Chief Officer

Professional Background:

Claire joined Encompass in 2011 after more than 15 years in the private sector. Since then she has held a range of leadership roles within Encompass, becoming Chief Officer in 2018. Throughout her time with the charity, Claire as played a key role in the development and growth of our services – from launching new supported accommodation to strengthening and expanding partnerships across the region.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

As Chief Officer, Claire provides strategic leadership and ensures that Encompass Southwest continues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support to those who need it most. She is passionate about maintaining the charity’s strong reputation for trust, collaboration and trauma-informed practice.

Commitment to Our Values:

Claire say’s ‘I’m deeply proud of the work Encompass delivers and committed to leading the organisation with compassion, integrity and resilience – guiding the team through any challenges and opportunities the future may bring.’

Recent Projects
Stories for Change, @Risk Project

HR Officer

Professional Background:

Nic has over 20 years’ experience in retail and tourism, where she developed strong people-management skills, customer-focused leadership, and extensive experience supporting staff in fast-paced environments. She brings this practical, empathetic approach into her HR role, helping to strengthen teams and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

In her role as HR Officer, Nic oversees recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day HR operations. She provides guidance to managers and sta , supports policy development, and helps ensure the organisation maintains a positive, safe, and inclusive working environment.

Commitment to Our Values:

Nic believes in building real, meaningful relationships and approaches her work with honesty, humility, and kindness. She is committed to supporting colleagues in a way that reflects the charity’s mission and strengthens its culture of care.

I joined Encompass after leaving the Police force in 2023. My role as service lead involves me overseeing the day to day operations of all Encompass supported accommodation which is varied and different every day.

Recent Projects
Supported Accommodation – Barnstaple & Bideford

Accommodation Facilities and Maintenance Support

John joined Encompass a year ago at the very start of the COVID lock down. John has enjoyed a very mixed career including, serving in the Parachute Regiment, running his own Exhibition company, caring for others including the elderly, disabled and young adults who have acquired brain injured, as well as working at Petroc on the Princes Trust project helping young adult with confidence and life skills.
Currently John is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance for some of our supported accommodation across Northern Devon, which he has seen expand over his last 12 months with us.

Recent Projects
Supported Accommodation – Barnstaple & Bideford

Senior Case Worker, Female Accommodation

Professional Background:

Sophie joined Encompass in 2017 after discovering her passion for support work through volunteering in the local community. She began her journey with the charity working on the Junction Project, supporting young people at risk of homelessness. In September 2020, Sophie moved into supported accommodation. She now works in female only accommodation across four different properties. Her focus is always on meeting clients’ individual needs, using a trauma-informed approach to help prepare them for independent living.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

In her current role, Sophie supports clients in supported accommodation, tailoring her work to each person’s circumstances. She takes pride in building strong, trusting relationships and providing the guidance people need to feel secure and confident as they move towards independence.

Commitment to Our Values:

Sophie is passionate about empowering people to make positive changes in their lives. As she explains: “No two days in supported accommodation are the same! We pride ourselves on the relationships that we build with our clients and the trauma informed way that we work with each individual. Our aim is to empower people to make positive changes in their own lives.” Her dedication reflects Encompass’s mission to provide compassionate, person-centred support that helps individuals thrive.

Recent Projects
Brave Spaces, Supported Accommodation – Barnstaple & Bideford

Tim has been working in our all male high needs supported accommodation since he joined Encompass, his role focuses on supporting rough sleepers from the streets into our accommodation, helping occupants to settle into our accommodation whilst supporting them to find longer term sustainable accommodation.

Recent Projects
Supported Accommodation – Barnstaple & Bideford

Becky joined Encompass in 2016 and works as a support worker for our Torridge Rough Sleeper project. She has over 20 years experience working in the voluntary sector mainly with clients with mental health and drug and alcohol issues. ‘Having worked in this sector for many years I have a passion for supporting people that are marginalised by society. I have seen first-hand the transformational difference that the support from Encompass can have on someone’s life, and I feel proud to be part of this process.

