Our Team

A Day in the Life of a Services Coordinator – Jan Palmer

Tell us a bit about your job, what do you like most about it and what are the challenges?

I have been working with Town Break for three months now and I already love it, it is an extremely rewarding job. Prior to this, I worked for the NHS as a Health Care Support worker for 15 years. What I love about my job at Town Break is the variety of services, their diverse locations, and how different each one is. You build up relationships and friendships with many people affected by dementia and volunteers. Sometimes when people first arrive, they are not sure what to expect but almost immediately, people relax, form friendships, and get involved in-group activities. What happens at Town Break continues after our groups; people build confidence, are happier, and return each week.
The saddest part of working here is the opposite of the happiest part and that is of course when you do see dementia progress. And if it's been a busy day it can get you tired out. You want to make sure you are giving someone the utmost attention and the team goes above and beyond helping each other out during busy periods.

This role is challenging. It is physically and mentally tiring. But it really is worth it. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.

What does your average day look like?

No two days are the same. Some days are full on and some days you can relax with people and play Scrabble, dominoes, and Jenga with a cup of tea.

A typical day

You arrive at the office and prepare for one of Town Break’s groups. This could be anything from a Coffee & Blether through to a Lunch Club. They are all similar in format but what happens at each is completely up to our people – it is their group.

After preparations, it is out to the group. You arrive there early to set up and arrange plans for that day. You then facilitate the group with the help of volunteers, whom you are also responsible for. The groups are all so special, individual and really do meet the most interesting people. People leaving with a smile on their face is the most rewarding part of the job and a great seal of approval.

After the group, it is back to the office for admin, database input, and preparation for the next day.
I would say to anyone who is thinking about joining Town Break give it a go!

My colleagues and I find it so rewarding.

CHIEF OFFICER – HELEN DUNCAN

Helen started with Town Break in September 21 as our Dementia Services Manager, in May 22 Helen was appointed Chief Officer for Town Break. She has worked in the field of mental health for over 27 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.

Helen is responsible for the smooth running of the charity, building new partnerships, networking with local agencies (statutory and voluntary), managing the Dementia Coordinators, strategy and engagement officer, fundraising officer and finance officer.

Helens goal is to drive the charity forward whilst maintaining the ethos behind the charities original mission.

OPERATIONS MANAGER – DANIEL KEANE

Daniel is responsible for the management and leadership of the service delivery team, and the implementation of strategic policy initiatives which are reflective of Town Break’s mission, vision, and core values. With input from the wider team, he leads the strategic direction of Town Break, developing new and existing relationships with key stakeholders and assisting the Chief Officer with the daily running of the organisation.

Daniel has worked in the voluntary sector for over 10 years and has also volunteered at a European level being committed to engagement and paediatric support.

LEAD COORDINATOR – DAVINA PILLEY

After four years of being a loyal volunteer with Town Break, Davina was welcomed as a member of staff in November 2018. She then moved on in 2022 to become Town Breaks Carer Services Coordinator.

Davina helps organise a range of stimulating and meaningful activities for Town Break members. She is supported in her role by her colleagues and a band of dedicated volunteers. Davina also supports clients’ families and carers, offering support and signposting to other agencies and charities that can also offer help and support.

LEAD COORDINATOR – LESLEY MILNE

Lesley joined Town Break in November 2019. She has 20 years’ experience in the care area, working with Mental Health / Learning Disabilities, the Elderly in care homes and in the community.

She is the coordinator for Befriending and Rural Friendship Groups and works closely with Community Councils within the Stirling district. Lesley also works with local schools on the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative and how they can help with intergenerational plans. Lesley has done her training as the Mental Health First Aider and she offers support and signposts to other agencies and charities that can also offer help and support.

FUNDRAISING OFFICER – FIONA CLARK

Fiona joined the Town Break team in July 2022. She has worked in the voluntary sector for 20 years, and has a range of experience fundraising for various charities. She previously worked for a number of small charities helping them to access funding and develop their services and volunteers.

