Meet the team that make it all happen. Introducing our Founders, Support Workers and Volunteers.
Founders
Mark and Pippa Bannister set up the Care farm in 2008 and managed it themselves until 2020. Pippa has been a teacher most of her adult life, and in latter years moved into special needs teaching. She became passionate about enabling people with learning disabilities and wanted to take this further. Her husband Mark allowed her to use part of his cattle farm to set up Nineveh Ridge and soon became as engrossed as Pippa! They retired from the frontline in 2020, leaving the Care Farm in the very capable hands of the team.
Martin Bower
Care Farm Manager
Martin has a background in managing teams. In his spare time he volunteers with Cleobury Compassionate Communities working with isolated and vulnerable members of the community. Martin leads the team in providing a safe and supportive environment for all service users and staff.
Sean Wilson
Support Worker
Sean Wilson is our 'Music Man Extraordinaire' as well as being an outstanding support worker. Sean has gained his Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care whilst with us. He has been with us longer than anyone, and has a natural empathy with everyone. He is also our 1 of our safeguarding officers.
Richard Coleman
Deputy Manager
Rich Coleman joined us in May 2019 and became deputy manager in 2023. Richard has craft ideas coming out of his ears! He also is a natural at drama and dance too. Richard has years of experience in the care sector.
Rachael Pritchard
Support Worker
Rachael Pritchard worked as a volunteer at the farm for 4 years before we took her on as a member of staff. She has completed her Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care whilst working with us. Rachael works with some of our 1:1 service users.
Sean Griffiths
Support Worker
Griff joined us in July 2018. Griff is a fantastic woodwork teacher and he is brilliant at keeping the farm repairs up to date.
Jane Craddock
Support Worker
Jayne has a very kind and caring nature which works perfectly with our less abled and more anxious clients. Jayne is usually found helping out in the cooking or craft sessions as well as working with some of our 1 to 1 clients.
Jess Bannister
Support Worker
Jess has been working on the farm from day one. She knows all the tricks when it comes to the animals. Goats are out? You call Jess. Working with small groups on the farm, Jess is the go-to ‘animal whisperer’.
Charlotte Gibbs
Support Worker
Charlotte loves to craft in her spare time, so taking craft and cooking sessions are a breeze. Charlotte also works with a few of our 1:1 clients.
Sara-Jayne Dakin
Support Worker
Sara-Jayne loves to make a joke and play pranks to get everyone laughing. She works with some of our 1:1 service users, and takes indoor sessions.
Gareth Leach
Support Worker
Gareth works 1:1 with one of our visually impaired clients as well as some of our more able clients on farm maintenance and woodwork projects. Gareth has a great sense of humour, and is continually pranked and wound up by the animal group. he’s a good sport!
Kev
Volunteer
Kev has a gentle approach when it comes to everyone at the farm. Much like Griff, Kev works on farm maintenance, and takes animal sessions when needed. Kev is full of great ideas!
Jo
Volunteer
Jo loves to have a laugh and help out in our craft and cooking groups. She can put her hand to anything, but more important than anything… She has a hat for every occasion!
Mandy Smith
Transport
Mandy drives our minibus 5 days a week. She has a very welcoming personality and calm nature which all of our service users love. Mandy is also great at finding recycled materials for craft and woodwork.