Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Our team is dedicated to increasing the health and happiness of residents in Somerset through physical activity and sport. Our values are Passionate, Inclusive, Dedicated, Inspiring and Connected.

Derek Blackford
Finance, Governance, Audit and Risk Sub Committee Member
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E

Derek is a qualified accountant and senior leader with 20 years of experience in financial oversight, strategic planning, and governance. He currently leads the finance team at Blundell’s School and has held senior roles across the NHS, including Locality Director and Deputy Chief Finance Officer. Passionate about community involvement, Derek volunteers as a youth football coach, serves on local committees, and enjoys running, cycling, and supporting local sports clubs.

Jenn Chidley-Sanders
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Jenn spent over 14 years at Somerset Chamber of Commerce, holding roles in events management, membership growth, and business support across all sectors. She played a key role in organising the Somerset Business Awards and driving member engagement. Outside work, Jenn volunteers at her local cricket club, helping run junior programmes that support over 65 children aged 4–11 to build confidence, enjoy the outdoors, and form lasting friendships.

Andrew Coates
Finance, Governance, Audit and Risk Sub Committee Member
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E

A Senior Executive with over 25 years' experience gained in the education, training, employment and skills sectors. Andrew's background is in events management, sales and marketing and change management. He is a qualified executive coach (ILM Level 7) and founder of AMC Coaching and Consultancy Ltd focusing on delivering leadership and executive coaching, small business coaching and career coaching, supporting both people and organisations to grow.

Rupert Cox
Chair / Finance, Governance, Audit and Risk Sub Committee Member
T Not Applicable
E Not Applicable

Rupert is an experienced CEO with a background in membership-based not-for-profit organisations and a 20-year career in agriculture. He has led major business bodies in Somerset and now provides consultancy for start-ups and the agricultural sector, while supporting Somerset Council’s business engagement. Rupert chairs Long Sutton Parish Council and Cricket Club, mentors for PROMISEWorks, and runs “The Rupair Shop,” refurbishing garden furniture. A SASP Board member since 2019, he champions projects promoting active lifestyles and community engagement.

Tracy Evans
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E

Tracy is Service Group Director for Neighbourhoods and Community Services at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, bringing over 40 years of leadership experience in the NHS. Her career spans senior nursing, operational leadership, and executive roles, all focused on delivering high-quality services for the Somerset population. Outside work, Tracy supports a local diabetes charity, serves as a school governor, and holds leadership roles in community rugby, while enjoying countryside walks with her dogs.

Daniel Maycock
Finance, Governance, Audit and Risk Sub Committee Member
T
E

Daniel is a qualified accountant and finance leader with over 20 years of strategic and board-level experience, advising on finance, governance, and risk management. He serves as a Trustee of the Richard Huish Trust, providing strategic oversight and advocacy, and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure robust financial and governance standards. Daniel is recognised for his ability to deliver best-in-class financial leadership and support organisational vision and values.

Dr Amelia Randle
Vice Chair
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E

Amelia is a GP in Somerset and an experienced clinical leader. She has led a series of complex adaptive systems to sustainable change during this period. She is committed to understanding and reducing systemic inequalities and improving staff and community wellbeing. She is an advocate of relational leadership for improved performance and organisational success.

Debra Scarratt
Chair Finance, Governance, Audit and Risk Sub Committee
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E

Debra is a Head of Company with Abri Housing with a background of in-depth employment / careers / education / training sector expertise. Debra has an outstanding track record developing and delivering strategy, directing operations, negotiating at senior level and leading, managing and successfully motivating teams. These teams have consistently achieved against strategic objectives and contract KPIs to deliver top-quality careers information, advice and guidance service. She also has excellent financial management skills

Yvonne Vigar
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E

Yvonne founded Astara Consulting a decade ago and specialises in coaching and leadership development to help managers and leaders achieve success without burnout. Her vision is for every leader to feel accomplished and able to enjoy quality time outside work, and she supports clients in creating sustainable, balanced careers. Through Astara, Yvonne empowers leaders to take control of their day and go home knowing they’ve done a great job.

Karen Abbott
Move 2 Independence Activator
T 07305087285
E KAbbott@sasp.co.uk

Karen is a Move 2 Independence Activator, supporting people with getting back to living well at home, following recent discharge from hospital.

