The Steering Group

Larry Grady (Co–Chair)

Larry is a Regional Director of New Support Options Ltd. He has nearly 20 years experience of working with people. Being involved with Support Horizons and their attempt to do something really different has been a great experience for Larry.

Jason Archer (Co–Chair)

Jason is a member of several groups and projects including: WROC Steering Group, the Self Advocacy sub–group, the Communication sub–group, Take Notice group and the WROC relocation Steering Group. He attends a lot of meetings! Jason is currently studying Life Skills at college and attends his local day centre and respite service. Jason is helping to make a video about Person Centred Planning and is hoping to take part in the Special Olympics.

Peter Girven (Co–Chair)

Peter delivers post around Ravenswood village, where he also lives. He has been studying computers at college and has recently been to Brazil. Peter is also a keen member of a Train Club.

Tim Holland (Project Worker)

Tim is currently seconded from New Support Options to the project. Prior to this he was manager of a residential care home. Tim has also worked for several other local providers including WROC day centre. He has a BA in Psychology and is currently doing an NVQ 4.

Stuart Rowbotham

Rod Clay

Director Ravenswood Village, Trustee of Wokingham Mencap, Joint Chair of the Wokingham District LDPB. Rod has worked in welfare services since the mid sixties he has experience of Elderly services Mental Health and Children Services. For the last 20 years he has specialized in the field of Learning Disability. Rod is a qualified Social Worker (CQSW) and has a Masters Degree in Learning Disability from the Tizzard Centre at Kent University.

Lee Sipe

Lee is currently employed with Housemates and goes to the Thrive garden project. Lee is a regular member of the "Friday Night Project" – a local group where he is learning line dancing. He also enjoys fishing. Lee has completed college courses in using computers.

Jeannette Hooper

Jeanette works in Ravenswood Village as a Lifestyle Opportunities Manager. This role involves creating meaningful Lifestyle Opportunities for the residents who live at Ravenswood Village. She helps to oversee the day to day running of the service plus looks into ways of creating new opportunities and life experiences in line with the wishes and the needs of the service users. One of her main areas of responsibility is Employment and Volunteering which is why she has such an interest in this project. Prior to working at Ravenswood she worked for Mind the Mental Health charity and has many years experience of working with people.

Claire Robertson

Claire is the Development Manager for Wokingham District Mencap, which is a locally based charity that supports people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Claire's work involves developing and managing the projects that the charity has operating. Claire is also a member of the Learning Disability Partnership Board and leads on the Social Recreation and Carers' Sub Group.

Bruce Archer

Along with his wife, Bruce is a parent and carer of Jason who has a Learning Disability. Prior to his retiring he was an IT Project Manager with responsibility for teams of up to 50 staff and multi–million pound contracts. He has a BSc and PhD in Engineering.

David Chaffe

David is currently working as WAVE Project Assistant for Wokingham District Council. Previously he worked for WH Smiths. David is a member of the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board Core Group, the CLASP advocacy project and leads the Take Notice Self Advocacy Group. He is currently doing a Citizenship Course at college, has spoken at various conferences and has helped make a video about Person Centred Planning.

Jennifer Gambriel

Jennifer has worked part time in a number of jobs over the past four years and is currently working for Berkshire Rooms. She has also completed a course in Cooking at college. Jennifer has taken part in the Special Olympics, participating in Bowling and Frisbee. Jennifer has also been a member of the "Challenge Club", a social club in Bracknell, for the last ten years.