Looking for a team member?

I am an Independent Advocate working within the Teesside team supporting individuals through various process' to ensure their voices are heard.

Claire, a passionate advocate who constantly works towards helping and empowering others, is an Independent Advocate in Cumbria. Claire is always looking forward to meeting with her clients across the county, getting to know them and finding out how she can best support them with their challenges. 

Describing her role in 3 words, she said: Challenging, important and rewarding' but despite this, Clare loves her time with her family too. Whether it's walking the dog, seeing her kids or just spending time with the family, Claire loves it all. 

I am an Independent Advocate, I support people to ensure their voices and wishes are listened to an acted upon.

As part of the Advocacy Hub, we are the first point of contact for any referrals that come in and provide essential over the phone support to clients, as well as signposting to relevant organisations.

I am an independent Advocate working in the Teesside area. Helping people say what they want and secure their rights. Promoting social inclusion and equality.

Asking Kleanth to describe himself in 10 words he said; "Always busy little bee helping people in the community". These words couldn't be more accurate. Kleanth is a passionate NHS Complaints Advocate in South Cumbria, listening to advocacy customer and exploring options and resolutions. 

In a previous career as an Interpreter, it's no wonder Kleanth loves to travel, dusting off the cobwebs of his linguistic skills and embracing new cultures and people.

I am an advocate based in Teesside. I listen to my customers and help them share their wishes with others, whilst making sure their human rights are met.

Firefighter turned Advocate, Sue is based in Teesside where she supports customers with their NHS complaints. Conscientious and caring, Sue always looks forwards to whatever a new work day brings and how she can best support a client and their case. Out of hours, Sue is a lover of all things outdoors; whether its camping, country walks or even an alluring adventure on her Harley Davidson motorbike. 

Team Leader by day, gardener, crafter and parent by night, Amanda leads the Marketing and Communications team here at People First. Describing her role in 3 words 'creative, collaborative and chaos' Amanda is known to thrive under the unpredictability of each new day.

Her first career as a farmer, it's no wonder Amanda loves to sow seeds within colleagues about the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, with a sprinkling of fun along the way. 

An honorary Cumbrian, Clare joined People First in July 2023 as our Business Support Officer. A people person through and through, Clare can often be found taking part and volunteering at Carlisle parkrun where she often brings along her furry Scottish Terrier, Fergus, who despite misconceptions is actually a Yorkshireman.

Kate is the office guru and Business Manager. Constantly diving into each day; supporting staff, trustees and customers alike, all the whilst carrying a bucket load of enthusiasm, dedication and style. 

In her down time, her style can sometimes be tested by part-time puppy and part-time menace, Paddy. Despite this, travel is a love of Kate's (when she's not supervising Paddy), having spent 3 years on Australia's Gold Coast. 

Lydia, our in-house creative wiz with a flair for design style, always brings a ray of sunshine to the Carlisle office – and not least because her favourite colour is yellow! Always bright and smiling, Lydia works to support the various teams in People First with a range of digital marketing projects. When not at work, Lydia can be found exploring the Scottish landscapes or busy creating fabric masterpieces on her loom. And when it comes to scones, it’s always jam first then cream.

I started working as a sessional worker during the Covid pandemic when I worked on the 'Keeping People Connected' project. Since then, I have provided support such as admin for LeDeR meetings and worked on several easy-read projects. I'm currently working as a temporary assessor on the Best Life programme.

I am a Chef in Riverbank Kitchen. I prepare homemade fresh produce for the cafe in the cancer unit at the Cumberland infirmary and riverside cafe at the Conference Centre, we also provide soup and sandwiches for the chemotherapy patients. I also work with learners in the kitchen giving them the help and support and skills they need.

A previous career as a Finance Manager at Derbyshire County Council, Chris joined People First in 2021 as an Independent Living Coordinator. Describing his role in 3 words he said: Approachable, organised and considerate, Chris' commitment to supporting customers to the best of his ability is unwavering. 

In between work, Chris is often gravitated towards the great outdoors. Whether it's fell walking, kayaking or camping Chris has done it. 

Meet Debbie, our Independent Living Coordinator here at People First. In a role where no two days are the same, Debbie is always ready to take on the new day helping others achiever their goals and support their right to be independent in their surroundings. 

This kind, friendly and conscientious lady throws the same attitude into her personal time where she can often be found riding her horse along the sea front or spending quality time with her charming canine. 

In another life, Isla spent her days as a racehorse groom and rider for over 10 years. Fast forward to today, she is an Independent Living Coordinator at People First. Working in a supportive team, unified and driven towards the same goal of helping every Direct Payments customer that comes through the door. 

