in their society, it denies them their right to follow their dreams; it disables.
Why did you set up The Turning Tides project?
I worked as a free-lance music facilitator for people labelled as having “learning disabilities”, “autism spectrum diagnoses” and “challenging behaviour” for 7 years. During this time I ran community music projects and weekly music groups, taught instrument, song-writing and performance skills, formed bands that recorded their own original songs, wrote film sound tracks and performed live gigs, and wrote and delivered ‘Why Music?’ Workshops for Social Care providers and wrote a book called Music and The Social Model.
**Want to learn more about the Social Model**
I learnt three things:
- Enabling disabled people to access music makes a big difference to their lives, their aspirations and their place in their community
- The most powerful way of making a difference is through the thing you’re passionate about
- The more people who use their passion to make a difference in the world, the bigger the difference will be
The Turning Tides Project draws together a group of people with:
- Different passions (dance, poetry and literature, art, music, cookery, literacy, going out)
- A shared belief that enabling access to these passions removes “disability”
I call these people ‘The Happening-makers’
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
- Company Director – I find Happening-makers, work with them to develop ideas , identify funding and do all the things that make a company sustainable.
- Musical Director - I lead the Big Band, teach instruments and direct our performances
- Mentor - I mentor Musicians, facilitators and Social Entrepreneurs ; designing projects and securing funding for them
- Music Facilitator – I run sensory music sessions and fun music sessions , teach instrument skills, co-write songs, set up and rehearse bands, arrange gigs and tours, contribute to the development of cross – arts and collaborative performances
- Support Worker – I support facilitators who run other sessions
- Learning and Training Manager; I co-design and co-deliver workshops and conferences for people who work in social care and the arts
What principles do you live by?
- "Be the change that you wish to see in the world" (Gandhi)
- If we all used the things we really care about to make a difference, the difference we would make collectively will be enormous
- Everyone who dreams has music
(If you’d like to know more about Jane and how she works she’s published a book or contact us)
Our Non-Executive Directors are at the bottom of the page! This page is in order of who you're most likely to see in the community
Introducing The Happening Makers:
Who are you?
I’m Ben Pidgeon. I have worked with and known Jane for many years, sharing her enthusiasm for music and the belief that the stigma of disability is a socially created one.
I am passionate about many things:
Music has been a big part of my life, and I love to see people get the same enjoyment out of it that I do.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
I have worked within the care and healthcare sector for people labelled as having “learning disabilities”, “autism spectrum diagnoses” and “challenging behaviour” for many years, building my experience along the way. I am currently supporting three people I have known for many years,. The one thing that has remained consistent throughout my time working in these sectors, is the enjoyment that people get from music. I met Jane many years ago on a workshop that she ran called 'Why Music'. I have always wanted to find a way to enable others to have the same access to the arts and life as I do; The Turning Tides Project gives me that.
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
I am the Company Treasurer/Secretary.
What is the principle you live by?
‘Love all, trust few, do wrong to none’, a quote taken from the play ‘Hamlet’.
It has served me well in life and I continue to live by it.
I’m Ben Pidgeon. I have worked with and known Jane for many years, sharing her enthusiasm for music and the belief that the stigma of disability is a socially created one.
I am passionate about many things:
- Music
- Sport
- Supporting people to achieve their ambitions
Music has been a big part of my life, and I love to see people get the same enjoyment out of it that I do.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
I have worked within the care and healthcare sector for people labelled as having “learning disabilities”, “autism spectrum diagnoses” and “challenging behaviour” for many years, building my experience along the way. I am currently supporting three people I have known for many years,. The one thing that has remained consistent throughout my time working in these sectors, is the enjoyment that people get from music. I met Jane many years ago on a workshop that she ran called 'Why Music'. I have always wanted to find a way to enable others to have the same access to the arts and life as I do; The Turning Tides Project gives me that.
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
I am the Company Treasurer/Secretary.
What is the principle you live by?
‘Love all, trust few, do wrong to none’, a quote taken from the play ‘Hamlet’.
It has served me well in life and I continue to live by it.
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Dom Palfreman.
Previously I was an Employment Coordinator for a Charity that worked with people labelled as having learning disabilities, and at night and weekends I worked for TTTP. I started working for TTTP fulltime in November 2016, drawing on my experience in Charity Sales, Recruitment, Training and Technical Support. I have long been interested in development and true equality – not just in the sense of skills and opportunities but also on a global and sustainable level to enable people to have the quality of life that they want.
