Our Wonderful Volunteers

ORIANA BEVAN

Chair of the board
I joined Open Minds in 2019 as a Trustee as I enjoy volunteering and have always loved working alongside those with Learning Disabilities. I have previously worked as a support worker as well as held other voluntary roles in the charity sector. Last year I became Chair of the Board of Trustees, I chair all our meetings and help oversee the running of the charity.

SIAN

VOLUNTEER
I've been volunteering with Open Minds since 2019 and my favourite thing about it is definitely chatting to the members and hearing their stories. Outside of Open Minds, I work full time at a university, but I also wanted to do something rewarding in my spare time. I also enjoy arts and crafts and meeting new people, so Open Minds was the perfect volunteering opportunity for me!

ANDREW

VOLUNTEER
I have been a volunteer with Open Minds for over 9 years! Currently I am studying at university to be a Radiographer. I volunteer with Open Minds on weekends at the craft and 'out and about' sessions. In addition to monitoring our members whatsapp group, offering support and advice to our members when they share their worries. The members have known me for a long time and I have good relationships with them.

BETH

VOLUNTEER
I started volunteering for Open Minds in December 2021. I help out at the craft sessions and Sue always comes brimming with new and interesting activities to do - I learn something new every time! I am also greatly humbled as I get to know the members and what life is like for them. What I love most about volunteering here is getting to be part of a lovely community that creates a safe and fun space for the members

CLAIRE

VOLUNTEER
Hi I'm Claire. I am trained as a learning disability nurse. I am a volunteer with Open Minds. I have mainly supported with the 'Out and About' group, which usually involves a café and lovely walk. We even did a Ghost Walk around Nottingham which was interesting! I would really recommend joining as friendly people and a safe place to have a chat if needed. We go at a pace to match the group and its always good to explore new places and get some fresh air!

PIP

VOLUNTEER
My name is Pip short for Phillipa, I am originally from Germany. I have been a volunteer with Open Minds for many years! I help out at our weekend sessions and enjoy it a lot. Recently I joined the board of trustees to be more involved in the running of the charity. I attend meetings every two months and use my perspective as a volunteer to help shape the decisions we make.

PATRICK

TRUSTEE CO-ORDINATOR & VOLUNTEER
I have been involved with Open Minds since 1996, as a volunteer and from 2003 employed as Co-ordinator. There have been major changes over the last 27 years as we have developed from a voluntary group through to a sustainable organisation supporting disabled people. The motivation, as then and now, is the empathy we create for individuals, who then carry this forward in the relationships they create in our group.

DAVID AUSTIN

Trustee and former chair of the board
With accountancy background David has been managing director and business manager of a number of enterprises, including the employment of persons with various disabilities.
Whilst he is now retired, in addition to Open Minds, he is involved with local charities, and a business mentor with the Prince’s Trust.

David has been a Trustee of Open Minds since 2004, and as Chairman for 15 years. It is an honour and privilege to serve this unique group, and to see the benefits of Open Minds
social gatherings in terms of addressing isolation, and confidence building.

David is 81, married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren

JOHN MASON

Trustee & Treasurer
I was brought up in Ruislip, NW London . I moved to Nottingham in 1966 after university to join Boots. During my retirement after a career in production and personnel management I took up a number of voluntary rolls including Young Enterprise and The Princes Trust both giving business experience to young people. People's College ( as it was then) as a Governor and Citizens Advice Nottingham as a Trustee. I joined Open Minds some 10 years ago again hoping that my work experience would be
useful. Having an affinity with numbers I took up the role of Treasurer.


Although a small organisation it makes a positive difference for its members and is served by a friendly committed and enthusiastic staff and volunteers.

Would you like to become a volunteer?

Volunteering can be hugely rewarding, please contact us for more information.
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