Our Team - Home-Start South and West Devon

Our Team

We currently have 7 paid staff that are employed and managed by a Voluntary Trustee Board that includes representatives from local agencies. A paid manager is responsible for managing the scheme on a day-to-day basis

If you would like to get to know a bit more about our staff click here for staff profiles.

Our Staff

Andrea Chandler

CEO

Andrea Chandler

CEO

My name is Andrea and I have been with the scheme since January 2006. I started as a Coordinator when we just covered the South Hams. I am delighted and proud to have seen the organisation grow and expand and for the opportunity this has given me to work with hundreds of amazing volunteers. I have one grown up daughter and live with my partner in Plymouth.

Zoe Bell

Scheme Manager & Domestic Abuse Champion

Zoe Bell

Scheme Manager & Domestic Abuse Champion

My name is Zoe, I am the Scheme Manager, and I have been with Home-Start South and West Devon for 12 years. I am very passionate about what we do, seeing the difference we make to local families, and feel very lucky to work with such a fantastic staff team and wonderful volunteers. My other passion in life is my family - I am very lucky to have a husband and 2 amazing children - a 20-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. I also love Yoga and reading and am trying to love running!!

Irina Jones

PR / Marketing Champion

Irina Jones

PR / Marketing Champion

I am Irina. I came to Plymouth to study at the university when I was just 17 years old from Russia and never left! After I finished university, I worked in the accounting department for a tour operator. When I had my twins, I decided to no go back to work and became a stay at home mum ( It's the hardest job I ever had). When my twins started school, I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands, so I looked for a volunteer opportunity and this is how I came across Home-Start. I really enjoyed supporting the family, so when a job with Home-Start came up I applied!So here I am now! I live in Plymouth with my husband and 10-year-old twins Alex and Zoe.

Nicole Ruck

Co-ordinator & Volunteer Champion

Nicole Ruck

Co-ordinator & Volunteer Champion

I'm Nicole and I have been a Coordinator with Home-Start since October 2017. I also work directly with families delivering Triple P Family Transitions and Family Check-Up. I am the Volunteer Champion for the scheme, so any fun events, socials, or fundraising ideas, please let me know. I am a single mum with two boys Sam age 18 and Jacob age 15 and have lived in Ivybridge for the last 9 years, previously living in various locations like, Poole, Bristol, Oxford, and Monmouth. I love going on holiday, anywhere sunny and hot, but last Christmas braved the snow in Poland and loved it, so definitely on my agenda to do a snowy holiday again soon, (not so sure on skiing!)

I am Marissa, I've been working for Home-Start for a year and a half. I started out as a Family Support Worker and am now a Coordinator within the team. I live in Cornwall with my husband and two daughters who are 15 and 8 years old. We also have a three-year-old Bichon Frise who keeps us busy! Previously, I have worked as a Parent Support Advisor in primary and secondary schools and, before my move to Cornwall 13 years ago, I worked for The Thames Valley Probation Service.

Susie Holdsworth

Senior Administrator & Wellbeing Champion

Susie Holdsworth

Senior Administrator & Wellbeing Champion

My name is Susie and I am from Plymouth and now live in Ivybridge, but have spent many years living away, first in Leeds, then London, and Bristol for 10 years, before moving back home 5 years ago. I am married with two daughters, both at secondary school. I was lucky enough to start working at Home-Start as an Administrator as soon as I moved back, and am very happy to still be part of such an amazing team and much needed charity.

Claire Burchnall

Senior Administrator & Wellbeing Champion

Claire Burchnall

Senior Administrator & Wellbeing Champion

I am Claire and I have been with the team since 2017 after moving to Plymouth from Leicester with my family. I live in Plymstock with my husband , 2 boys and dog Rudi, I also have 3 grown up children living in Leicester and China and 2 little Grand-daughters. In my spare time I am a qualified Reflexologist and have a part time Reflexology business and Wellbeing is one of my interests. I try to keep healthy by attempting to run, do Pilates and healthy cooking.

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Andrea Chandler

Zoe Bell

Irina Jones

Nicole Ruck

Susie Holdsworth

Claire Burchnall

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