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:
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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 full-time in November 2016, drawing on my experience in Charity Sales, Recruitment, Training and Technical Support. 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 enjoy it and I am still learning. How did you become part of The Turning Tides Project? This project gives me the opportunity to actually 'do' and make a difference. What is your job at The Turning Tides Project? As a Projects Manager I have a lot of different roles. Primarily, I build and maintain the website, manage our Social Media accounts, create our company style, promote TTTP and work with people to develop in their roles as well as my own. I am also lead, support, dream and have fun. In short, I am kept busy! What principles do you live by? The more you put into something, the more you get out of it. |
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Who are you?
Hello, I'm Abi Innocent! I studied contemporary performance at Bournemouth and Winchester University and I have a huge love for 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 dancing in the sunshine. I am learning how to play saxophone as part of our big band which is a challenge but one I enjoy. I am also pretty nifty with a crochet hook and like to sew and paint. Why are you part of the Turning Tides Project? I met Jane and Dominic when they came to Dawlish Community College where I was working as a Teaching Assistant. Within 30 minutes of meeting them I was dressed as a belly dancing princess teaching everybody the dance routine to S Club 7 - Reach For The Stars. I thought that the work The Turning Tides Project did was incredible, fun and had an impact on everybody that took part and I wanted to be 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 the Turning Tides Project? I am one of the Project Managers at TTTP and I manage Another Root, The Tea Rooms, Our shop, our theatre access research and Page Turners. I also lead sessions and am a Happening Maker. So there is never a dull moment and I am constantly learning which for me is fantastic. What principles do you live by? -Sing and dance as much as you can -Look after the planet, we only have 1 -Try new things, you will either like it or you wont -Don’t be a jerk and the rest should fall into place! |
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Who are you?
Hello! My name is Roger. I am a lover of music, the arts, sports and equality. Outside of work, I have always been playing the guitar (and dabbling with other instruments, when available!) and football, when possible. There is something extraordinary about the connections that music, the arts and sports allow you to have, both with others and with yourself. I hope to be able to help develop this feeling of connection with those that I work with through TTTP. I have spent the past few years teaching English and Literature in Devon and abroad, which has been a great experience, and am excited to be embarking on a new adventure. Why are part of The Turning Tides? As soon as I became aware of the Turning Tides Project and what they were doing, I knew that I wanted to be involved: the activities that they run matched my interests perfectly; their outlook on inclusivity made so much sense; the work that they are doing in the community and beyond is powerful. For me, to be a part of making such a positive impact on people’s lives is a wonderful thing. What do you do? I am Happening Maker. I support a lot of the sessions during the week ranging from: music / music tech on a Tuesday and Friday; our gardening service (Another Root); our craft sessions; the podcast; our Monday football sessions and our book club (Page Turners). I also support some people on a one to one basis to access other activities such as volunteering and sports. What are the principles you live by? I try to live by the principle that life is better when we are connected and try to understand each other. Too often there are divisions in society which leave us feeling isolated or angry and I think that these divisions could too often be solved by taking the time to listen, engage and empathise with each other. Everybody should have the right to happiness and we need to tackle prejudices across the board to help create the equal society I’m sure we would all like to see. A quote that has always resonated with me is: “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love. This is the eternal rule” - Siddhartha Gautama |
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Who are you?