Abbie Barker
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer
T 01823 653990
E ABarker@sasp.co.uk

Abbie is the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer for SASP. Abbie is a huge believer that when people feel respected, included and safe to be their authentic self, they can be more engaged, satisfied, motivated and happy. Here at SASP we have more to do to advance equality, diversity and inclusion, however we are investing time and resources to move our organisation forward.

With this in mind we have now launched our Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan.

Joshua Bennett
School Games Organiser & Community Development Officer (Mendip and Sedgemoor)
T 07761 635473
E JBennett@sasp.co.uk

Josh is a member of the SGO team delivering the School Games programme across Mendip and Sedgemoor creating festivals, competitions, and leadership programmes for children and young people.

Josh also works on our place-based expansion work in these areas developing community engagement and provision. 

Eleanor Best-Wheeler
Community Resilience Young People Mentor
T 07305101633
E EBest@sasp.co.uk

Eleanor is a mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18. Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem.

Charlie Bevan
Community Resilience Mentor
T 07928505206
E CBevan@sasp.co.uk

Charlie is a mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18.  Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem. 

Tom Blackwood
Move 2 Independence Activator
T 07928505207
E TBlackwood@sasp.co.uk

Tom is a Move 2 Independence Activator, supporting people with getting back to living well at home, following recent discharge from hospital.

Andrea Britton
Finance Manager
T 01823 653990
E ABritton@sasp.co.uk

Andrea manages the financial arm of the organisation from audits to budgets and is a member of the senior leadership team.

Marianne Broere
Move 2 Independence Activator
T 07927538993
E MBroere@sasp.co.uk

Marianne is a Move 2 Independence Activator, supporting people with getting back to living well at home, following recent discharge from hospital.

Scott Brooks
School Games Organiser (South Somerset)
T 07761 637368
E SBrooks@sasp.co.uk

Scott is a member of the SGO team delivering the School Games programme across South Somerset creating festivals, competitions, and leadership programmes for children and young people. Scott also delivers the School Streets initiative in conjunction with Somerset Council.

Laura Browne
The Beach Hotel Fitness Suite GP Referral Team
T 01643 709778
E LBrowne@sasp.co.uk

Laura is part of the Beach Wellness team supporting people in West Somerset and is also part of the GP Referral team.

Hayley Bullock
Senior Children & Young People Operations Manager
T
E HBullock@sasp.co.uk

Hayley manages the school games programme, school games organisers and community development officer for children and young people. Hayley is also a key member working on the Happy Healthy Holidays programme. 

Laura Carter
Workforce Manager & Safeguarding Lead
T
E LCarter@sasp.co.uk

Laura leads our workforce development, both internally for staff and externally across the system. Laura is also our safeguarding lead and a member of the senior leadership team.

Kate Causley-Rowe
Community Resilience Young People Mentor
T
E CRowe@sasp.co.uk

Kate is a mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18.  Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem.

Rachael Cherry
Health & Wellbeing Coach (Bridgwater)
T 07305101632
E RCherry@sasp.co.uk

Rachael is a SASP Health and Wellbeing Coach in Bridgwater, supporting people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. Rachael works with local people through 1-2-1 appointments at their GP and also delivers group sessions in the local community. Rachael covers Redgate Surgery and Somerset Bridge Medical Centre.

Jane Clark
School Games Organiser (Taunton & West Somerset) & Deputy Safeguarding Lead
T 07730 689657
E JClark@sasp.co.uk

Jane is a member of the SGO team delivering the School Games programme across Taunton and West Somerset creating festivals, competitions, and leadership programmes for children and young people. 
Jane is also the School Rugby Manager for Somerset working in partnership with England Rugby and is Deputy Safegaurding Lead for SASP.

Kim Clarke
Move 2 Independence Activator
T 07907723852
E kclarke@sasp.co.uk

Kim is a Move 2 Independence Activator, supporting people with getting back to living well at home, following recent discharge from hospital.

Lianne Clarke
Health Development Manager
T
E LClarke@sasp.co.uk

Lianne manages the health development team at SASP, focussing on embedding and integrating physical activity as a key tool in the prevention of ill health and the reduction of health inequalities, as well as treatment and recovery/rehabilitation across the systems.

