Meet The Team
David Haigh - Founder
David and Jo started Always Another Way back in July 2016.
David previously worked with probation and young offenders after turning his own life around many years ago. He worked as a volunteer Director, LGBTQ+ Peer Support to other fathers and a volunteer driver for Always Another Way, Cumbria, until he stepped down due to a worsening of his health in 2018.
Jo Haigh- Founder
Jo has worked in the Mental Health and Health & Social Care Sector for over 15 years, undertaking her Cert H&Sc, Dip H&Sc, and BSc Hons (Open) in Mental Health and Health & Social Care while working with organisations such as the Hypermobility Syndrome Association, Ehlers-Danlos UK and Bipolar UK as well as spending two years as The Copeland Mental Health Representative for Service Users & Carers. Personally, Jo has experienced many obstacles; she suffers from Bipolar Disorder, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Diabetes and Fibromyalgia, however, along with her husband David, and their teenage daughter (who struggles with EDS, Gender Identity Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder), the family combined their skill sets and knowledge to enable another way forward- joining like-minded people together to improve our community through Always Another Way, Cumbria.
Sam Benson- Director
Sam joined Always Another Way, Cumbria as a member of the Events team in August 2016 after she realised we always rope her into our community work and projects anyway – what’s that old saying: if you can’t beat them, join them!
Sam has fantastic managerial, organisational and office skills. She has a first class Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies and training in business, safeguarding and Special Educational Needs. For a number of years Sam has worked in child care and managing a nursery for pre-school children locally. Sam has worked with children in a range of age groups and with a variety of backgrounds including those with disabilities, learning difficulties and children learning English as an additional language. Sam has strong family values and is committed to helping people access the care and support they need. In September 2017 Sam joined us as a Director at Always Another Way and recently became a volunteer coordinator; training and managing volunteers to support children and families in Copeland.
Janette Tear- Director
Hi, I'm Janette. Most people know me through my role as a community nurse, others through my arts and crafts, upcycling and volunteer roles within the community.
I've joined Always Another Way, Cumbria Ltd as a Director and I'm looking forward to being part of the organisation as it grows. I've lived locally all my life and I know that by working together we can build community spirit and support one another
Ang Crawford- Director
Hi, I'm Ang and I've recently started as a Director for Always Another Way, Cumbria Ltd. In work, I'm a teaching assistant, an early years practitioner, a mid-day supervisor and a clerk to the Governors at an infant school in Workington, as well as being a mum of 5. As you can imagine, I haven't much time to spare but when David's health meant he had to step down as Director I was so pleased the board brought me on board. I'm a big believer that with the right support; we can achieve anything. I would consider myself a very open, supportive and caring person who is always happy to help and support others.
Sonny Smith- Director
Hi, my name is Sonny Smith from Harrington. I am an economics graduate looking to go into medicine. The primary reason for this, is that I really enjoy helping and supporting people. That's the same reason I applied for a Director position here at Always Another Way, Cumbria when one became available. I'm very motivated and want to help people get back on track, support them with their issues and finally, assist the organisation to be the best they can at providing mental health support to clients locally.
Andrea Sales- Manager
Hiya, I'm Andrea and I've just joined Always Another Way as the part time Manager.
I have worked in voluntary and statutory community and youth work sectors since I was 16 years old. I'm originally from Lancaster and moved back to Cumbria at the beginning of this year. I'm really excited to be part of the team and looking forward to getting stuck in and making a difference in the local community.
Kerry Carruthers - W/Cumbria Eating Disorder Support for the parents of those with ED. Project Lead
Kerry Runs our Eating Disorder Support Group for the parents of those with ED, along with being ASIST trained, Kerry is also a Mental Health First Aider
Louise Branch - CONNECT (Mental Health Drop-in). Project Lead
Louise runs our Mental Health Drop-in, along with being ASIST trained, Louise is also an ASIST Trainer, a Mental Health First Aider, Trained First Aider (Adults), trained in basic sign language, Food Safety & Hygiene as well as business and admin. Louise is now helping out in the office.
