Wendy (Project Manager)
Been manager of Ben’s for 6+ years, with a background of working & volunteering 17 years in the field.
Wendy is definitely ‘Miss Versatility’ – turning her hand to anything. Always exploring ways for the clients to spend their time in the Centre creatively. This year had seen us growing tomatoes, strawberries, runner beans and flowers galore. Indoors, making felt, scrap booking and using different materials top make cards and pictures.
Always able to see the potential in every client and is never daunted with the set backs encountered. By her own admission she would say she runs a tight ship with boundaries in place, but no client could ever have a more loyal advocate, or one so persistent.
You may lose Wendy from time to time but you hear what must be the loudest laugh in Sheffield and you know immediately where she is”! She also has exceptional hearing and picks things up 200 yards away – all is part of her incredible giftings to manage the Project and manage it with love and sensitivity.
A real treasure.!!
Sue (Acting Senior Project Worker)
Sue, dear Sue, what can we say about Sue?
She comes from a social work background and has been at Ben’s for 4 years now. She is currently seconded as Senior Project Worker.
Sue describes herself as a cranky old bird… but we wouldn’t hear such things said. Although she’s very good at rolling her eyes there the similarity ends we’re sure. In fact Sue is the lady in the team and we’re all astounded at how she co-ordinates her wardrobe each morning. Her scarfs and earrings always accent whatever colour Sue’s wearing.
Sue brings a lot of wisdom to Ben’s, much love and an ability to laugh and have fun in the most desperate circumstances. She has many skills that she contributes to the project if only she could remember where she put her glasses. Wendy teases her unmercifully and the clients enjoy the fun between the team.
Sue has shown her love and dedication for the clients at Ben’s going beyond the realms of duty as do many of the team at Ben’s again and again.
Jane
Jane comes in on a Monday and Tuesday in the kitchen to cook. Her willingness to come and serve in the centre has been a real gift. She is a bonus to our team. We have some delicious meals prepared with love and care.
Anna
Anna has been on our team for 6 months, she has worked in the past with St Annes Mens Hostel and various outreaches with her local church. Anna is very creative and although quiet we are getting to know her and she is an excelent foil in the centre to Wendy/Sue.
Mary
Our diligent book keeper who comes on average just one morning a week. Mary patiently perserves with our old computer and the most cantacterous printer to keep our finances orderly.
Volunteers
We have a small team of faithful volunteers who give of their time so selflessly.
Janet
Janet squeezes us into her hectic schedule as a deaconess at the Victoria Methodist Hall and volunteers every Monday afternoon. An avid football fan, who shares her football wisdom with any client who will listen! (rescuing the rest of the staff who know nothing about football) She also loves snooker and each year we play the game ‘spot Janet at The Crucible’ on the TV. Her love of 60s music often causes her to get very carried away singing along to some CD and looks at us aghast that we aren’t joining in.
Janet is a great net worker. She chairs the Churches Homeless forum and volunteers with The Sunday Centre and Soup Wagon working with the homeless in Sheffield.
Mary
Mary is so willing to help in anyway she can, she loves gardening and helped us with our container garden this year with young tomatoe plants, runner beans and courgettes we had our best tomatoe crop ever.
Anna
Anna is a new volunteershe comes with a lovely fresh enthusiasm and energy Anna loves getting involved with our art/crafts programme.
Kay
Kay is a true gift to our centre. Willing to do absoultley anything (even the cleaning) she is keen to learn all she can. she is a real treasure and such a hard worker.
Edwin
Edwin is invaluable each Tuesday as he helps the clients and stafff to complete the £1000 Crossword in the ‘Daily Express’. He comes with a gentle spirit and a willingness to step in and do anything is so appreciated.