Her first experience of Town Break was in 2015 when she briefly volunteered at our lunch clubs. She is looking forward to developing relationships with new funders and diversifying Town Breaks income streams, so that we can support even more families and expand the types of activities we offer.

FINANCE & ADMIN OFFICER – KATH PHIPPS

Kath manages the finances for Town Break, covering everything from paying volunteers expenses and invoices, developing budgets and preparing financial reports, through to working with our Treasurer to submit our annual accounts. She also supports the admin for the team, helping them with handouts, letters and any reporting paperwork.

Kath has worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years. She joined the staff team at Town Break in 2018 having previously been a board member with us for nearly 5 years.

DIGITAL COORDINATOR – SUZANNE POTTER

Suzanne started with Town Break in May 2022 as the Digital Coordinator, having previous experience in care and mental health organisations, she has a vast understanding of the services direct roles out with the digital side.

Suzanne is responsible for managing the creation and successful implementation of online activities across a wide range of platforms, including website development, organising social media sites, creating online content, analysing digital marketing trends, managing email campaigns, and reporting on website analytics.

SERVICE COORDINATOR – BETH COLBECKI

Beth joined Town Break in May 2022. She has 8 years experience within the care sector supporting individuals to live at home safely and ensure all individual needs were met. During that time she noticed the need there was for such services as Town Break.

She Joined Town Break to work within the Falkirk area supporting those living with dementia and their families. Beths aim within Town Break is to provide a warm welcoming atmosphere at the meeting centres whilst providing meaningful and stimulating activities. Her aim is also to signpost to other agencies and charities that may be able to offer support.

SERVICE COORDINATOR – LEIGHANN RUSHFORTH

Leighann joined Town Break in May 2022, she previously worked in a bank for 23 years before being made redundant, and during this time found out she’s very much a people person, she dealt with such a vast range within the public and absolutely loved her job for that reason.

Before joining Town Break in May, she had no experience of working in care, but had dealt with dementia first hand through family members having it. Also a lot of the customers in the bank had this so simply by having a wee blether or chat, would make their day.

Working for Town Break she is looking to continue making a difference to peoples lives and maintain a positive can do attitude, regardless of what hurdles she may come across. Leighann wants people to look forward to coming to groups and to leave with a smile on their face.

SERVICE COORDINATOR – SHIRLEY LACHAISE

Shirley joined town break in June 2022. Her previous experience as a support worker made her realise how essential it is to support everyone in reaching their potential regardless of their background.

She also creates and sells her textile art work since 2015 and hopes to share some therapeutic crafting experiences with adults living with dementia alongside their carers. Her aim is to support people to build self-confidence and self-worth through creative activities in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

SERVICE COORDINATOR – JAN PALMER

Jan joined Town Break in February 2023. She previously worked as a Health Care Support Worker with the NHS for 15 years. During her time in the NHS she worked in a respiratory and general medical ward caring for people with different illnesses including people with dementia.

Jan also has personal experience in dealing with dementia in her family. Jan looks forward to making a difference working with Town Break by continually supporting people living with dementia and their families.

SERVICE COORDINATOR – ANNE YAU

Anne previously worked with Stirling Council for 15 years dealing with the public on a daily basis. She enjoyed having a chat or helping when help was needed. She has also volunteered with Town Break since July 2021 and came to realise she enjoyed the difference she was helping make.

Anne wants to continue supporting carers and their families making sure they are connected to their local communities.

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.

Currently with Bauer Media, Gina McKie produces and presents Gina’s Sunday night (7pm-10pm) show for Greatest Hits Radio which is broadcast throughout the UK.

In the past Gina has featured (and still does) on many of Scotland’s radio stations. These include Clyde, Forth, Tay, West Sound and the UK’s Rock FM. In 2015 she hosted the Glasgow charity Kiltwalk. She had hosted Kiltwalks in the past but the Glasgow one which started from the SSE Hydro was huge. More than 6000 people turned up. 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.

A Day in the Life of a Services Coordinator – Jan Palmer