My name’s Sam. I’m Mum to three very different amazing young people. All of who are involved with The Turning Tides Project. I’ve had several different lines of work: From working in the Kitchen and Bar of a very busy old mining pub up in Derbyshire, Cleaning, Kitchen Assistant in a primary school outside of Tiverton, a butcher for a small local pork producer for several years helping to achieve over 40 awards for champion sausages, burgers, bacon and joints throughout the Southwest - something we were very proud of! To now, becoming part of The Turning Tides team. I also have a small holding in the middle of nowhere, on which we have Chickens, Ornamental Pheasants, Ornamental Pigeons, Rabbits, Ferrets, Dogs, a Cat and a beautiful Irish Cob. My little family have been brought up being outdoorsy people, we enjoy so many activities as a family from building all our own chicken houses and rabbit hutches to hacking out in the most beautiful woods on our horse and a friend’s horses, swimming, water polo, street dance, going for long walks, beating and shooting. We also enjoy all genres of music and singing. I love to bake and do lots of home cooking, I have always encouraged my family to be hands on and get creative in the kitchen too. I love being able to be creative and have helped bake and create some amazing wedding/birthday cakes. I love to draw but never have the time since being a mum but I do enjoy seeing how artistic my family are. I’m a very proud mum! Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project? I met Jane and Dominic at Dartington, my eldest was one of the team of young curators for The Ordinary Arts Festival that was put together by another organisation. Jane thought she recognised my youngest, who is actually the spitting image of her sibling. Turned out Jane had been my middle ones guitar teacher 8 years ago at primary, I had only ever spoken via telephone so hadn’t actually met Jane. We were invited to join the Friday music session and had an absolute blast! We helped record “Good Year (2017)” and met everyone. We then joined in with the other festivals and began coming along to other sessions. I was offered to come and work alongside the team. It was such an easy decision, I love everything about Turning Tides and how we seek to demonstrate The Social Model Approach. I am incredibly passionate about my children and ensuring that they have the absolute best in life. In an #Inclusive world, everything is possible. What is your role with TTTP? I am a Session Leader within TTTP, I also have an active role with managing the Timetables, Tearooms and admin work within other areas of the company. You'll see me in the Tearooms either serving, cooking or being part of the session. I'm also out in customers gardens or up at Four Mills Lane(Our flower garden) as part of our "Another Root" project. Being part of the Band and joining everyone at our performances. Getting out and about supporting 1:1 creating equal, inclusive opportunities as much possible. I really enjoy seeing everyone grow and getting to be part of this journey is inspiring! See the change.... Be the change ....Make the change - Thank you! What are the principles you live by? Treat others how you would like to be treated. Live life to the full! Don’t let anything hold you back! Life’s too short for regrets, do everything you want to do and be happy and grateful for everything! What is meant to be will be! |
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Who are you?
Hello. My name is Tom. I play guitar and bass and I'm interested in music technology. I have worked as a sound engineer in the local area, both paid and voluntary. I have also worked as a sound assistant/boom operator on a couple of BBC dramas. I recently completed a CME course called 'The Inclusive Practitioner'. In my spare time, I enjoy going to open mics and jam sessions to both observe and participate. Why are you a part of TTTP? I spent many years working in jobs that left me feeling like I had no purpose; I had been looking for something rewarding and challenging. I think with TTTP is something that I have found that fills that gap. It also allows me to make music, which is something I am passionate about, and allows me to share that passion with others. What is your role at TTTP? I am a support worker and session leader. In our music sessions, I am heavily involved with the music technology side of things. This includes recording our songs and ideas and working with live sound reinforcement. What are the principles you live by? I try to live by something my mother told me: "Do what makes you happy" |
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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. |
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Who are you?
My name is Stuart, I love football with Roger 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?
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 a Qualified 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. |
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Who are you?
Hi I'm Abbie and I am an employee of The Turning Tides Project. I started being on the payroll in December 2019. I started off as a participant in the sessions and then became a volunteer, which lead to me becoming a paid member. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my friends and family. I love dogs mainly, but overall I am an animal lover. I have a passion for make-up and hair dye. Why are you a member of TTTP? I met the guys at the turning tides project when my grandma found them and thought they would be beneficial to me, because I was going through a hard time at school. Since meeting everyone I've lived a happier life. When I started to get bigger responsibilities such as being a volunteer I was over the moon, as I knew I could make a great change to peoples lives; just as had happened to me. When I got offered a paid position, how could i say no? If people were to ask me when I was 16 what I would have been doing in 2 years time, my reply would probably have been a shrug of the shoulders, and the words "probably nothing". So I am overjoyed that I got given the amazing opportunity to be a member. What is your role at TTTP? I do a little bit of everything, some days I work in the tearooms and others I do work with the root project. I am also a member of the turning tide ‘big band’ as I do a lot of singing and song-writing. I also sometimes help out with the training workshops we hold. What principles do you live by? Your life is yours, don't let anybody decide that you are not good enough to do things, because you are a person; amazing, beautiful and talented. |
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Who are you?
