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 one 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.
Suzanne Thomas
Support worker
Suzanne is great at craft, cooking, working with some of our 1 to 1 clients, but comes into her own when it comes to exciting stories and anything wildlife! Suzanne is also part of our local transport team.
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. He is also a dab hand in the kitchen! Everyone wants to join a Griff cooking session!
Jane Craddock
Support Worker
Jane has a very kind and caring nature which works perfectly with our less abled and more anxious clients. Jane is great at craft, cooking, and animals work, 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 mainly works with a few of our 1 to 1 clients, but can also put her hand to the craft and cooking sessions when needed. Charlotte is also very tech savvy, so helps out with the occasional bit of office work. She is also in charge of the milk collection which is VERY important for our morning coffee!
Rachael Softly
Support worker
Rachael, also known as Peggy on the farm works with one of our 1 to 1 clients, as well as covering the odd craft or cooking session. Peggy has a very calm and caring nature which everyone loves. Peggy is also part of our local transport team.
Liz Bond
Support Worker
Liz has a background in care work. Mainly working with elderly, vulnerable, and people with dementia. The switch over to learning disability support has been a doddle for Liz as many aspects are the same. Liz works mainly with one of our 1:1 clients, but also does a fantastic job in the occasional craft session.
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!
Emma and Carol
Emma and Carol are our volunteer gardeners. They are both lovely and play a huge part in keeping our farm looking pretty and colourful all year round. They also help look after our vegetable plot where we grow lots of lovely vegetables for our cooking sessions.
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!
Guy Misters
Transport
Guy is the first face many of our clients see in the morning, and the last they see at the end of the day. Guy has a very, kind and welcoming personality, and has a great sense of direction which is very handy.