the team
The Support Choices team is made up of a Team Manager, an Office Manager, an Administrator and 6 Community Workers .
RICHARD IBBOTSON - TEAM MANAGER
Richard’s background is in social care management and development in the voluntary sector with a speciality in autism and learning disability. He is enthusiastic about enabling people to lead active and enjoyable lives. At Support Choices he is responsible for leading the team and for the development of the organisation.
In his free time he runs his own autism consultancy and art business as well as chasing after 2 spaniels.
Richard can be contacted at richard@supportchoices.co.uk
Holli wilks - OFFICE MANAGER
Holli has worked in care settings for over 20 years and is passionate about ensuring people have access to good quality social care across Perth and Kinross. She also works as a Project Worker with Barnardos supporting children, young people and their families.
In Holli’s free time, she loves to learn and has recently graduated with a BSc in Psychology. She enjoys running, mountain biking, reading and spending time with her husband and two girls.
Holli can be contacted at holli@supportchoices.co.uk
Vicky pooler - administrator
Vicky is an experienced administrator within many forms for different organisations over the years, with an in depth knowledge of the third sector. Throughout her career she has always been drawn towards working in the third sector.
In her free time Vicky enjoys gardening, yoga and spending time with her husband, son, elderly Beagle and young VERY energetic Border Collie.
Vicky can be contacted on vicky@supportchoices.co.uk
marisa bruce - sessional community worker
Marisa has completed her community brokerage qualification and is passionate about individual rights within social care and making sure everyone is living the life they choose. Marisa enjoys meeting people in rural Perthshire and finding some great communities that are flourishing with activities and support.
In her spare time she enjoys going out on her bike and climbing Munros with her dogs.
Marisa can be contacted on marisa@supportchoices.co.uk.
COLLEEN COCHRANE - sessional community worker
Colleen is extremely passionate about ensuring people are happy with their support and that it is right for them. This passion has come from years of experience working in different social care settings such as community care, supported accommodations, hospitals, care homes and day-centres. Colleen is currently also an SDS Personal Assistant so has seen first hand the amazing benefits and also some of the difficulties people encounter when accessing social care.
In her free time Coleen enjoys surfing, coasteering and riding motorcycles.
Colleen can be contacted at colleen@supportchoices.co.uk.
SAM GLADWELL - COMMUNITY WORKER
Sam moved to Highland Perthshire with her family at the end of 2020. She has a long running background of working in care settings including private, clinical and through volunteering and is keen to support community involvement for all individuals, to ensure people can live the life they want.
Sam is a mum of 3, has 2 dogs and enjoys exploring new walks in the countryside. In her spare time she likes to cook vegetarian food and bake, she also loves everything crafty.
Sam can be contacted on sam@supportchoices.co.uk
Vivian robertson - community worker
Vivian joined us in May this year, she has a varied work background, including social housing and education, latterly working to support children with ASN and youth work. Shis keen to ensure children, families and individuals are well supported, listened to, and cared for.
Vivian has 3 children, 3 cocker spaniels and lives in Highland Perthshire. She enjoys walking, water sports and reading in her spare time and likes to garden and travel as often as possible.
Vivian can be contacted on vivian@supportchoices.co.uk
PENNY THOMAS - SESSIONAL COMMUNITY WORKER
Penny has worked in the charity sector for many years, mainly in mental health services and services for people with dementia. She also has lots of experience working with unpaid carers. She is passionate about helping people improve their well-being, and helping people maintain and develop their valued life activities.
Penny also works as a remedial massage therapist, and tutors part-time delivering courses for a local authority on Stress Management and Confidence-Building. She is currently studying her Counselling Skills Diploma.
In her spare time, Penny loves getting out for walks with friends, learning how to garden without killing everything she plants, and practicing Mindfulness meditation. She also enjoys visiting galleries, and bookshops.
Penny can be contacted on penny@supportchoices.co.uk
Alison tanner - COMMUNITY WORKER
Alison joined us in August 2023 and has an extensive and varied working background, within both Health and Social Care sectors, as well as private and third sector organisations.
Alison holds strong values of ensuring that all individuals are given choice, their voices heard and that they are enabled to live the life they choose. She enjoys meeting people and sharing knowledge and experience, alongside learning from others.
Alison lives in South Perthshire and enjoys walking with her energetic, young Springador, who keeps her fit. In her spare time, she likes gardening, reading, coffee and cake with friends and is in the long process of updating her house.
Alison can be contacted at alison@supportchoices.co.uk