Lorna Hurst - COLOUR CODED (LGBTQ+ Project 8-24 yr olds). Project Lead
Lorna currently runs our LGBTQ+ Support for 8-24 yr olds, along with being ASIST trained, Lorna is also an ASIST Trainer, a Mental Health First Aider, Trained First Aider (Adults), trained in Food Safety & Hygiene as well as British Sign Language.
Gail Dobson-Burns - SILENT FOOTPRINTS (Baby Loss Support). Project Lead
Gail runs our Baby Loss Support Group, along with being ASIST trained, Gail is a is also a Mental Health First Aider, and First Aider (Adults and Paediatrics).
Nick - COLOUR CODED (LGBTQ+ Project 8-24 yr olds). Project Lead in Training
Photo Coming Soon
Nick is currently our LGBTQ+ Lead in training, as well as joining our office and admin team.
Aiden Pattinson
Aiden currently volunteers helping with our LGBTQ+ project, Gardening project and in the office. Aiden provides youth peer support, as well as being a trained First Aider (Adults) and ASIST Trained.
Ken Hurst
Ken currently volunteers as a driver for Always Another Way, along with helping with our LGBTQ+ project, Gardening project, IT/Tech and odd jobs. Ken is a trained First Aider (Adults), Trained in basic sign language, Mental Health First Aid, ASIST Trained and Food Safety Trained.
Danielle Hurst
Danielle is currently volunteering with our Mental Health Drop-in
Karena Duffy
Karena currently volunteers as researcher for Always Another Way, Karena is a trained First Aider (Adults), Trained in basic sign language, Mental Health First Aid, Fire Warden and ASIST Trained.
Stu Dobson-Burns
Stu currently volunteers helping with IT/TECH and providing an extra hand, here at Always Another Way. Stu is a trained First Aider (Paediatrics) and ASIST Trained.
Andy Brown
Andy currently volunteers as a driver for Always Another Way. Andy helps with odd jobs, or as extra staff, when needed. He is a trained First Aider (Adults) and ASIST Trained.
Stephen Benson
Stephen currently volunteers as a driver for Always Another Way. Stephen helps with odd jobs, or as extra staff, when needed.
Tom Wren
Tom currently volunteers on our Gardening project. He's always willing to help with any odd jobs.
Jay Smith
Jay currently volunteers on our Gardening project here at Always Another Way.
Jodie Murphy
Jodie currently volunteers as event staff, extra hands and is hoping to increase her role within the organisation.
Shannon Laverty
Shannon currently volunteers as event staff, extra hands, where needed and she is a trained First Aider (Adults).
Phoenix Lindsay
Phoenix currently volunteers as event staff, extra hands and offers peer support for young people. Phoenix is becoming a pro at helping with sign language exams
Danni Murphy
Danni currently volunteers as event staff, extra hands and is hoping to increase her role within the organisation.
Jess Hurst
Jess has recently moved on to event staff and started University, when home, she volunteers on our LGBTQ+ project, provides youth peer support, as well as being a trained First Aider (Adults) and ASIST Trained.
Beth Hurst
Beth has recently moved on to event staff and started University, when home, she volunteers on our LGBTQ+ project, provides youth peer support, as well as being a trained First Aider (Adults) and ASIST Trained.
Charlee McGuiness
Charlee has recently moved on to event staff and started University, when home, she volunteers on our LGBTQ+ project, provides youth peer support, as well as being a trained First Aider (Adults).
Chloe Simpson
Chloe has recently moved on to event staff while she's living in Newcastle. Chloe is a trained First Aider (Adults) and looks forward to helping more when she's back in the area.
Emma Forsyth
Emma volunteers with us for events, as extra hands, where needed and is a trained Mental Health First Aider.
Photo Coming Soon
Nina Perry
Nina volunteers on our Gardening project, but she's keen to help with odd jobs and set up/pack down for provisions where needed.