Hello, my name is Emma. I am an outgoing person that loves to bake and garden. I love my animals. I’ve just got interested in snakes and have 2 beautiful ones. I have a cat and a dog called Jester and Bracken and I share a horse with my Mum. She is an Irish Cob – a very beautiful horse. I also go shooting and fishing. I love to do that with my Dad. Why are you part of TTTP? I joined TTTP to get a chance to work and to learn new styles and maybe teach others how to garden and how to use tools. I like DIY and needle felting and making hats. I’m starting to learn how to crochet. What do you do ? I am helping out at 4 Mills and running a cake business ('The Icing on the Cake'). At 4 Mills, I try and clean up and make sure things are ready for next year and help make new things there. What are the principles you live by? Making people realise that I can do so much even though I don’t have a lot of skills from school is important to me. Showing that people like me can do a lot of things and keep going. If we get it wrong we try again. I believe we can all try. I think it would be good if we were all more respectful towards each other. |
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Who are you?
Hello, my name is Hamish. I studied horticulture at college, which has led to a lifetime love for all plant life, animals and people. I have two border collies at home who occupy a lot of my time outside of Turning Tides. In my spare time, I love to explore the outdoors and do gardening. I find that both of these activities are very grounding. Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project? I first heard of The Turning Tides Project through social media and my family and upon further research I found that they were looking for volunteers in their 'Another Root' project. What do you do at TTTP? I am a volunteer who works two days a week with the Another Root project, although I help in other areas if they need an extra pair of hands, for example. This is a varied and rewarding role. What are the principles you live by? There’s always something to learn even with a qualification Never stop learning and there's no such thing as a stupid question. Enjoy the job no matter how big or small. If you do the jobs you don’t enjoy first, then you can reward yourself with the jobs you actually enjoy doing |
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What did you expect coming to work for TTTP?
I already knew about The Turning Tides Project as I am a participant On Tuesday. I knew that they were about inclusivity and making the world equal for everyone. Who are you? I am Joe, I love cooking, gardening and history. I have two pets, one black deaf cat called Delilah and a black Labrador called Jet. I am kind, friendly, funny and creative. What do you do to TTTP? I am Happening maker who helps sort out the tea rooms for week by creating delicious treats such as Flapjacks, pasty and cakes and we try our best to make them Gluten -free, vegan and make an food inclusive for everyone. Why are you part of TTTP ? I started going to one of the session called Making Waves at tea rooms. After a couple of months I start volunteering at the tea rooms. Then they offer me a job as Happening Maker and I start helping them sort out the tea rooms for the week,make drinks for customers. What Principles do you live by? “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, Gandhi “Be kind, be polite and be creative”, Myself |
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Who are you?
Jack! What do you do with The Turning Tides Project? I go to Making Waves every Tuesday, I am part of creating EPIC MW amongst other things - like our Heritage Project. What would you like to do in the future? Make some short stop-motion films. |
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Who are you?
Hi, I'm Rebecca. I have my own bungalow and 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?
Hello, name is Jacob. I studied Animal Management at College which has led to a lifetime love for all creatures and people. I have two extremely high energy dogs - they are my world. I love to travel, and I am always planning my next trip. I also enjoy motor-sport and cars/motorbikes in general. This is fuelled by a petrol-head family that brought me up around tinkering with bikes. In my spare time I love to drive, explore the outdoors, and play guitar. Why are you part of The Turning Tides Project? I heard of The Turning Tides Project through social media and upon further research I found that I clicked with the company’s ethics and work-style. It is an opportunity to do good by the community and the people in it. Whilst paving the way for global change. Small steps lead to big journeys. What do you do at TTTP? I am a Happening Maker, as part of this role I support in sessions and 'Another Root' in Crediton, but also deliver 1:1 support elsewhere. What are the principles you live by? There is always something to be grateful for. Never stop learning. Enjoy the adventure no matter how big or small. |
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Who are you?