How did you become part of The Turning Tides Project?
This project gives me the opportunity to actually 'do' and make a difference – locally at first but on a larger scale with time and effort. After all, the amount you get out of something is exactly proportional to the amount of effort you put in.
Having been brought up surrounded by music and had the opportunity to go to gigs and festivals from a young age, music is a large part of my life. I have been lucky enough to play a number of instruments during my childhood and teenage years, and still do today – I am by no means a great musician but I enjoy it. It makes me smile and that is enough for me.
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
As a Projects Manager I have a lot of different roles; I build and maintain the website, our Social Media accounts, do a lot of our media editing and promotion, help with managing events and creating a company style, promote TTTP and work with people to develop in their roles and my own. I am also a Session Leader and Facilitator, and Support Worker in Arts Sessions and at Events. In short, I am kept busy!
What principles do you live by?
'Whatever you do, do it well.' Not a massive fan of the man that this is quoting but he's certainly on to something!
'Do. Or do not. There is no try.' Pretty big fan of this chap though, he's also onto something!
Hi, I'm Dom Palfreman.
Previously I was an Employment Coordinator for a Charity that worked with people labelled as having learning disabilities, and at night and weekends I worked for TTTP. I started working for TTTP fulltime in November 2016, drawing on my experience in Charity Sales, Recruitment, Training and Technical Support. I have long been interested in development and true equality – not just in the sense of skills and opportunities but also on a global and sustainable level to enable people to have the quality of life that they want.
How did you become part of The Turning Tides Project?
This project gives me the opportunity to actually 'do' and make a difference – locally at first but on a larger scale with time and effort. After all, the amount you get out of something is exactly proportional to the amount of effort you put in.
Having been brought up surrounded by music and had the opportunity to go to gigs and festivals from a young age, music is a large part of my life. I have been lucky enough to play a number of instruments during my childhood and teenage years, and still do today – I am by no means a great musician but I enjoy it. It makes me smile and that is enough for me.
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
As a Projects Manager I have a lot of different roles; I build and maintain the website, our Social Media accounts, do a lot of our media editing and promotion, help with managing events and creating a company style, promote TTTP and work with people to develop in their roles and my own. I am also a Session Leader and Facilitator, and Support Worker in Arts Sessions and at Events. In short, I am kept busy!
What principles do you live by?
'Whatever you do, do it well.' Not a massive fan of the man that this is quoting but he's certainly on to something!
'Do. Or do not. There is no try.' Pretty big fan of this chap though, he's also onto something!
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Who are you?
Hello, I'm Abi Innocent and I am a Session Leader at The Turning Tides Project. I studied contemporary performance at Bournemouth and Winchester University and I have a huge passion for most things in the arts. Music is hugely important to me, I love to sing and go to gigs. I am happiest when I am at a festival. I am learning how to play saxophone as part of our big band which is a challenge but one I enjoy. I have dabbled in a few instruments but the sax and singing are my favourite. I am also pretty nifty with a crochet hook and love to learn snippets of conversion in other languages. Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project? I met Jane when she came to Dawlish College and thought that the work The Turning Tides Project did was great and wanted to be a part of it! I am part of The Turning Tides Project because I believe that everyone should have equal access to life and everything surrounding it. We are all on this planet together so living inclusively just makes sense. What is your job at TTTP? I am the session leader at TTTP and I run the Thursday Making Waves session which is full of creativity. In this session we make most of the products for our shop which is a travelling pop-up shop and an Etsy shop. I also co-facilitate the Tuesday Making Waves which is our media based session with Dominic. Other than that I am in some of the music sessions and our EPIC sessions. What I do has so much variation so I am constantly learning which for me is fantastic. |
Who are you?
I am Jan Dean. I joined The Turning Tides Project after working for DCC for eleven years as a support worker.
I am very passionate about getting people labelled with a learning disability out into their community, having a fulfilled life, with as much enjoyment as possible.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
After meeting Jane and listening to what she wanted for people, I wanted the same things for everyone too - such as freedom to express themselves through Art, Music and Dance.
I am passionate about supporting people to get out there and do it, give it a go. I love helping people to reach their personal goals and make some dreams come true.
I like to be happy and I like the people around me to be happy too.
What do you do?