Ripple Project, Youth Housing First and Safeguarding Lead

Professional Background:

James joined Encompass in 2020, bringing with him a wide range of experience from working in the local drug and alcohol service. His roles there included Recovery Worker, supporting people on a homeless project, and working within a rehabilitation and social enterprise at Dartmoor prison where he trained men to design and make furniture. With a background in design, James has also carried out youth work, supported individuals experiencing homelessness, worked in Special Needs Schools, and contributed to a charity tackling poverty around the world. This diverse experience has given him a strong foundation for his work with Encompass.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

James leads the Ripple Project, Youth Housing First, and Safeguarding at Encompass. His role focuses on supporting young people with complex situations, helping them to overcome barriers that stand in the way of employment and independence. He thrives on the variety and challenges of the work, ensuring that young people receive the guidance and opportunities they need to move forward positively.

Commitment to Our Values:

James is passionate about empowering young people to build brighter futures. As he explains: “I really enjoy my role, I work with young people with complex situations and help them to overcome the various barriers they face to gaining employment. It is hugely rewarding to see progress being made in their lives and often to see them taking their first steps into work.” His commitment reflects Encompass’s mission to stand alongside individuals, offering support that helps them grow in confidence and take meaningful steps toward independence.

Recent Projects
Ripple

Specialist Money and Debt Adviser and Supervisor, Wis£rmoney

Professional Background:

Anna has always had a real passion for helping people and loves being part of making a positive difference in their lives. She supports and guides individuals to take control of their money, manage debts, and handle their finances with confidence. The support she offers can make a huge impact - helping people maximise their income, clear debts, and keep their homes secure. Beyond the practical side, Anna knows this kind of stability can ease stress, improve mental health, and give people the freedom to focus on the things that matter most to them.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Day to day, Anna works alongside people to build the skills they need to manage their finances and housing independently. She’s there to provide encouragement and practical advice, helping individuals feel more confident and capable as they move towards a debt-free, secure future.

Commitment to Our Values:

What drives Anna is seeing the transformation in the people she supports. As she puts it: “I love what I do and it’s so rewarding to stand back after I have helped someone and see them flourish, become more confident, debt free and use the skills they have picked up along the way - quite often to help others.”

Recent Projects
Transitions

Job Title:

Community Flow Keyworker

Professional Background:

Clare joined Encompass in 2023 with over 25 years of experience supporting families and individuals through di icult and often emotional moments in their lives.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Clare supports people leaving hospital or have recently left hospital to settle safely back into their community. Clare understands that the journey after hospital can be overwhelming - especially for those without a strong support network - and believes that nobody should have to face that alone.

Commitment to Our Values:

Clare says: “Relationships are at the heart of what I do. I aim to walk alongside each person with kindness, empathy and without judgement. By listening carefully to what matters to them and sharing knowledge of local voluntary and statutory services, I hope to help people feel supported, respected and more in control of their next steps.”

Hope Project Case Worker

Professional Background:

Julie joined Encompass Southwest in April 2022 after spending 22 years working in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy within the NHS, both in hospital and community settings. Her work focused on supporting patients with their physical health and overall wellbeing, and she also contributed to the hospital Safeguarding Team, assisting inpatient sta with mental capacity and Deprivation of Liberty (DoLs) assessments. This wealth of experience has given Julie a strong foundation in both
clinical care and holistic support.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

At Encompass, Julie supports two key projects. She is the Secondary Care FLOW Coordinator for the Pain Management Team at the hospital, where she helps patients with the social aspects of their lives — connecting them with local community resources, signposting to activities and support, sourcing funding for equipment to enable independence, and at times acting as an advocate in challenging situations. Julie also coordinates the North Devon HOPE Programme, a six-week self-management and peer support course for people living with long-term health conditions such as anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and stroke recovery.

Commitment to Our Values:

Julie is passionate about empowering people to live as independently and confidently as possible. She is driven by the belief that practical support, encouragement, and community connections can transform lives, helping individuals to manage their health conditions while building resilience and hope for the future.

