Chairperson

Stewart Platts has been involved with the centre for a number of years. Stewart has brought with him many skills which have been extremely useful to the service. He has a background of working with budgets and is very adept at raising funds.

Stewart fist started as a volunteer providing general advice then became a member of the management committee and took over the role of Chair following the retirement of the previous candidate. He has always been a keen hands on and active Chair and is very supportive of aims of the project.

Centre Coordinator

Eddie Hodgson has a background of working in traditional heavy industry. In the early 1980’s he developed an interest in welfare rights and civil rights. He started as a volunteer in 1986 and enhanced his role by attaining a diploma in counselling. He has 24 years experience of providing advice and 14 years experience of managing the service.

Eddie performs a dual role within the service and continues to advise clients as well conducting his duties as Centre Coordinator. He is an all rounder and has a particular interest in disability issues, especially helping with benefits for disabled people. He has watched the service grow from its humble origins to the quality service we have today and is proud to have played a part in this service “from little acorns”!

Advice/Debt Advisor

Colin Salt has a background of IT work and Technology. He became a volunteer over six years ago and developed his knowledge and interest in debt advice and debt management. He has also built up a lot of experience and knowledge on welfare rights.

Colin has completed debt management courses and completed necessary research to enable him to give debt advice. He is now studying Law including employment law, family law and human rights. He has now been a paid worker at the centre for over one year and is a valued member of our small but very efficient team.

New Volunteer

Kath Haystead developed an interest in volunteering after being a carer for over 15 years. She has brought with her a wealth of life experience of care. She is able to show empathy and understanding of peoples problems and worries.

Kath has been a volunteer for 5 months, has completed basic training and is ready to start advising under supervision. She gets a lot of satisfaction from her volunteer work and is looking forward to helping people who come to the centre.

Volunteer receptionist

Janet Holmes worked as a warden and then as a home carer for many years until her retirement last year. She has been a volunteer at the centre since its humble beginnings - first as the updater of information files and then as receptionist at the very busy Wednesday drop in. She continues to give her time freely and is a valued member of staff.