Meet the Team

Mat Iles  : Director

Has worked for local authorities,  the national charity The Royal Mencap Society and the NHS in roles empowering adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in all aspects of their lives.

My work in local authorities was day centre based for people with learning disabilities and/or profound and multiple learning disabilities. My role was to create more opportunities for service users to access the community, enroll and facilitate college courses and signpost & support to employment.

Other work for the local authority was providing residential support in an emergency and medium term respite home to people with learning disabilities as well as working within council day services.

The project I worked on for Mencap was supporting people with learning disabilities that had lost or were losing their council run day services into employment or training in the Bristol area. Also creating microenterprises for people who we deemed to be “furthest from the job market”, such as the successful “RE:Potted Recycling” business, employing two adults who have learning disabilities, which I’m still involved with.

Working for the NHS in a residential care environment, my role was supporting adults who had learning disabilities and/or autism who “challenged society” (formerly known as challenging behaviour).  The post involved supporting service users with all aspects of their life, from getting dressed, cooking, personal care and supporting people to access the community,
Before all of this, I worked as a computer helpdesk analyst for the NHS after returning from living in South Africa where I worked as a market trader in the sunny city of Cape Town!

Annie Iles : Director

Annie has over 25 years experience working with Adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and autism. Annie has worked in residential settings, day services, and supported employment; promoting opportunities and services that are tailored to individuals and support people to access a wide range of community opportunities that exercise choice and control. This has included supporting people to lead a fulfilling life through community participation, employment, education, independent living and creating new social networks and is committed to realize the key principles set out in the Governments white paper ‘Valuing People’ and legislation.

Annie has worked in education services, voluntary sector and charitable providers. Annie works for the local authority within Health Improvement to deliver services, raise awareness and access to services that can help improve the health & wellbeing for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Annie has fulfilled a wide range of social care training. In 1999 Annie was awarded with a ‘Certificate in Education’ and in 2009 received a ‘Registered Managers Award’. Annie is currently working towards a ‘Public Health & Health Promotion’ award to further promote and reduce health inequalities that can influence health.

Adam Osborne  :   Co-Trainer

Worked as a Community Champion for South Gloucestershire Council promoting the rights of people with learning disabilities.  Also worked for the charity Bristol & South Glos People First as an Inclusion Champion delivering presentations, workshops and training on learning disabilities. Adam Olympic Torch Bearer

Adam also works as a library assistant for the University of the West of England (UWE) and is a decorated olympic swimmer and was torch bearer at the 2013 Bath Special Olympics. Adam is  an “expert by experience” as he has a learning disability and Aspergers syndrome.

Mike Clothier : Co-Trainer

Worked as a Community Champion for South Gloucestershire Council promoting the rights of people with learning disabilities. Also worked for the charity Bristol & South Glos People First as an Inclusion Champion delivering presentations, workshops and training on learning disabilities. Mike has also worked for the charity The Royal Mencap Society as an administrator in one of their residential homes. Mike is an “expert by experience” as he has Down’s syndrome.

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 Chris : Community Support Worker. 

Worked for local authorities within day services for over 20 years and brings those vital skills and experience to her role that are needed when supporting people. When Chris isn’t working, she’s usually chasing after her grandchildren!!

 Sharon: Job Coach & Community Support Worker

Worked for local authorities within day services for over 20 years and brings those vital skills and experience to her role that are needed when supporting people with in their work or in the community. Sharon’s a keen Bristol Rovers fan!

 Deb: Community Support Worker

Worked for local authorities within day services and supported independence services for over 20 years and brings those vital skills and experience to her role that are needed when supporting people in their community. When Deb isn’t working, she’s caravanning!

 Steve : Community Support Worker

Worked for local authorities within day services for over 15 years and brings those vital skills and experience to her role that are needed when supporting people in their community.  Steve’s an active Scout volunteer and budding actor!

 Fiona : Community Support Worker

Worked for other day service and supported living projects before joining LD Awareness in 2017, bringing 5 years experience to the team. When Fiona’s not working, she’s riding horses or rescuing cats!

 Gerry : Community Support Worker & Job Coach

Gerry has worked for local authorities as well as private sector support services for over 20 years, both in day services and supported living. Gerry enjoys singing in a local choir.

 Tony : Community Support Worker

Worked for local authorities within day services for over 15 years and brings those vital skills and experience to his role that are needed when supporting people in their community.  When Tony’s not working, you’ll find him playing guitar in a local band.

 Carol : Community Support Worker

Carol worked for local authorities within day services for over 20 years and brings those vital skills and experience to her role that are needed when supporting people with in their work or in the community. Carol loves getting away in their VW Camper van when she’s not working.

 Tiff : Community Support Worker & Job Coach

Tiff came into social care quite late after forging a career in the public sector as an HR manager. However, she brings life experience and empathy to her role, key skills when supporting people. When Tiff isn’t working, you can find her camping in her “bongo” van.

 Ian : Community Support Worker & Job Coach

Ian was a little “late to the party” until he found his calling within the social care sector after careers in publishing and sales. He brings energy, fresh ideas and more energy! When Ian isn’t at work, he’s a keen VW fanatic.

ALL STAFF HOLD ENHANCED “DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE” (DBS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS “CRB”) CHECKS