Recent Projects
Secondary Care Flow

Professional Background:

Nicola has been part of the Community Flow Team since October 2022 and project managed the project prior to organisation restructure. Previously, Nicola has 10 years experience working in the education sector as a Primary School Teacher and Student Support Coordinator for young people. She holds a BA in English, an MA in Education, a PGCE in Primary Teaching and alongside her work at Encompass has been studying to become a qualified Counsellor for the past four years and will complete her Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling in 2026. Her work has focussed on advocating for equality and inclusion among children and young people experiencing multiple disadvantages, SEND and trauma and now comprises of the same focus with adults in the community.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Nicola’s role as Community Flow Keyworker, as part of the Flow Project, focusses on a person-centred approach to care. She supports individuals transitioning home from hospital, ensuring they receive practical and sustainable support to help them maintain their independence and well-being.

Commitment to Our Values:

Nicola is committed to delivering trauma-informed, empowering support that recognises each individual’s strengths and potential. She is driven by a belief in dignity, respect and creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

My name is Becky, I work for Encompass as a Community Mental Health Flow Navigator and next year I will be working as a High Intensity Use Support Worker. I have worked in Care Homes as a team leader where I was asked to part of a small team in a new Complex Care unit where we were trained to support people with expressive emotions, I have also been an Activity Coordinator and worked in Supported Employment. I have had my own personal experience of struggling with my Mental Health and have had varied life experiences which I believe helps me to really understand how this can affect the people I support. I really like to connect with people so that I can do the best I can to support a persons overall wellbeing and really make a difference.

Recent Projects
High Intensity Use Program

Rebecca joined Encompass after working in a local estate agents and seeing the impacts of homelessness in her local town. Rebecca has been involved in our safer streets projects and most recently has joined our FLOW team as a HIU support worker.

Female Supported Accommodation Case Worker

Professional Background:

Amie has been with encompass since 2023, she started as a tenancy support working in HMO, and in 2024 is currently working as a mental health/ wellbeing support worker in female supported accommodation (brave spaces), amie has past work experience in support work and also previous lived experience within the support work role she does with encompass.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Amie supports her female clients with their mental health and wellbeing.

Commitment to Our Values:

Amie is passionate about building real relationships with her clients and always puts people first, she always works with compassionate consistency and is willing to keep learning.

Job Title:

Senior Case Officer

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Damien brings decades of experience and a global perspective to his work at Encompass. His role involves guiding and supporting services that empower individuals to rebuild their independence and wellbeing. He thrives on the variety and challenges of the work, always keeping people at the heart of what he does.

Professional Background:

When Damien was just eight years old, he heard the story of a shoemaker who gave away his finest work to those in need, only to be embraced by the King for his compassion. That moment left a lasting impression and inspired Damien to dedicate his life to serving others. Over the past 30 years, he has worked in many different roles across the globe, always focused on supporting those who need it most. His journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to kindness, service, and making a meaningful difference - and he hopes to continue this vocation for many years to come.

Commitment to Our Values:

Damien’s motivation is rooted in the belief that serving others is the highest calling. He’s passionate about living out the values of compassion and integrity, ensuring that every person he supports feels valued and respected. His dedication reflects Encompass’s mission to stand alongside people, helping them find hope and opportunity in their lives.

Job Title:

HIU High-Flow Case Worker

Professional Background

Emma brings over 14 years of experience within the NHS, complemented by more than 5 years working with clients who have complex, high-level needs. Additionally, she has 4 years of experience in the education sector, specialising in Speech and Language and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Emma joined Encompass Southwest in 2024 as a HIU High-Flow Case Worker, supporting clients across the Barnstaple and Braunton areas.

In her role, Emma works with individuals who are frequent and high-intensity users of Emergency Department services. She employs an ethical, person-centered approach to build safe, compassionate, and trusting relationships with clients. Her work focuses on identifying what truly matters to everyone, fostering a deeper understanding of their needs, and often uncovering underlying issues affecting their wellbeing.

Commitment to Our Values

Emma is passionate about advocating for those who may feel unheard or overlooked—an aspect of her work she finds deeply meaningful and rewarding.

Job Title:

Community Flow Community Key Worker

Professional Background:

Hannah has been part of the Community Flow Team since November 2024. Previously Hannah has worked within the Education Sector supporting Adults with Learning disabilities and creating work opportunities for the individuals in her care.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Hannah’s role as Community Flow Keyworker, as part of the Flow Project, focusses on a person-centred approach to care. She supports individuals transitioning home from hospital, ensuring they receive practical and sustainable support to help them maintain their independence and well-being.

