The Healthy Families Team work across local schools and community venues offering free one-to-one appointments for families who would like support to be healthier.

Here’s a chance to get to know the faces behind the work! The team is made up of real, down-to-earth individuals who are not only skilled at what they do but also genuinely friendly and approachable.

Dawn

Get to know me

Favourite food: Staffordshire Oatcakes – being a Stokie girl I treat myself to an oatcake whenever I go ‘home’.

Favourite thing to do in my spare time: I am a huge advocate for running and have run multiple marathons and ultra-marathons. You will find me most Saturday mornings at a parkrun somewhere in the country.

I have two Cockapoos so it’s a good job I love walking and being out in the open.

I am also a bit of a book worm. I love to read, my favourite genre being fantasy.

Interesting fact: I am a qualified alternative therapist. Although I don’t practice on other people anymore, I do still love to make remedies from essential oils, herbs and crystals.

Fun fact: I was one of the first girls to be invested into the Potteries Central District when girls were first allowed to the join the Scout Association. (I am that old! Bet you didn’t know Scouts used to just be for boys).

Victoria

I love working with people, helping to support families to make changes and seeing the difference in them at the end of our work together is my favourite part of my job!

Get To Know Me

Favourite food: Cake! I love baking and cake is my weakness! A simple iced sponge or a Victoria sponge are my favourites!

Favourite thing to do in my spare time: I don’t get much spare time as I’m a taxi for my children and their hobbies, however I do try and run four times a week. I try to fit this in when my children are at their clubs, it often means I double this up with socialising with my friends as I will meet them for a run, so we can catch up whilst being active!

Aside from this, I also really enjoy watching my children compete in their hobbies, I’ve seen the value sport has had on their confidence and seeing them passionate about what they love makes all the Mum taxi journeys worthwhile!

Interesting fact: I did a combined Health Studies and Deaf Studies degree at university and learned quite a bit of British Sign Language. Although I’m a bit rusty nowadays I still know some and will try to use it when the opportunity arises.

Fun fact: I once played the back end of a donkey in a pantomime – it’s back-breaking as you have to spend a lot of time leant forward!!

Kate

Although the job role can be challenging at times, it can be so rewarding when you have a family or individual, willing to make healthy lifestyle changes and succeed in their goals.

Get To Know Me

Favourite food: Cake! But in moderation I promise!

Favourite thing to do in my spare time: I love to dance! I started ballet when I was 3 years old and although I stopped at the age of 16 to concentrate on my studies, I took it up again in my late 20s. I also continued through both of my pregnancies; I have two little girls, and still do it now.

I also love fashion and as a trained Personal Stylist I love nothing more than helping people find their confidence through fashion and style. 

Interesting fact: I beat cancer at 18 and have been cancer free for 19 years. I count it as one of my biggest achievements.

Fun fact: Some of the original ‘Gladiators’ came to Blists Hill one day when I was a kid and I got photos with them and autographs! Wolf was always my fave and I got to meet him!