Sarah Coleman
Strategic Communications Manager
T 07877709785
E SColeman@sasp.co.uk

Sarah manages the communications team and leads on the implementation of the SASP communication strategy with partners and customers to ensure that physical activity remains a key priority for all. Sarah is also a member of the senior leadership team.

Stewart Collins
Adult Participation Manager
T 07826855199
E scollins@sasp.co.uk

Stewart manages and delivers a wide range of recreational opportunities across Somerset, for adults to be active. Stewart also led on the recent Opening Schools Facilities programme.

Grace Colman
Digital Project Officer
T
E GColman@sasp.co.uk

Grace develops and manages all things digital transformation at SASP, from internal processes and website editing, to the development and implementation of SASP’s activity finder and booking system.

Grace Cottrell
Health & Wellbeing Coach (West Somerset)
T 07305089944
E GCottrell@sasp.co.uk

Grace is a SASP Health and Wellbeing Coach in West Somerset, supporting people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. Grace works with local people through 1-2-1 appointments at their GP and also delivers group sessions in the local community. 

Taylor Cottrell
Open Mental Health Lead Mentor
T 07842409801
E TCottrell@sasp.co.uk

Taylor is our lead mentor working with Open Mental Health to support young adults aged 16-25 in Somerset who are or have been at risk of self-harm and suicide. We provide a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly about your feelings, connect with others, and explore new ways to manage your mental health.

Sarah Crossley
Marketing & Communications Officer
T 07928495549
E SCrossley@sasp.co.uk

Sarah supports SASP’s marketing and communications work, with a specific focus around adult provision and campaigns. Sarah plays an important role in boosting the effectiveness and reach of SASP’s communications. 

SJ Dowding
Health and Wellbeing Coach (Bridgwater)
T 07745 112778
E SDowding@sasp.co.uk

Sarah Jane (SJ) is a SASP Health and Wellbeing Coach in Bridgwater, supporting people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. SJ works with local people through 1-2-1 appointments at their GP and also delivers group sessions in the local community. SJ covers Cranleigh Gardens Medical Centre, Quantock Medical Centre and Taunton Road Medical Centre.

Laura Dyke
Community Resilience Young People Lead
T 07458 301514
E LDyke@sasp.co.uk

Laura manages the community resilience team at SASP, leading relational practice across communities, championing trauma-informed approaches and building trust and belonging through sport and physical activity to create lasting change.

Dave Egginton
Jump Start Lead Mentor
T 07599654672
E Degginton@sasp.co.uk

Dave is a lead mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18.  Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem. Dave manages members of the team.

Alisha Gardener
Community Resilience Young People Mentor
T
E AGardener@sasp.co.uk

Alisha is a mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18.  Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem. 

Mandy Godsell
Health & Wellbeing Coach (West Somerset)
T
E AGodsell@sasp.co.uk

Mandy is a SASP Health and Wellbeing Coach in West Somerset, supporting people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. Mandy works with local people through 1-2-1 appointments at their GP and also delivers group sessions in the local community. 

Georgina Hainsby
Health Walks Coordinator
T 07599654679
E GHainsby@sasp.co.uk

Georgina leads and manage the delivery of the Somerset Health Walks programme working with walk leader volunteers, healthcare professionals, local authorities and VCSFE organisations to implement the programme.

Kris Halasa
Move 2 Independence Activator
T 07907724088
E khalasa@sasp.co.uk

Kris is a Move 2 Independence Activator, supporting people with getting back to living well at home, following recent discharge from hospital.

Jake Hannis
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
T 07458301525
E JHannis@sasp.co.uk

Jake works closely with the CEO on organisational strategy, leading and managing teams, overseeing operational performance, and deputising for the CEO when necessary. An essential part of the senior leadership team and working closely with internal and external senior leaders from across the system to improve the links between physical activity and its role in reducing inequalities. Key responsibilities include leading on facility development and active environments, developing ProActive, our physical activity on referral scheme, and developing partnerships, while also ensuring the organisation's operational stability and growth.