Commitment to Our Values:

Hannah is passionate about providing care, support and practical help to vulnerable people in her care, ensuring that once they exit Community Flow they are in a more stable, happy and secure place than when they were first referred.

Job Title:

Community Flow Keyworker - East Devon

Professional Background:

Jenny joined Encompass in October 2025. Her career has been very person-centered, focusing on excellent communication skills, encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Jenny’s background includes working in financial services, estate agency, and catering. More recently she worked at a charity providing accessible outdoor activities, and proving a disability is not a barrier and adventure has no limits. She has worked from the grass roots as a Micro-provider supporting people in her community to remain independent at home and helping people home from hospital. Jenny has enjoyed working in activities in care homes and volunteered as a community tea party organiser for older lonely people. Jenny is also a published author.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Jenny provides a link between the hospital and wider community, helping to prevent patients at home being admitted to hospital and providing help for medically fit patients in hospital to be discharged. Help could be in many forms, including improving social isolation, housing issues, cleaning, sourcing items like microwaves or furniture, private care, and help with shopping/food banks.

Commitment to Our Values:

Jenny is committed to our values. She is passionate about helping people and going the extra mile to enrich and improve their life. Jenny says, ‘Every day I am learning something new. There is so much help in the community, I love carrying out research and hope to be the bridge between the patient and them achieving their goal.’

Job Title:

Benefits, Debt and Energy Adviser.

Professional Background:

Katie has built her career around helping people overcome financial difficulties and regain stability. She has extensive experience providing advice on welfare benefits, debt management, and energy issues, supporting individuals and families in complex circumstances. Previously, she worked as a Benefits Case Officer for local government, gaining a strong understanding of the welfare system and accessible financial support. Katie has also worked as an Early Years Teacher and Retreats Manager, roles that strengthened her communication, organisation, and person-centred care skills. These experiences have given her a broad perspective on people’s practical and emotional needs. She joined Encompass Southwest to use her skills to make a meaningful difference and help reduce financial inequality in communities.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

In her role as a Benefits, Debt, and Energy Adviser, Katie provides tailored, one-to-one support to clients who are struggling with money, debt, or accessing the benefits they are entitled to. She helps clients understand their options, complete complex applications, and create realistic plans to manage their finances. Katie provides debt advice, including exploring available debt solutions and repayment options, and liaises directly with creditors on behalf of clients to help resolve financial difficulties. Her work often involves collaborating with local authorities, energy providers, and other support agencies to ensure clients receive holistic, wrap-around support. She also provides guidance on energy efficiency, access to grants, and ways to reduce household costs. Katie’s focus is always on empowering clients to take control of their situations and helping them find sustainable solutions that improve their long-term wellbeing.

Commitment to Our Values:

Katie is deeply committed to Encompass Southwest’s mission of supporting people through times of crisis with compassion, dignity, and respect. She believes everyone deserves to feel heard and supported without judgment and takes pride in providing a safe space where clients can talk openly about their challenges. Katie is passionate about empowering individuals to rebuild their confidence, make informed choices, and move forward with greater financial security and independence.

Job Title:

Tenancy Support Worker (HMO Project)

Professional Background:

Kira Joined Encompass in 2024 as a support worker.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Kira’s role in the HMO Supported Accommodation Project involves providing support which enables individuals to sustain their housing and build stable, independent lives. This includes providing practical and emotional support to tenants - assisting with budgeting, benefits, tenancy agreements, and access to community services as well as advocating on behalf of clients, and promoting wellbeing by encouraging engagement,
confidence, and resilience.

Commitment to Our Values:

Kira says: ‘I believe in treating everyone with dignity, offering compassionate support, and always acting with honesty and fairness. I strive to empower those that I support, working with clients to build their confidence, recognise their strengths, and create positive change in their lives. Above all, I’m motivated by a genuine commitment to making a meaningful difference and promoting equality and social justice within the
community.’

