Hello, my name is Paula and I joined EnviroAbility in 2010 as an Apprentice, and over the space of 4 years I completed my NVQ Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Business and Administration.

After lacking confidence all throughout my school years, I finally fitted in, I felt valued and therefore my confidence excelled. I gained extensive knowledge and experience through my on the job training, and the trustees promoted me to the position of Assistant Manager.

In 2016 the former General Manager retired, and the trustees looked at me to step up as Manager, so I did! I can say, with the biggest smile, that I have never looked back. I find it extremely rewarding seeing other people grow and benefit from their involvement, just as I had. Furthermore, I enjoy seeing the difference EnviroAbility’s opportunities and services make to people’s lives.

I grew up in Ross but in 2015 I moved to Lydney in the Forest of Dean with my partner where we bought our first house. In my spare time, I particularly enjoy exploring the Cornish coast.

Hi! I’m Chris, and I’ve worked in the learning disability field for over 30 years. I began in residential care, before moving to The Ryefield Centre in Ross as a Day Centre Officer from 1993 to 2005. I then managed several services for Herefordshire Council, including St. Owens Centre in Hereford from 2007-2014. During this time I (and my team) remodelled the day service and within 18 months St Owens had the highest referral rate in the county.

I am an activist for the GRT (Gypsy, Roma and Traveller) community, and work with West Midlands Police, and Worcester University on Awareness Training for the police and social workers.

I also enjoy my role as a singer/songwriter with my band, ‘The Brickshed’. We have released 5 albums, and I have recently submitted my first novel to a publisher, (fingers crossed) that it might actually get published! I get my daily exercise walking ‘Mr Pickle’ my three-year-old Jack Russell.

Hey! My name is Daniel, and I began working with EnviroAbility in 2020 after being made redundant from a job that I had enjoyed, in the outdoor pursuits industry, for 16 years. I applied for a number of different jobs, but was not having much luck at the time, I think because, I was the Deputy Mayor, and soon to be, Mayor of Ross-on-Wye. Many employers seemed to find having this role inconsistent with holding down a full time job.

When I saw a Care Support Workers role with EnviroAbility being advertised, I applied thinking this would be a temporary solution to my job situation. I worked mainly in the ‘Spread Our Wings’ project and quickly fell in love with EnviroAbility’s ethos, and the way their projects supported the community. A short time later I successfully applied for the Assistant Managers role when it became vacant, a role that allows me to use, and build upon my skills. EnviroAbility is a great, and uplifting place to work, it really benefits the community.

In my spare time I host a show for Hospital Radio in Hereford and also enjoy Obstacle Course Running. Keep Smiling!

Hello! My name is Vicky, and I began my employment with EnviroAbility in 2015 as a Business Admin Apprentice. I was incredibly proud to be in the top 3 of the ‘Community Champions Apprentice of the Year Awards’ 2016.

In 2017, I took time out to care for my newborn son. When he was old enough to attend pre-school, I asked EnviroAbility if there was a possibility that I could return, and they offered me a position as a Care Support Worker.

EnviroAbility has given me a great work ethic, and I enjoy having a rewarding role and being part of a team that makes a positive difference to peoples lives. In my spare time, I enjoy socialising and meeting new people.