Jasmine Holdway
Jump and Thrive Lead Mentor (Bridgwater College Academy)
T 07305101631
E JHoldway@sasp.co.uk

Jasmine is the lead mentor on Jump & Thrive, Somerset's Year 7 Regulation Support Programme, designed to address key challenges around attendance, exclusion, and emotional regulation in secondary school.

Sarah Hughes
School Games Administrator
T
E SHughes@sasp.co.uk

Sarah supports the School Games programme and administration in Taunton and West Somerset (term time only).

Claire Hunter
Social Prescribing Manager
T 07305059541
E CHunter@sasp.co.uk

Claire supports and manages the health and wellbeing coaches employed by SASP in various PCN's. Claire also supports the wider network of health coaches and social prescriber link workers to ensure physical activity is embedded across the system.  

Lili Ibbotson
SASP Community Resilience and Young People Mentor
T 07458304649
E LIbbotson@sasp.co.uk

Lili is a mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18.  Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem. 

Luke Jackson
Jump Start Operations Manager
T 07458301528
E LJackson@sasp.co.uk

Luke manages the day to day operations of the Jump Start programme and supports team members to thrive.

Dawn Jenkins
Senior Project Officer for Health
T 07907724407
E DJenkins@sasp.co.uk
Debbie Johnson
Health & Wellbeing Coach (Bridgwater)
T 07596580242
E DJohnson@sasp.co.uk

Debbie is a SASP Health and Wellbeing Coach in Bridgwater, supporting people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. Debbie works with local people through 1-2-1 appointments at their GP and also delivers group sessions in the local community. Debbie covers Redgate Surgery.

Maya Jones
SASP Jump and Thrive Mentor
T
E MJones@sasp.co.uk

Maya is a mentor on Jump & Thrive, Somerset's Year 7 Regulation Support Programme, designed to address key challenges around attendance, exclusion, and emotional regulation in secondary school.

Alex Keedwell
Jump Start Mentor
T 07305089948
E AKeedwell@sasp.co.uk

Alex is a mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18.  Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem. Alex has a focus around Taunton and Bridgwater.

Kevin Lang
Children and Young People Project Officer
T 07305356829
E KLang@sasp.co.uk

Kevin manages the Government funded programme, Holiday Activities and Food programme, named Happy Healthy Holidays Somerset, providing holiday provision for those children on benefits related free school meals, aged 5 - 16. 

Annabel Litchfield
Impact & Learning Manager
T 07599654681​
E ALitchfield@sasp.co.uk

Annabel leads and manages our impact and insight work. Annabel is fundamental in helping us achieve our goal of providing effective impact and learning support, both internally and externally, with a focus around the Somerset Moves Strategy and Place Partnership work.

Clare Love
Health & Wellbeing Coach (West Somerset)
T 07927543170
E CLove@sasp.co.uk

Clare is a SASP Health and Wellbeing Coach in West Somerset, supporting people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. Clare works with local people through 1-2-1 appointments at their GP and also delivers group sessions in the local community. 

Alex Lyons
Young Peoples Sport & Physical Activity Development Officer
T 07729073270
E ALyons@sasp.co.uk

Alex is striving to make football more accessible to girls in schools through the Barclays Girls Football Partnership. Alex also works on our place-based expansion work developing community engagement and provision. 

Joseph Madge
Marketing & Communications Officer
T 07305089252
E JMadge@sasp.co.uk

Joseph supports SASP’s marketing and communications work, with a specific focus around the health agenda. Joseph plays an important role in boosting the effectiveness and reach of SASP’s communications. 

Rachel Martin
Business Support Manager
T
E RMartin@sasp.co.uk

Rachel has an integral role providing the central back-office services required to ensure SASP as an organisation functions smoothly. Rachel manages and oversees all aspects of the organisation’s compliance, IT, governance and many management processes to support the expanding and varied operations at SASP.

Aaron McGough
Jump Start Mentor
T 07305101630
E AMcgough@sasp.co.uk

Aaron is a lead mentor on our Jump Start programme, supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 - 18.  Through physical activity and sport, this programme gives individuals life skills, aspirations and experiences they need to nurture stronger self esteem. Aaron has a focus around Taunton, Sedgemoor and Mendip and manages members of the team.