Isla hasn't left her animals roots completely however, spending down time either paddle boarding with her rescue dog or even taking on dog agility competitions. 

Baking extraordinaire off the clock, dedicated Payroll Officer on the clock, Kinga joined People First is 2023. Working alongside her fellow Payroll team, Kinga is always on hand to support clients when they have queries with their Personal Health Budgets or Managed Accounts. Despite her love of working under pressure, there's still nothing quite like the perfect recipe of going to the beach mixed with reading a good book.

I am a Payroll Officer in the team at People First. I provide support and guidance about payroll to people in Cumbria who employ their own care staff.

I work in Managed Accounts and help manage the funds received from the council through Direct Payments to ensure that care needs are met.

Our always smiling Sara is an Independent Living Coordinator at People First. Describing herself in 5 words Sara is: Happy, friendly, hard working and caring. We couldn't agree more! On a day to day basis, Sara is supporting customers throughout the Eden area set up and maintain their Direct Payments. Off the clock, you'll find her pottering in the garden or cooking up some scrumptious delights. 

I have the privilege of giving a voice to the people of Cumbria to share their thoughts and experiences of the health and social care sector.

I am the Volunteer Co-ordinator and work with all the teams across Cumbria and am responsible for recruiting and training new volunteers, matching volunteers to opportunities that suit their skills and keeping volunteers informed.

I am the Volunteer Coordinator for Lancashire. My role is to recruit and support volunteers, as well as identifying new volunteering opportunities within the organisation in Lancashire.

I am a Senior Engagement Officer and I work for Healthwatch Lancashire. I engage with people in the community about health and social care. I also do enter and views in care homes and enjoy talking to residents about their experiences.

A proud Prestonian, Jodie joined the team in 2022 as our Engagement Team Leader before becoming out Healthwatch Lancashire Manager. Having previously worked as Police Officer, Jodie is all about working with the public for the public. 

When she's hung up the uniform at the end of the day, you'll either find her with Daniel, the daring sausage dog, or planning her next adventure.

Having working for a period of time as a Nurse, Louise developed a passion for healthcare for both those who receive care and those who deliver it. Being able to use her experience as a nurse to help guide her as an Engagement Officer at Healthwatch Lancashire has allowed Louise to dive deeper into the mission throughout Lancashire, listening to experiences shared of local services and advocating for change to be created. 

Helpful, humorous and honest are just three fantastic words to describe Steve. It's understandable to see why Steve begins each day with enthusiasm; whether it's speaking to the public, colleagues or health and social care leaders.

An advocate for the importance of learning new skills, Steve is currently working towards his Black Belt in Karate. We're looking forward to him sharing some Karate tricks at our next Operations day!

I engage with the community, local partnerships, and health and social care services to help improve services to meet the needs of those using them

I work with Adults and Young People with learning difficulties/Autism. I support Self-advocacy groups and youth sessions. I help people live their best Life and become strong Self-Advocates

Elaine has been a long-term customer of People First, which provides a unique and invaluable insight on People Firsts Board of Trustees. 

Elaine understand better than most the power of receiving the right support. She has seen this first-hand as a carer of someone with a learning disability and holds this as her superpower in guaranteeing that customers of all our services are put at the heart of this organisation throughout. 

Mark has always believed that the role of a trustee is a real privilege. Working 31 years as Police Officer and Assistant Chief Constable, Mark has seen first hand the importance of helping others and ultimately making a difference to those within our communities. 

When not trusteeing, Mark uses his experiences as part of Adapt & Evolve Consultancy, helping organisations across the UK reduce sickness, improve performance and help staff retention. In his down time, he can often be seen running up the fells in the Eden Valley or brewing his very own Ale. 

Before becoming a Trustee at People First, Mike got involved in our work by fundraising alongside his colleagues at Borderway Finance for their Keswick Three Peak challenge. From then onwards, Mike has been inspired and humbled by the work that is carried across all corners of People First and Healthwatch and in-turn, the support provided to people to live their best lives, whatever their circumstances. 

Working 26 years in financial services has lead him to becoming Managing Director in 2016. Throughout this time he has always put customers at the heart of every decision. 

With a career that spans over 20 years in the health and social care sector, Nicola understands the importance for people to receive the right support then together, people can make miracles happen. Being a solution focused person and humanistic leader, Nicola fosters an environment that empowers and uplifts around her.

Nicola's motto that she carries with her is 'life is for living'. Whether it's work-time or home-time; she carries this through.