I work with EPIC and support people to be a part of their community. Although I don’t play an instrument music plays a huge part in my life and I couldn’t live without it.
What are the principles you live by?
I live by the principles: Be Happy - life is for living. If it feels good, just do it.
I am Jan Dean. I joined The Turning Tides Project after working for DCC for eleven years as a support worker.
I am very passionate about getting people labelled with a learning disability out into their community, having a fulfilled life, with as much enjoyment as possible.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
After meeting Jane and listening to what she wanted for people, I wanted the same things for everyone too - such as freedom to express themselves through Art, Music and Dance.
I am passionate about supporting people to get out there and do it, give it a go. I love helping people to reach their personal goals and make some dreams come true.
I like to be happy and I like the people around me to be happy too.
What do you do?
I work with EPIC and support people to be a part of their community. Although I don’t play an instrument music plays a huge part in my life and I couldn’t live without it.
What are the principles you live by?
I live by the principles: Be Happy - life is for living. If it feels good, just do it.
Who are you?
My name is Alix . I am a support worker at The Turning Tides Project.
When I was 18, I went to South Africa for a year to explore conservation and the impact it has on the community, teaching in schools and learning more about the wildlife there. I studied Photography at Falmouth University before working as a senior Support. I then lived in France for almost a year, working as a chef on a superyacht for 6 months before returning to England and meeting everyone at The Turning Tides Project. I am a happy sunny person who enjoys getting outside and seeing the world. I like cooking all kinds of food and love to experiment with food. I love arts ‘n’ crafts and have just been introduced to needle felting, its extremely therapeutic.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
After a happy coincidence of meeting Dominic, I then met Jane who asked me if I could temporarily be part of the gang. I enjoyed myself so much that I asked to be part of the gang permanently! I am part of the project because I believe, in an #Inclusive environment, anyone can do anything. I believe everyone should have access to Art, Music, Dance and everything that comes with life. I am passionate about people being happy, having fun and being able to support others to reach their full potential.
What do you do?
I am a support Worker for The Turning Tides. I currently manage The kitchen in Okehampton and help produce our Jenuine Jams and chutneys. I am also leading the launch of The Turning Tides catering and hospitality service. We believe healthy is happy; all of our produce is low sugar, gluten free and (more importantly) tasty. I support people to do what they want to do, be it rock climbing or horse-riding. I am currently taking part in a swimming Teaching assistance course which is very exciting! I run our #inclusive sports session on a Tuesday afternoon with Michelle and Stuart. I am part of the big band and attempt to play the trumpet!
What are the principles you live by?
I believe that whatever you project onto the world, it’ll come back to you. Being happy, kind, patient and understanding are important to me. Everyone has a voice, some are just quieter than others.
My name is Alix . I am a support worker at The Turning Tides Project.
When I was 18, I went to South Africa for a year to explore conservation and the impact it has on the community, teaching in schools and learning more about the wildlife there. I studied Photography at Falmouth University before working as a senior Support. I then lived in France for almost a year, working as a chef on a superyacht for 6 months before returning to England and meeting everyone at The Turning Tides Project. I am a happy sunny person who enjoys getting outside and seeing the world. I like cooking all kinds of food and love to experiment with food. I love arts ‘n’ crafts and have just been introduced to needle felting, its extremely therapeutic.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
After a happy coincidence of meeting Dominic, I then met Jane who asked me if I could temporarily be part of the gang. I enjoyed myself so much that I asked to be part of the gang permanently! I am part of the project because I believe, in an #Inclusive environment, anyone can do anything. I believe everyone should have access to Art, Music, Dance and everything that comes with life. I am passionate about people being happy, having fun and being able to support others to reach their full potential.
What do you do?
I am a support Worker for The Turning Tides. I currently manage The kitchen in Okehampton and help produce our Jenuine Jams and chutneys. I am also leading the launch of The Turning Tides catering and hospitality service. We believe healthy is happy; all of our produce is low sugar, gluten free and (more importantly) tasty. I support people to do what they want to do, be it rock climbing or horse-riding. I am currently taking part in a swimming Teaching assistance course which is very exciting! I run our #inclusive sports session on a Tuesday afternoon with Michelle and Stuart. I am part of the big band and attempt to play the trumpet!
What are the principles you live by?
I believe that whatever you project onto the world, it’ll come back to you. Being happy, kind, patient and understanding are important to me. Everyone has a voice, some are just quieter than others.