Hello I’m Holly! I am a Support Worker at The Turning Tides Project. I have always aimed to make the world a more equal environment. I love books as well as films. I enjoy new adventures and experiences seeing what the world has to offer and I aspire to go travelling. Why are you part of TTTP? I am a part of The Turning Tides Project because I believe in peoples happiness and their ability to do anything that brings them happiness. The Turning Tides Project also allows for individuality to grow within the project. What do you do at TTTP? At The Turning Tides Project I am a Happening Maker. I can currently be found joining in with both active sessions out and about and with our talented Making Waves groups at Crediton Station Tea Rooms! What principles do you live by? - treat others how you wish to be treated - choose happiness - always give it your best shot as your best is good enough! |
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Who are you?
Hello, I’m Beth I’m very arty person, I love making and creating things. I studied at Exeter college doing Arts and design which I really enjoy I’m also very passionate about travelling would love travel the world one day their is so much to see and so many places to choose from the world is my oyster. Why are you a part of The Turning Tides Project? When I heard about TTTP I was intrigued I instantly knew it was something that I wanted to learn about and be apart of. To me it’s not just a job, it’s somewhere you can be yourself, reach your goals and make a difference to someone’s life and explore a new venture. All my life I new I wanted a career working with people reach their goals, so I knew this was perfect. I think making someone laugh and creating equal opportunities with individuals is priceless. It makes me smile - that’s why I am apart of TTTP! What do you do at the Turning Tide Project? I am a happening maker. What principles do you live by? “Be yourself but always be your better self” - Carl G. Maeser My mum always told me, “ treat everyone how you would like to be treated yourself so the world and the people around you will be kind and beautiful” “accepted no one’s definition of your life; define yourself” - Harvey Fierstein |
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Who are you?
Hello all, I'm Polly and it's my pleasure to be here. I grew up in woodland so I'm a nature pixie and animal lover. I love cooking healthy tasty food and keeping fit and healthy and happy. I'm a very creative bean, very hands on with 'making' and art. I take pride in enriching other people's lives through their skills and hobbies. What do you do at TTTP? I am a Happening Maker at The Turning Tides Project; supporting people with their makes and bakes, preparing the Tea Rooms with everyone on a Monday, getting stuck in with Community Projects on a Tuesday and gardening at 4 Mills on a Wednesday as well as supporting everyone with arts and crafts on a Saturday while at the same time practising equality, kindness, accessibility and sustainability. I am proud to be part of a diverse team of skilled people with shared goals to enrich the lives of each other, their local and wider community and society as a whole by replacing social stigmas with the reminder that society is the a disabler. Why are you part of TTTP? As soon as I found the TTTP and what they set out to do I knew I had found my calling. The team has welcomed me in with open arms and embraced my strengths and weaknesses which is how we welcome all. I admire the TTTP way of challenging social stigmas surrounding people with learning difficulties and autism labels using the social model approach and having fun along the way. I find it inspiring and it puts what I learned about disability stigmas during my a-levels into real life practice which is most liberating as this is a subject I am passionate about, if I can make a small or big difference to the life of others as my aim is to deliver equality and diversity to all as I feel fulfilled making a difference. It is so important to look after each other; nature and the world. What principles do you live by? I always do what I love and think others always should too! Always be mindful of others and your surroundings 'happiness is like a candle, it never decreases from being shared' - Siddhartha Gautama |
We have 3 Non-Executive Directors - Lindsey Stewart, Diane Helmore and Wendy Nicholls
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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?
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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:
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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. |
Thank you to everyone that has contributed to The Turning Tides Project