Job Title:

DDAA Female Assertive Outreach Caseworker

Professional Background:

Lilian studied English Language and Linguistics at the University of Warwick, where she focussed on the impact of language in society, writing her dissertation on how language choices can perpetuate harmful sexual harassment discourse, sparking her interest in working in the domestic abuse sector. Lilian has over 2 years’ experience working in social media marketing and is passionate about creative storytelling. She joined Encompass Southwest within the Brave Spaces team in September 2025.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Lilian works on the Brave Spaces project, part of the Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance (DDAA). Lilian supports women on a one-to-one and group basis, working with clients experiencing multiple disadvantages including domestic abuse, homelessness, addiction, sexual abuse and mental health issues, through a trauma-informed approach.

Commitment to Our Values:

“I believe in genuinely advocating for those whose voices aren’t being heard, and in walking alongside them by listening to, understanding and empowering them. Everyone deserves to be believed, and to be treated with kindness and respect.”

Job Title:

Accommodation & Office Administrator

Professional Background:

Lucy joined Encompass Southwest in April 2025 to provide maternity leave cover. She brings a varied professional background, having worked as a Personal Assistant across engineering, hairdressing, executive recruitment, and global finance. More recently, Lucy has gained valuable front-line experience in hospitality and leisure in North Devon.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

In her role at Encompass Southwest, Lucy is often the first point of contact for clients and partner organisations, offering signposting, guidance, and practical assistance over the phone. She provides day-to-day administrative support to the o ice team, works closely with the HMO team to help deliver accommodation services, assists with finance administration and the Torridge Household Support Fund.

Commitment to Our Values:

Lucy is committed to Encompass Southwest’s values and is driven by a genuine desire to support people with compassion and respect. She is dedicated to helping individuals feel heard, empowered, and able to access the support they need.

Youth Support Worker (mental health specialism), Brave Spaces Assertive Outreach Support Worker

Professional Background:

Maisie has a degree in Psychology, where much of her learning focused on young people and trauma. Maisie is passionate about supporting young people and women, which started as supporting those in her personal life. Maisie joined Encompass Southwest in 2022.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Maisie works with young people, 11-18 years old who have spent time in North Devon District Hospital experiencing a mental health crisis. The project is youth-work focused and young person led, providing consistent and flexible mental health support.

Maisie also works on the Brave Spaces project, supporting and working with women who have faced multiple disadvantages including domestic violence and homelessness. This work varies from one-to-one work to group sessions providing advocacy, signposting and emotional support with a trauma-informed focus.

Commitment to Our Values:

Maisie is passionate about building real, authentic relationships. Maisie says “To have real relationships, showing honesty and patience can give the most positive outcomes. It does not look the same for everyone, which is great. Together, we can reflect on this and adapt our support, to best encourage someone to flourish. I love this work as you can be authentic and be able to walk along with someone on their journey.”

Recent Projects
MyWay – Supporting Young People Across North Devon and Torridge

Job Title:

Housing 1st Support Worker and HMO Support Worker

Professional Background:

I have always had a deep routed care for people who need help. My first ever job was at North Devon Hospice, after which I landed in a care officer role supporting the elderly. I took a break from social care to become an accredited brewer and worked in the brewing industry for a number of years. After having children of my own and wanting to turn brewing back into a hobby, I decided to jump back into social care and that's when I
got my first taste of working with people at risk of homelessness. I was hooked; the issues they faced were immediate and dynamic and it required certain characteristics of my personality to shine through: empathy, resilience but above all compassion. I'm approaching my fourth year in this sector and I look forward to many more!

Role at Encompass Southwest:

In my role at Encompass Southwest, I provide direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness under the Housing First model. My focus is on ensuring immediate access to safe and stable accommodation without preconditions, while offering tailored, wraparound support to help clients sustain their tenancy and improve their wellbeing. I work closely with local authorities, landlords, and partner agencies to prevent eviction, advocate for clients’ rights, and connect them with services that address health, financial, and social needs. Central to my responsibilities is promoting
dignity, choice, and long-term stability, ensuring that housing acts as the foundation for recovery and inclusion.