Who are you?
My name is Hugo Frier.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
Of all the things I’ve experienced, pursued, loved or been inspired by in my life, music has been the most profound and most enduring. My passion for music first began with the mere sound of it all! But in my teens I took to participating in its creation. My first experience of this, in the music rooms of my secondary school at break times, was with friends painfully stopping and starting our way through ‘Californication’ by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers… and I’ve been annoying neighbours and house mates ever since.
I have always viewed ‘social difference’ in a way similar to the Social Model approach; my values are thus, my instincts, my tendencies all marry well with an ethos that sees the individual beyond the label. For me, ultimately it comes down to 'inclusion' versus 'exclusion' and having witnessed and experienced various forms of social exclusion growing up (particularly within school environments) it has always been something I’ve sought to eliminate for myself and others from in whatever way I can.
Principles I live by:
Everyone has vast and boundless creative potential and has the right to realise that potential.
My name is Hugo Frier.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
Of all the things I’ve experienced, pursued, loved or been inspired by in my life, music has been the most profound and most enduring. My passion for music first began with the mere sound of it all! But in my teens I took to participating in its creation. My first experience of this, in the music rooms of my secondary school at break times, was with friends painfully stopping and starting our way through ‘Californication’ by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers… and I’ve been annoying neighbours and house mates ever since.
I have always viewed ‘social difference’ in a way similar to the Social Model approach; my values are thus, my instincts, my tendencies all marry well with an ethos that sees the individual beyond the label. For me, ultimately it comes down to 'inclusion' versus 'exclusion' and having witnessed and experienced various forms of social exclusion growing up (particularly within school environments) it has always been something I’ve sought to eliminate for myself and others from in whatever way I can.
Principles I live by:
Everyone has vast and boundless creative potential and has the right to realise that potential.
Who are you?
I’m Rachel! I’m a mum to 3 gorgeous young people and have lived and worked in Devon as a music facilitator and educator for 15 years now! Previously, I worked as an animation and digital effects producer in London. I feel lucky to have had two wonderful careers that have supported my personal growth during different phases of my life so far.
Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project?
After meeting Jane during a project we were co-facilitating for DAISI, I immediately felt like I’d met a kindred spirit and found a new musical home with Turning Tides. It has become a place where I am supported in developing my music, my practice, and my understanding of the Social Model. I get to play and work with some fabulously cool and gorgeous people.
What is your job at TTTP?
I work as a Music Facilitator with special interest in devising projects, seeking funding and developing learning.
What are the principles you live by?
Laugh lots!
Sing, even when you don’t feel like singing!
Carve your own path, support others to walk their own.
Sow seeds, and watch them grow.
I’m Rachel! I’m a mum to 3 gorgeous young people and have lived and worked in Devon as a music facilitator and educator for 15 years now! Previously, I worked as an animation and digital effects producer in London. I feel lucky to have had two wonderful careers that have supported my personal growth during different phases of my life so far.
Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project?
After meeting Jane during a project we were co-facilitating for DAISI, I immediately felt like I’d met a kindred spirit and found a new musical home with Turning Tides. It has become a place where I am supported in developing my music, my practice, and my understanding of the Social Model. I get to play and work with some fabulously cool and gorgeous people.
What is your job at TTTP?
I work as a Music Facilitator with special interest in devising projects, seeking funding and developing learning.
What are the principles you live by?
Laugh lots!
Sing, even when you don’t feel like singing!
Carve your own path, support others to walk their own.
Sow seeds, and watch them grow.
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Who are you?
My name is Stuart, I love football with Ben and playing in the band! What do you do with The Turning Tides Project? I am a Volunteer Assistant Coach. I did my level 1 coaching qualification, and passed it, as part of our #Inclusive Sports Qualifications. I play the Sax in the Big Band, and help out as a Stage Planner. Skittles is awesome, and we have got to win! I am one of the Team Captains - I collect the fees, and give pep talks... In fact, I have a pep talk sound board for when it's really needed! |
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Who are you?
Luke Skywalker.... obviously.
What do you do with TTTP?
I help organise gigs and tour with the band; I speak to the venues and play the drums. I also help plan and record our Podcast I like going out - especially to watch Star Wars films.
What do you want to do in the future?
More reading, and set up a book club, meet Brian Cox
Luke Skywalker.... obviously.
What do you do with TTTP?
