
Our Staff Team
Discover the remarkable individuals behind Town Break's exceptional support. Our dedicated staff members bring their passion and expertise to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. Get to know our team and witness the unwavering commitment that drives our mission forward.

Chief Executive Officer
Helen Duncan
Helen joined Town Break in September 2021 as the Dementia Services Manager. In May 2022, she was promoted to the role of Chief Officer. With over 27 years of experience in mental health, Helen possesses extensive knowledge and expertise.
As the Chief Officer, Helen oversees the efficient operations of the charity. Her responsibilities include establishing strategic alliances, engaging with local agencies (both statutory and voluntary), and managing various positions within the organization.
Helen is dedicated to propelling the charity forward while upholding its original mission and values. Her objective is to ensure that the organization continues to thrive while staying true to its core principles.
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Operations Manager
Daniel Keane
As the Operations Manager at Town Break, Daniel leads and manages daily operations, implementing strategic policies aligned with the organization's mission and values. He collaborates with the team to set the strategic direction and fosters relationships with key stakeholders, supporting the Chief Officer in day-to-day functions. Daniel is known for challenging the status quo and excels in strategic planning, communication, professional development, patient advocacy, and external relations. He has extensive networks at local, national, and international levels and possesses specialized knowledge in long-term health conditions, health and social care dynamics, engaging with minority groups, utilizing social media, adhering to brand standards, and transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare.
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Finance Manager
Kath Phipps
Kath assumes the role of Finance Manager at Town Break, overseeing the organization's financial operations. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including handling volunteer expenses and invoices, formulating budgets, and preparing comprehensive financial reports. Collaborating closely with the Treasurer, Kath ensures the timely submission of the annual accounts. Additionally, she provides support for the administrative needs of the team.
With an extensive background in the voluntary sector spanning over 20 years, Kath brings a wealth of experience to her role. She joined the Town Break staff team in 2018, following nearly 5 years of service as a board member.
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Admin Coordinator
Penny Casey
Penny, our Administrative Coordinator, brings with her over two decades of providing finance and admin support within the Third Sector. Her organisational skills and attention to detail ensures the smooth and efficient running of our in-house processes. She also provides support to our Finance Officer and the team as a whole. In the short time she has been with Town Break she has implemented processes that has made the storing and retrieval of documents easy.
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Lead Coordinator
Davina Pilley
Davina, a devoted volunteer with Town Break for four years, transitioned to a staff position in November 2018. In 2023, she advanced to the role of Lead Coordinator at Town Break.
As the Lead Coordinator, Davina plays a crucial role in organizing a diverse array of engaging and purposeful activities for Town Break members. Supported by her colleagues and a team of dedicated volunteers, she ensures the smooth execution of these initiatives. In addition, Davina extends her support to the families and caregivers of clients, offering assistance, guidance, and referring them to relevant agencies and charities that can provide further help and support.
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Lead Coordinator
Lesley Milne
Lesley became a valuable addition to the Town Break team in November 2019. With an extensive 20 years of experience in the care sector, she has worked extensively with Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, and the Elderly in both care homes and community settings.
In her role as Lead Coordinator, Lesley takes charge of coordinating the Befriending and Rural Friendship Groups. She maintains close collaboration with Community Councils within the Stirling district. Furthermore, Lesley actively engages with local schools, specifically through the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, promoting intergenerational plans and fostering connections between different age groups.

Service & Resource Coordinator
Beth Colbecki
Beth, our dedicated Resource and Service Coordinator at Town Break. With her wealth of experience in the care sector, Beth brings a deep understanding of supporting individuals to live safely at home while meeting their unique needs. At Town Break, Beth's primary role is to oversee all referrals and facilitate various groups. Beth's ultimate goal is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere across all services, where she organizes meaningful and stimulating activities for our participants.
In addition to providing engaging programs, Beth understands the importance of connecting individuals with the appropriate support networks. She actively collaborates with other agencies and charities.

Service Coordinator
Leighann Rushforth
Leighann is a Services Coordinator at Town Break. After spending 23 years in the banking industry, Leighann discovered her passion for connecting with people. Her experience dealing with a diverse range of individuals in the public made her realize the joy of making a positive impact on others' lives.
Leighann's personal encounters with dementia within her own family and interacting with customers during her banking career ignited her compassion.
Since joining Town Break, Leighann has wholeheartedly embraced her role. Leighann's primary goal is to create an environment where individuals eagerly anticipate attending our groups and leave with a smile on their face.

Service Coordinator
Shirley Laycock
Shirley joined Town Break in June 2022. With her experience as a support worker, Shirley has developed a profound understanding of the importance of supporting individuals from all backgrounds in reaching their full potential. Drawing on her artistic talents, she aspires to provide therapeutic crafting experiences to adults living with dementia and their caregivers. Shirley's vision is to foster a sense of self-confidence and self-worth among individuals by engaging in creative activities within a relaxing and comfortable environment. Through her dedication, Shirley aims to empower people, allowing people to express themselves artistically and discover therapeutic benefits of crafting.

Service Coordinator
Jan Palmer
Jan joined Town Break in February 2023. With a background as a Health Care Support Worker in the NHS for 15 years, Jan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Town Break. Her work in a respiratory and general medical ward exposed her to a diverse range of conditions, including dementia.
Jan's personal experience in dealing with dementia within her own family further fuels her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those with lived experiences of the condition. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to Town Break's mission of providing continuous support to individuals living with dementia and their families.

Service Coordinator
Anne Yau
Anne joined Town Break in February 2023. With 15 years of experience working with the public at Stirling Council, Anne developed a genuine passion for engaging with people. Since July 2021, Anne has been a dedicated volunteer with Town Break, where she discovered the immense satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Anne's primary goal is to ensure that carers and their families feel connected to their local communities. By fostering strong connections, she aims to provide valuable support and resources, helping them navigate their caregiving journey with greater ease and access to essential services.
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Service Coordinator
Laetitia Pannetier
Laetitia began as a devoted Volunteer with Town Break before assuming her role as Service Coordinator in August 2023.
With French-Indonesian roots, she studied Music Performance at Scotland's Royal Conservatoire, gaining experience with orchestras, choirs, and theatre. Laetitia cultivates secure, dynamic spaces that encourage self-expression and story-sharing. Driven by music's unifying potential, she amplifies Town Break's inclusivity mission.
Her position strengthens our dedication to diverse experiences, showcasing her as a vital asset within our community.
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Service Coordinator
Scott Marshall
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Service Coordinator
Kirstie Inglis
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Service Coordinator
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Our Patron
Gina McKie. Radio Presenter. Events Host. Author. Motivational Speaker.
Gina McKie is a host and no stranger to hosting awards, facilitating and speaking at events. However, if you can’t quite place her face, you will almost certainly know her voice, as Gina is a regular broadcaster on local and UK radio and she has been working in that media for over 20 years.
Gina regularly hosts a number of charitable lunches and dinners including, Cash For Kids, Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish Autism to name a few.
As a presenter and host, Gina is now one of the most asked for MC/hosts for award ceremonies, charity events, motivational days and graduation events
