Following a degree in Social Science and completing a person-centred counselling course, Maggie worked for Somerset County Council Social Services Department for 15 years.

She was initially based in GP surgeries across Mendip and South Somerset working with the the Carers Service, providing advice and support to Carers.

She then went on to work with the Active Living Team supporting Groups across Somerset. In 2011 with a lot of experience of working with older people and groups, Maggie set up the Lawrence Centre and, with the support of trustees, The Lawrence Centre opened in May 2012.

Marcia moved to Wells in 2016 following a career in Vocational Rehabilitation, working in the public, not for profit and the private sector. Initially working as a case manager then moving on to lead teams of Occupational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Nurses located across the UK.

Her work also involved delivering disability awareness workshops, to employers and medical professionals, particularly in respect of mental health. 

Marcia was in the first UK group to gain the Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) Award, also achieving the Auditor Award (CBDMA) from the International Disability Management Standards Council.

Kirstie  has many years’ experience as an administrator, having worked for national and regional newspaper editors as their PA.

Since moving to Somerset, Kirstie has worked as an administrator, fundraiser and business manager for several businesses and charities. She was a founding director of Project Factory CIC, initiating the Wake Up Wells project and Wells Lantern parade. She also helped to set up the Wells Coronavirus Network, now Wells Community Network.

As a volunteer, she campaigned for the provision of new playgrounds for Wells, managed the kids area at Wells Food Festival and was secretary of Wells Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

In 2023, Kirstie graduated from Strode College with a Foundation Art and Design Diploma, which she is putting to good use at The Lawrence Centre during arts and craft activity sessions. She loves making lanterns and papier mâché figures.

Hazel worked for the NHS for many years including at the Day Hospital for the Somerset Foundation Trust.

She has a wealth of experience in a caring role with older people with a focus on Memory/Dementia Services.

Hazel has worked with The Lawrence centre since 2021 providing Outreach Services. She has recently also taken on a role as Session Leader with the Centre , a role she enjoys.

Hazel has three grown up children, 4 Grandchildren and was born and raised in Somerset and when not working enjoys spending time with her family and pet dog Ebony.

Jo has a degree in Psychology and is a dedicated and versatile professional with a background in administration, mental health, sales, retail, and hospitality, excelling in delivering exceptional service and support. With a strong passion for personal growth, she utilizes her expertise to foster positive and productive work environments. Through her extensive experience in various roles, Jo has developed a unique blend of skills, including administration, crisis management, customer service excellence, and problem-solving. Notably, she has worked with and supported vulnerable clients for many years, refining her mental health support skills and cultivating compassion and empathy. As a coach in acrobatic gymnastics, Jo nurtures the skills and confidence of young athletes. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her two daughters and enjoys hobbies such as walking, reading, and swimming.

Janette trained as a teacher and has over twenty years teaching and school management experience. She has oodles of experience motivating people and getting the best out of them in a fun way. She has also been a Home Start volunteer and a volunteer for The Alzheimer’s Society; making a difference to peoples lives is what motivates her.

Janette moved to Wells from Plymouth in 2018 and began volunteering at The Lawrence Centre, primarily in the kitchen. In March 2021 she started working as a session leader. Janette loves utilising her creative side to provide fun sessions for all our fabulous centre users.

Sarah has lived locally all her life working in education teaching and mentoring both adults and children. For the last nine years, based at a local charity for adults with learning disabilities, she was a group leader running craft and computing workshops.

Sarah joined the The Lawrence Centre in January 2022 and is really enjoying getting to know all the members and being part of a creative and dedicated team.

Yvonne is a qualified occupational therapist and has worked in mental health for the past 25 years, with a focus on older people's services and dementia services, in the latter part of her career.

Yvonne moved to Somerset 6 years ago and recently semi-retired from working for the NHS.

She is very pleased to be part of the Lawrence Centre team.

Emma has rejoined the team recently and is delighted to be back.

Emma moved to Wells about 20 years ago and has a wide range of experience.

Emma really enjoys the arts and theatre and has lots of fun with our members each week.