I help organise gigs and tour with the band; I speak to the venues and play the drums. I also help plan and record our Podcast I like going out - especially to watch Star Wars films.
What do you want to do in the future?
More reading, and set up a book club, meet Brian Cox
Who are you?
My name is Michelle!
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
I was one of the first people to use TTTP's enabling service. I used to have access to an enabling service but it disappeared - I heard about EPIC through people I know and now I am here.
What do you do with The Turning Tides Project?
Makaton signing and training, I am learning to become a Volunteer Assistant Swimming Coach. I am also in charge of year round 24/7 Christmas Spirit.
What principles do you live by?
Always be kind and polite, and say good morning to everybody.
My name is Michelle!
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
I was one of the first people to use TTTP's enabling service. I used to have access to an enabling service but it disappeared - I heard about EPIC through people I know and now I am here.
What do you do with The Turning Tides Project?
Makaton signing and training, I am learning to become a Volunteer Assistant Swimming Coach. I am also in charge of year round 24/7 Christmas Spirit.
What principles do you live by?
Always be kind and polite, and say good morning to everybody.
Who are you?
Hi, I'm Rebecca. I'm 30 and have my own bungalow. I like looking after my rabbit and watching DVDs.
Why are you part of the turning tides project?
I like the people at Turning Tides. I love going swimming with Jane and the music sessions are fun. I'm learning to play Saxophone, am part of The Big Band and volunteer during the week at Refurnish in Crediton.
What are the principles you live by?
The world is a nicer place when people are kind and happy
Hi, I'm Rebecca. I'm 30 and have my own bungalow. I like looking after my rabbit and watching DVDs.
Why are you part of the turning tides project?
I like the people at Turning Tides. I love going swimming with Jane and the music sessions are fun. I'm learning to play Saxophone, am part of The Big Band and volunteer during the week at Refurnish in Crediton.
What are the principles you live by?
The world is a nicer place when people are kind and happy
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Who are you?
Me! Hi, I'm Alice! What do you do with The Turning Tides Project? I go to the Making Waves Sessions on Tuesdays - I edit and create animated videos, using my Graphics Tablet. I have just started being a part of the #Inclusive Music Tech Project - I'm most interested in learning how to write compositions. I created the animated video for The Big Band's Dartington performance. What principles do you live by? Don't take life too seriously. |
Who are you?
Hi, my name is Tom Stewart. I am on the autistic spectrum, and I also have some learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyscalculia, and some physical problems like dyspraxia and monocular vision. One of the biggest problems I encountered when I was young, is that my schools didn’t recognise that pupils can have some Special Educational Needs and still be of average or above average intelligence. They refused to let me take normal classes until the 'last minute' before the exams, and although I got 8 GCSE’s, I know I could have got better grades if they had given me more of a chance. I also suffered daily bullying. A huge number of Autistic people are unemployed. Many of us would be brilliant employees, but employers are scared off because of Autism. I want to make them all see how wrong they are.
Why are you a part of The Turning Tides Project?
These are the reasons I am a co-trainer for The Turning Tides Project training programme – I want people to have a better understanding of Autism, and recognise that we 'Autists' are normal people, just like them; we just see the world differently, and our brains function differently, but that doesn’t make us useless!
I really enjoy the social opportunities I have with Turning Tides and EPIC, it’s great to be in an environment where we don’t have to be afraid of being bullied, are with like-minded people, and people who treat us like the individuals we are, all with our own strengths and weaknesses but still important. I am learning a lot, and that is always good.
What are the principles you live by?
Treat others as I want to be treated. Be responsible. Don’t dwell on the negatives. Try to have fun.
Hi, my name is Tom Stewart. I am on the autistic spectrum, and I also have some learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyscalculia, and some physical problems like dyspraxia and monocular vision. One of the biggest problems I encountered when I was young, is that my schools didn’t recognise that pupils can have some Special Educational Needs and still be of average or above average intelligence. They refused to let me take normal classes until the 'last minute' before the exams, and although I got 8 GCSE’s, I know I could have got better grades if they had given me more of a chance. I also suffered daily bullying. A huge number of Autistic people are unemployed. Many of us would be brilliant employees, but employers are scared off because of Autism. I want to make them all see how wrong they are.
Why are you a part of The Turning Tides Project?
