Befriending Team
Meet the PODS Befriending Team, all Befrienders are Parent Carers themselves. They have the relevant lived experience and know what it’s like to receive a diagnosis for their child or young person and the challenges that come with it.
Matthew Downes-Ward
Jenny Smith
Tracey Tomlinson
I have been involved with PODS for just over 3years. When I first joined, I was nervous about what I was getting involved in but now I’ve made lots of friends whilst being involved lovely to see all members, welcome new people, have a cuppa and a chat, be there for anyone needing to talk.
I say to anyone if you are thinking about coming to any sessions or just fancy a cuppa, chat please do we are here for you and will make you feel so welcome.
Sarah Hall
I have been a Volunteer and Trustee with PODS since February 2023, these are roles that I greatly value and enjoy and feel proud to be involved with such a dynamic, wide reaching and highly effective organisation. Prior to taking on these roles I worked as a Team Leader with Telford and Wrekin Children’s Services for several years, having worked closely with PODS as a professional, this experience inspired me to become further involved with PODS following a change of career. My involvement with PODS as a professional gave me insight and a good overview of the diverse range of support that PODS provides in the community and to families, however, becoming more closely involved through the roles of Volunteer and Trustee has opened my eyes further to the amazing levels of dedication, lived experience, knowledge experience and skills that the PODS team all provide. Being involved as a Volunteer has enabled me to take on a wide variety of experiences and opportunities including befriending, grant applications, sleep course, training, trips and events etc. As a Trustee I am proud to be involved in the governance and decision making within the organisation as part of a committed and passionate team of Trustees. I have gained and continue to benefit from additional knowledge and awareness from the time I spend with PODS, every session is a learning opportunity and widens my awareness. Overall I find my time with PODS always fills me with inspiration, energy, enriched perception and appreciation.
Tina Jarvis
Hi, my name is Tina I’m 42. I have been with my husband for 24 years. We have 3 children, a 17 year old daughter and two son’s age 7 and 9. All 3 of my children are SEN children. My work/volunteer background from the age of 18 has been with children and adults with Additional Needs.
I started Volunteering as a Befriender in 2019, but have been involved with PODS for a long time.
Bridie Jones
My name is Bridie, my role as a Befriender is supporting parents/carers and ensuring no one feels alone and in despair especially when the going gets tough.
It is very important to me to be there and help families take small steps to make positive changes. Having used PODS myself and having lived experiences with a child with an ASC diagnosis it was important for me to give something back to help and support others whether it’s a phone call to listen or offering practical advice or signposting to other services.
Robyn Cooper
Hello, my name is Robyn, I have a 8 year old who has been diagnosed with ASD.
I’ve been coming to PODS since 2022 when I was mentally suffering and at rock bottom, I reached out on the Facebook page and started using the Befriending Scheme, it really helped me to come back from a dark place. I started with just phone calls to then coming in for a chat and tea for an hour 1 to 1.
I then started coming in and doing different sessions such as crafts, knit and natter, cake decorating and Blists Hill visits. Everyone is so lovely and welcoming, it’s our safe space where there is no judgement.
I have started Befriending to help people who are currently where I was back in 2022. If you see me, please feel free to come and chat to me, I will talk and listen to anyone!
Fun little side note in case you’re not sure what to talk to me about, I enjoy plants of many kinds (indoor, gardening and aquascaping as well as animals and crafts. (I have a lot of animals at home). Or if you want to talk about how you’re feeling or what you’re going through right now that’s ok too.
Kerry Downes-Ward