Tracey is the driving force behind Chopsticks, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She leads the team with dedication, supporting both staff and members while nurturing strong relationships with families, carers and partner organisations. Always hands-on and forward-thinking, Tracey brings genuine care and commitment to making Chopsticks — and everyone involved — the best it can be.

Laura is the steady hand behind the scenes, keeping the workshops running like clockwork. She ensures the team feels supported and valued, while overseeing key areas like kindling production and the laser room. Laura also works closely with some team members out in the community. Calm, approachable and highly organised, she’s a true all-rounder who brings harmony and efficiency to everything she touches.

Tasha started out in the workshop but now plays a key role managing the organisation’s finances. She handles our payments and accounts with care and precision and is often the warm, welcoming voice you hear on the phone. Despite her financial responsibilities, Tasha still enjoys spending time in the workshop alongside our members — it’s the space all staff love to be in.

Stewart brings a steady presence to the team. He helps members stay safe while teaching them new skills in our woodworking area, the ChopShed. He often takes some of the gang out gardening and is happy to visit potential new customers to deliver quotes for works they require.

Leigh-Anne supports members both in the workshop and out in the garden, fostering independence and helping individuals establish routines that suit their needs. She brings warmth, enthusiasm and a great sense of humour to every shift.

Melanie is a dedicated and compassionate member of the team who plays a vital role in supporting members in the Kindling Workshop and helping maintain our customers’ gardens. She works closely with clients to promote independence at home and encourages active engagement within their local communities.

Her support includes assistance with daily living tasks such as household cleaning, meal preparation, shopping and accompanying clients to social outings like the cinema and other community events. Melanie also takes responsibility for managing all our care and support plans, ensuring each individual’s needs are met with professionalism and empathy.

Elaine provides dedicated support to our members within the community and is deeply valued by the entire team. Her unwavering commitment and genuine compassion truly embody the spirit of caregiving. Like her colleagues, Elaine consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our members receive the highest level of care and support.

Shannon initially joined the team as a student while completing her Health and Social Care course at Darlington College. After successfully passing her course, she was offered a full-time position — an opportunity she was thrilled to accept. Shannon enjoys collaborating with members in the workshop and consistently contributes to a wide range of projects across the site.

Justin is a valued member of the Kindling Workshop team, where he thrives creatively and is always ready to lend a hand wherever support is needed. Staff have uncovered a strong artistic side and he will soon be spending more time working with members in the Art Room to further explore this talent.

In addition to his artistic flair, Justin brings practical skills to the team, including solid knowledge of bike maintenance and a growing talent in woodworking. Quiet and thoughtful in nature, he is a skilled and dependable member of the staff team whose contributions are deeply appreciated.