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.

Sharon grew up in Wells and is passionate about and supporting the local community. She has many years of experience working within the charity sector including Oxfam, Spark Somerset and the Connect Centre in Wells.

During the pandemic, Sharon was involved in the creation of the Wells Community Network and is very proud to be involved again. She also organised a foodbank at the Connect Centre, which provided thousands of hot meals and food parcels to the local community.

Sharon is also a longstanding member of The Wells Little Theatre and has directed 3 pantos and a play. She can also be found on stage, backstage or behind the bar.

Sharon lives in Wells with her husband, two children and 3 cats and can sometimes be spotted jogging (very slowly!) around town in an attempt to keep fit.

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.

Carrie worked in the Aircraft Industry for 20 years and decided on a career change just prior to the pandemic. Carrie joined the Methodist Home Association Communities Charity; launched a telephone befriending service and recruited volunteers. She also coordinated the supply of hot meals to people in their homes over the lockdown period.

Carrie supports the Art Bank in Shepton Mallet with various activities.

“ I am proud to join the Lawrence Centre where I can expand my passion & values, which is to maintain social activities for as many people as possible within the community”

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.

Jo has been working with people in various roles for twenty years plus, including as a community carer, live-in carer, community empowerment officer, Reiki therapist and trainer, Kinesiology practitioner and creative workshop facilitator. She is also a musician, writer and artist and has a degree in Creative Writing (2012).

Jo has lived in Somerset since 2004 and is currently based in Shepton Mallet.

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.

Debbie has joined us with over 28 years of caring experience and is loving the social inclusion and fun we have here at The Lawrence Centre.

Debbie is an active member of her local W.I. and enjoys taking part in the W.I. walking netball. She loves walking her dog, bingo and jigsaws.

She’s also kept busy with her 13 grandchildren and recently welcomed her first great grandchild into her family!