Commitment to Our Values:

I am so passionate about using trauma informed practices - training that I will be forever grateful of receiving. Working in this field and with Encompass has fundamentally changed how I view people, where if we apply a lens of trauma informed care, kindness and compassion to clients' backstory and current life, we can see that there is nothing malign in their decisions, only pain and misunderstanding. This helps me to advocate
for people when no others have done or will do, to be a voice that promotes their interests and helps them to get back on their feet and to walk a better path. Ultimately, it's about not giving up on people, no matter who they are or what they've done, as all people deserve love, kindness, respect, dignity, a voice and a safe roof over their head.

Job Title:

Impact and Evaluation Lead

Professional Background:

Paige joined Encompass in 2022 as a High Flow Caseworker, having experience across Educational and Social Care settings. She has a BA Education Studies Degree and an MA in Culture and Society- having held a strong focus on matters of in/equality and social in/justice. Her background comprises of work with young people and adults with SEND within various settings, as well as working with adults experiencing multiple disadvantage in the community.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Paige leads on our Impact and Evaluation work, helping us to understand and communicate the difference we make. She works with teams across the organisation to strengthen how we collect and learn from data, stories, and lived/living experience so that insight shapes our services and strategy. A primary part of her role is to embed a culture of evaluation throughout the organisation, as well as to produce our annual impact report.

Commitment to Our Values:

Paige says ‘both my personal and professional experiences drive me in my role, and to work in this sector. Social justice, although as a young person always understood as ‘fairness’, has led me in all areas of my life. I am committed to equitable and compassionate approaches to social change, which strongly align with Encompass values. The values that ring most true to me are ‘People First’, ‘Real Relationships’ and to ‘Keep Learning’’.

Job Title:

Community Flow Key Worker East Devon Exeter

Professional Background:

Whilst serving with Devon & Cornwall Constabulary I was a DCC Foster carer for 8 years, from 1999 to 2007, where I obtained my NVQ 3. In 2002 I started work with complex needs visually impaired children and young adults at WESC, as a Senior Carer. In 2008 I joined SWAST as an Emergency Care Assistant. In 2016, still with the NHS, I became a Support Worker with Urgent Community Response C&E Team. I joined Encompass in 2025, to continue supporting people alongside the NHS.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

As a Community Flow Key Worker I help support Encompass Southwest to deliver high-quality, person-centred support to those who need it most. I cover the Exeter area for East Devon. I support people up upon discharge from hospital and people who need support to remain independent to stay at home.

Commitment to Our Values:

Robin say’s ‘I’m deeply honoured to have joined Encompass and to be part of the work they deliver and am committed to support with compassion, integrity and with a person-centred strength-based approach’.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Professional Background:

Sharon has over 15 years of experience across Client services, project management and business support in both charity and commercial sectors.

She is passionate about creating a supportive environment where people and projects can thrive and believes that kindness and accountability go hand in hand with strong leadership.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

As COO Sharon oversees the charity’s operations making sure our goals translate into real positive impact for the people and communities we support. She works closely with our team to deliver sustainable, effective services that stay true to our mission and
values.

Commitment to Our Values:

Sharon say’s ‘I’m committed to the work we do, driven by the understanding and knowledge that every decision we make helps to create a more inclusive, compassionate community where everyone, not just those with the loudest voices, feel supported and heard.’

Job Title:

Caseworker High Flow (Lottery Funded)

Professional Background:

After a long career delivering IT solutions and person-centred training in the public sector (Education, Local Authority and the NHS), Shelley has been working for Encompass since the beginning of 2025. Prior to this she worked for 4 years with the Amber Foundation supporting young adults experiencing addiction, trauma and disadvantage. Shelley has also intermittently worked for the Refugee Women's Centre in Calais and Dunkirk since 2017 and continues to support their activities of providing shelter and help to refugee women and families in Northern France. Shelley has a degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Keele, is a qualified teacher and experienced project manager.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Shelley’s primary role is to provide support to any adult (18 plus) who is referred to the service. Referrals can be from any agency, family or the individual themselves. The criteria for referral is having two or more complex needs, the support is long term and not commissioned. Shelley’s caseload is very varied with several referrals from Together Drug and Alcohol, Devon and Cornwall Police and Adult Social Services. She works on the What Matters to Me principal which can be delivered via regular casework, signposting or Team Around the Person (TAP) meetings. Her work is always trauma informed with a compassionate approach.