These are the reasons I am a co-trainer for The Turning Tides Project training programme – I want people to have a better understanding of Autism, and recognise that we 'Autists' are normal people, just like them; we just see the world differently, and our brains function differently, but that doesn’t make us useless!
I really enjoy the social opportunities I have with Turning Tides and EPIC, it’s great to be in an environment where we don’t have to be afraid of being bullied, are with like-minded people, and people who treat us like the individuals we are, all with our own strengths and weaknesses but still important. I am learning a lot, and that is always good.
What are the principles you live by?
Treat others as I want to be treated. Be responsible. Don’t dwell on the negatives. Try to have fun.
Who are you?
My name is Gavin Rough.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
I enjoy it there and am part of The Big Band.
What do you do?
I sing and learn the keyboard. I also do things like bowling and going out for meals.
What principles do you live by?
Always be kind and polite. Breakfast is the most important meal of the morning.
My name is Gavin Rough.
Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project?
I enjoy it there and am part of The Big Band.
What do you do?
I sing and learn the keyboard. I also do things like bowling and going out for meals.
What principles do you live by?
Always be kind and polite. Breakfast is the most important meal of the morning.
Who are you?
I am Rachel Purtell.
I am a disabled woman and have been all my life. I am a researcher with a few publications about involvement in research, and I’m a disability equality trainer.
How did you become part of The Turning Tides Project?
Hmm that is quite a long story... Jane and I have worked together over a long time. Then one day we became firm friends over our saxophones! In 2013 in my role with Folk.us at University Exeter Medical School I applied for a small amount of funding from Exeter Catalyst, to bring together the musicians Jane works with and Attik 360 Dancers and Lambeth People First Researchers.
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
I applied for some funding from Folk.us and Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 2013 to assist with the Project. Previously I have helped out with designing accessible information and with publicity.
What principles do you live by? Principles are what I aspire to but won’t always achieve.
I try to uphold social justice and challenge injustice whenever I can. I try to pick my battles so I am effective and so that things change for the better for everyone. I try use the Social Model in my thinking and actions.
Music, the people and cats I love are my reasons for life.
I am Rachel Purtell.
I am a disabled woman and have been all my life. I am a researcher with a few publications about involvement in research, and I’m a disability equality trainer.
How did you become part of The Turning Tides Project?
Hmm that is quite a long story... Jane and I have worked together over a long time. Then one day we became firm friends over our saxophones! In 2013 in my role with Folk.us at University Exeter Medical School I applied for a small amount of funding from Exeter Catalyst, to bring together the musicians Jane works with and Attik 360 Dancers and Lambeth People First Researchers.
What is your job at The Turning Tides Project?
I applied for some funding from Folk.us and Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 2013 to assist with the Project. Previously I have helped out with designing accessible information and with publicity.
What principles do you live by? Principles are what I aspire to but won’t always achieve.
I try to uphold social justice and challenge injustice whenever I can. I try to pick my battles so I am effective and so that things change for the better for everyone. I try use the Social Model in my thinking and actions.
Music, the people and cats I love are my reasons for life.
We have 3 Non-Executive Directors - Lindsey Stewart, Diane Helmore and Wendy Nicholls
Who are you?
Hi! My name is Wendy Nicholls. I am a Non-Executive Director and I co-ordinate the Turning Tides Support Network. I am married to Malcolm and have three grown up daughters. I have just retired from primary teaching and I’m loving it, especially the lazier mornings! I enjoy time with family and friends, travelling, listening to music, cross stitch embroidery, sewing and tidying up!
Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project?
My daughter does lots with The Turning Tides Project, including playing in The Big Band, Making Waves and volunteering at Refurnish in Crediton.
I am delighted to be able to give something back to this exciting company and to actively promote the principle that disability is created by society. As Robert M Hensel quotes, “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.”
I prefer to stay in the background at Turning Tide sessions because no young adult wants their Mum hanging around all the time!
What are the principles you live by?
Hi! My name is Wendy Nicholls. I am a Non-Executive Director and I co-ordinate the Turning Tides Support Network. I am married to Malcolm and have three grown up daughters. I have just retired from primary teaching and I’m loving it, especially the lazier mornings! I enjoy time with family and friends, travelling, listening to music, cross stitch embroidery, sewing and tidying up!
Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project?
My daughter does lots with The Turning Tides Project, including playing in The Big Band, Making Waves and volunteering at Refurnish in Crediton.