Commitment to Our Values:

Shelley believes strongly in social justice and equality. She is driven by compassion and empathy and will always fight for justice and inclusion. She works to try and empower people to be treated with respect and empowered to live their best possible lives. “Encompass gives me the freedom to safely explore all avenues and opportunities to support and help people without being restricted by bureaucratic and unnecessary constraints”.

Job Title:

Project Manager

Professional Background:

Tara began working in law before realising she wanted to work more directly with people and make a hands-on difference in her community. Since then, she’s built a varied career, working in drug and alcohol services, housing and youth services, and mental health development. Tara joined Encompass Southwest in 2021 as the Mental Health Development Lead and now manages several projects, including Brave Spaces, Torridge Rough Sleepers Project, and Housing First.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

As Project Manager, Tara oversees a number of projects that support people facing complex challenges such as homelessness, trauma, and domestic abuse. She works alongside dedicated teams and partner organisations to ensure Encompass’ services are person-centred, compassionate, and adaptable to people’s needs. Tara is passionate about creating a culture where staff feel supported to do their best work and where kindness shapes everything the team does.

Commitment to Our Values:

Tara prioritises putting people first and facing challenges with compassion and imagination. She believes that genuine connection and consistency make the biggest impact. “I love working for Encompass as we get to do things a bit differently. We can be creative in the way we support people who need us, and that helps us to build trust and change lives”

Recent Projects
Torridge Rough Sleeper

Money & Debt Advisor – Transitions Project

Professional Background:

Started with Encompass in January 2023 from 20-year background as detective in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) across di erent strands but primarily within DA Safeguarding. Prior to the MPS, my background was IT in network systems for Clinical Research Organisations.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

My role within Encompass as a Money & Debt Advisor on the Transitions Project, is to assist and advise clients from hard-to-reach groups on money management, debt advice, income maximisation, and benefits access within West Devon. The project managed by our partner charity Navigate, is to focus on clients that cannot easily, or at all, access mainstream debt advice and money services, due to disability, ill-health, or remoteness from accessibility either by virtue of their location, or lack of digital skills.

Commitment to Our Values:

Restoring the sense of purpose, control, and confidence, to individuals and families to manage their finances supporting their needs and removes or eases the financial burdens. Providing a wrap-around approach to the clients understanding the causes of financial problems, which can be complex due to disabilities, illness, financial exclusion from mainstream services, and ensuring our partner charities and agencies are involved when necessary. Taking the client on a journey from bewilderment and hopelessness to a position of confidence, self-reliance and financial stability is the goal and the reward.

SCAA Administrator and HIU Caseworker

Professional Background:

Vicki brings over 20 years of experience from the property sector, with a strong background in client relationship management, business development, and team leadership. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in mentoring, pastoral care, and supporting people through challenging circumstances, shaping an approach informed by trauma awareness and focused on community support. She joined Encompass Southwest in 2025, where she contributes across two projects: the System Change Action Alliance (SCAA) and the Flow Team as a High Intensity User (HIU) Caseworker.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

As Administrator for the SCAA, Vicki supports the team by coordinating activities, maintaining key documentation and keeping resources and communications up to date. In her role as an HIU Caseworker within the Flow Team, she works directly with individuals, helping them navigate complex systems and access the services and support they need.

Commitment to Our Values:

"I’m driven by collaboration, respect, and dignity in my work. Whether supporting partnerships across the system or working directly with individuals, I aim to be dependable, supportive, and person-centred. I feel proud to be part of a team that stands alongside people and communities, helping them move toward stronger, more secure lives."

Apprentice

Isabelle (Iss) joined our team at Encompass in June 2021 as an apprentice. She will be working in various roles across the charity.

Iss has first-hand experience of working with a range of people having worked locally in tourism and hospitality. She is keen to work in different areas of the charity, although her main role being the Women’s First team.

She is currently shadowing team members from Encompass in the Women’s First team, and with the team members in the supported living that encompass offers.