I am delighted to be able to give something back to this exciting company and to actively promote the principle that disability is created by society. As Robert M Hensel quotes, “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.”
I prefer to stay in the background at Turning Tide sessions because no young adult wants their Mum hanging around all the time!
What are the principles you live by?
- Get up and enjoy life
- Try not to worry about the negative things that could happen in life but instead deal with problems as they come along
- Be a good listener
Who are you?
My name is Lindsey Stewart, I see life as a journey through an ever changing landscape...
I believe we can make positive connections and generate sparks! I would love there to be equal opportunities and justice for all! But I am very aware this is not easy but that we must try...
Why are you part of TTTP?
I see being involved in TTTP as a part of this vision. Music and art, in the widest sense, are important in my life. They have the power to move people and to influence lives. Jane's inspiration has created many 'sparks' through TTTP with many opportunities to create and share. Her book enshrines these principles. It is a privilege to be involved and it's wonderful to see how quickly the project has developed its own personality... which seems to be about supporting and celebrating creativity in life.
What are the principles you live by?
I try to:
My name is Lindsey Stewart, I see life as a journey through an ever changing landscape...
I believe we can make positive connections and generate sparks! I would love there to be equal opportunities and justice for all! But I am very aware this is not easy but that we must try...
Why are you part of TTTP?
I see being involved in TTTP as a part of this vision. Music and art, in the widest sense, are important in my life. They have the power to move people and to influence lives. Jane's inspiration has created many 'sparks' through TTTP with many opportunities to create and share. Her book enshrines these principles. It is a privilege to be involved and it's wonderful to see how quickly the project has developed its own personality... which seems to be about supporting and celebrating creativity in life.
What are the principles you live by?
I try to:
- have an open heart and an open mind... as much as is possible
- acknowledge life can also be a struggle... keep a sense of humour!
- aspire to believe in peoples' essential goodness
- take pleasure in trying things out
Who are you?
My name is Diane, most people call me Di. I am a Leadership trainer, I work for Devon County Council HR department part-time. I also enjoy seeing people learn, love and live their lives to the full. I love Horses, sunshine, reading and holidays. My partner, family, pets and friends enrich my life and I love them.
I have known Jane (her family and Lindsey's) for 12 years and my beliefs, passion and energies are closely linked to hers and those of the TT project. I have previously worked for Marks and Spencer Plc and Robert Owen Foundation (now ROC).
Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project?
I truly believe that everyone has something to 'give'. Working with people to achieve their full potential!
What is the principle you live by?
To enjoy my life and have a positive impact on all those I am fortunate to meet and especially those around me. Live... Love... Laugh... Enjoy.
My name is Diane, most people call me Di. I am a Leadership trainer, I work for Devon County Council HR department part-time. I also enjoy seeing people learn, love and live their lives to the full. I love Horses, sunshine, reading and holidays. My partner, family, pets and friends enrich my life and I love them.
I have known Jane (her family and Lindsey's) for 12 years and my beliefs, passion and energies are closely linked to hers and those of the TT project. I have previously worked for Marks and Spencer Plc and Robert Owen Foundation (now ROC).
Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project?
I truly believe that everyone has something to 'give'. Working with people to achieve their full potential!
What is the principle you live by?
To enjoy my life and have a positive impact on all those I am fortunate to meet and especially those around me. Live... Love... Laugh... Enjoy.
Thank you to the people below for their contribution to The Turning Tides Project:
Laurie Busby, Kate O'Brien, Holly Marshall, Catherine Kinsey, Ruth Bell, Clair Beckett, Rhiannon Chislett, Nikki Cuttridge, Evie Faulkner, Tony Sprague, Sophie Lanchester, Mary Laarveld, Eliot Palfreman, Kelly Young, Jo Burgess, Matt Jackson, Ben, Mia Dendy, Vicky Hooper, Jake Hooper, HJ, Jennifer, Ross Baines and Becky Smith.
Laurie Busby, Kate O'Brien, Holly Marshall, Catherine Kinsey, Ruth Bell, Clair Beckett, Rhiannon Chislett, Nikki Cuttridge, Evie Faulkner, Tony Sprague, Sophie Lanchester, Mary Laarveld, Eliot Palfreman, Kelly Young, Jo Burgess, Matt Jackson, Ben, Mia Dendy, Vicky Hooper, Jake Hooper, HJ, Jennifer, Ross Baines and Becky Smith.