Night Support Staff and Brave Space Worker

Professional Background:

Julie joined Encompass in January 2021 as the “Move On” Accommodation Lettings Coordinator, working closely with the Winter Rough Sleeper support team to help people transition from emergency accommodation into sustainable homes within the private rented sector. With 16 years of experience running her own holiday accommodation business, she brought valuable knowledge of working with agents and landlords to the role. When funding for the project ended in June 2021, Julie continued her journey with Encompass, stepping into a new position that built on her extensive
experience supporting vulnerable adults both directly and behind the scenes. She is also a qualified AAT Accountant, adding another layer of expertise to her work.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Since July 2021, Julie has been part of the Women’s First support accommodation team as a Night Support Worker. In this role, she provides practical and emotional support to women facing difficult circumstances, helping them to feel safe, heard, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. She also provides support within the Brave Spaces drop-in sessions.

Commitment to Our Values:

Julie is driven by her belief in the resilience of people and the importance of compassion. As she explains: “I have first-hand experience of how people’s circumstances and lives can change overnight. It’s great that I can help vulnerable women to not only address any issues they may have and help them to make positive changes, but to also rise above any stigma and judgements in society.” Her commitment reflects Encompass’s mission to stand alongside individuals, offering support that helps them rebuild confidence and independence.

Recent Projects
Brave Spaces

Senior Support Worker – Supported Accommodation

Professional Background:

Rachel brings over 21 years of experience from the private sector, alongside more than eight years working within homelessness services, domestic abuse support, and Early Help provision. Since joining Encompass Southwest in 2023, she has played a pivotal role in leading our supported accommodation team, contributing deep sector knowledge, valuable lived experience, and her own distinctive sense of humour to her work.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Rachel works closely with residents living in our HMO, supporting them to maintain their tenancy, strengthen their independence, and build the confidence needed to move into their own accommodation. As Senior Support Worker, she also provides guidance and day-to-day support to our dedicated team, helping ensure high-quality, person-centred care across the service.

Commitment to Our Values:

Rachel is committed to delivering trauma-informed, empowering support that recognises each individual’s strengths and potential. She is driven by a belief in dignity, respect, and creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

Recent Projects
Brave Spaces

Female supported accommodation – domestic abuse support worker

Professional Background:

Rebecca has been working with the Brave Spaces project since June 2024, providing domestic abuse support in female accommodation. Previously she worked for NDADA in roles including an empowerment practitioner, volunteer counsellor and helping to facilitate Pattern Changing and their Side-by-Side mother and child group. Rebecca also works as a counsellor for Surviving Abuse North Devon, a specialist sexual abuse charity based in Barnstaple.

She has a degree in Integrative Counselling from the Iron Mill College, Exeter and a degree in Politics from the University of Durham. Before training to be a counsellor, she worked for 15 years as a national newspaper journalist.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

Rebecca’s role is primarily to provide domestic abuse support in female supported accommodation, alongside general day-to-day support as needed. The heart of her work is to build a trusting relationship and to help advocate for those who have experienced multiple disadvantages in their lives, such as childhood abuse, homelessness and domestic violence.

Commitment to Our Values:

Rebecca says: ‘I am passionate about female empowerment and working with some of the most marginalised people in society who have often not had their voice heard. It is a privilege to walk with them on their healing journey - ensuring they have agency and choice about how they live their lives. My role is to be led by them, with empathy, kindness, respect and compassion.'

Recent Projects
Brave Spaces

Administrative Assistant

Professional Background:

Pinar is the Administrative Assistant at Encompass Southwest, joining the team with a passion for organisational efficiency and a keen eye for detail. Her background and skills ensure that the charity’s daily operations run smoothly, supporting colleagues and services behind the scenes so that frontline teams can focus on delivering care and support.

Role at Encompass Southwest:

In her role, Pinar manages the day-to-day administrative tasks that keep Encompass running effectively. From coordinating processes to maintaining accurate records, she plays a vital part in ensuring the organisation stays organised and responsive to the needs of the people it supports.

Commitment to Our Values:

Pinar is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives. She takes pride in knowing that her work helps create the foundations for others to thrive. Outside of the office, she enjoys exploring the beautiful sights of North Devon, discovering new coastal gems and picturesque towns - a reminder of the importance of balance and wellbeing.