Susan Metcalfe
Family Health & Wellbeing Worker
T 07927542272
E SMetcalfe@sasp.co.uk

Susan is our family health and wellbeing worker, part of the Active Place team, a new local way of working in Bridgwater supporting families, in partnership with The Nelson Trust and Thrive.  

Steph Moreland
Senior Project Officer for Health & 'In It Together' - Women and Girls Development Officer
T 07526565494
E SMoreland@sasp.co.uk
Emily Moule
Community Sport and Health Officer
T 07927539306
E EMoule@sasp.co.uk

Emily is currently undertaking an apprenticeship with SASP and supports our inclusion team.

Nancy Murdoch
Children and Young People Education Manager
T
E NMurdoch@sasp.co.uk

Nancy leads the strategic direction for Children and Young People’s work in Somerset, shaping priorities that improve outcomes and tackle inequality. Nancy works closely with partners across education, health and community settings to strengthen the quality of enrichment and physical activity opportunities, creating positive, meaningful experiences that help all children – especially those facing the greatest barriers, to thrive and enjoy active, healthy lives. Nancy is a member of the senior leadership team.

Jasmine Parsons
Community Resilience Young People Mentor
T 07761636719
E JParsons@sasp.co.uk

Jasmine is a family health and family worker on Jump & Thrive, Somerset's Year 7 Regulation Support Programme, designed to address key challenges around attendance, exclusion, and emotional regulation in secondary school.

Lorraine Reeve
Move 2 Independence Activator
T 07933512649
E LReeve@sasp.co.uk

Lorraine is a Move 2 Independence Activator, supporting people with getting back to living well at home, following recent discharge from hospital.

Carly Ridgwell
Disability Manager
T
E CRidgwell@sasp.co.uk

Carly manages our inclusion team and leads on the development of increasing the provision and opportunities for disabled people to access physical activity and sport in Somerset.

Zoe Ridler
Disability Projects Officer
T 07933512647
E ZRidler@sasp.co.uk

Zoe is a member of the inclusion team and manages the Move To Include programme, helping people with a learning disability and/or autism get involved in community sport and physical activity. 

Luisa Skinnier
The Beach Wellness & Health Coaches Manager (West Somerset)
T 07458301526
E LSkinner@sasp.co.uk

Luisa manages the Beach Wellness, our gym in Minehead.  Luisa oversees the development, co-ordination and delivery of programmes and classes at this key community hub on our coastal strip. Luisa also manages our team of health and wellbeing coaches in West Somerset.

Jo Smith
Physical Activity on Referral Manager
T 07855283855
E JSmith@sasp.co.uk

Jo develops, co-ordinates and delivers the countywide Physical Activity on Referral scheme, called ProActive, which aims to improve the health outcomes and quality of life amongst Somerset residents by providing opportunities to be more physically active and maintain a healthy weight, whilst addressing long-term health conditions. 

Sam Smith
Finance Officer
T
E SSmith@sasp.co.uk

Laura supports the central back-office services at SASP and is an integral part of the team.

Tash Snow
Disability Projects Officer
T 07526565719
E NSnow@sasp.co.uk

Natasha, more commonly known as Tash, is a member of the inclusion team and coordinates our inclusive family provision, Get Active Together.

Anabella Svidran
Happy Healthy Holidays Administrative Assistant Jump & Thrive Mentor
T 07599654673
E ASvidran@sasp.co.uk

Anabella supports the administration of the Happy Healthy Holidays programme and is also a Jump and Thrive mentor, Somerset's Year 7 Regulation Support Programme, designed to address key challenges around attendance, exclusion, and emotional regulation in secondary school.

Tracey Sweetland
Sport Welfare Officer
T 07745122510
E TSweetland@sasp.co.uk

Tracey is part of a national network to support safe sports practices across England. Tracey assists National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local Somerset clubs in promoting good welfare for children, young people, and adults. Tracey provides guidance on safeguarding, connecting club welfare officers, and offering opportunities for skill development.

Mark Templeton
School Support Manager
T 07740362503
E MTempleton@sasp.co.uk

Mark is an experienced member of staff, with 20 years of teaching experience, offering bespoke Primary PE support and guidance for schools, PE leads and teachers across Somerset in partnership with real PE.

Hayley Thurlow
Health & Wellbeing Coach (Yeovil)
T 07928505209
E HThurlow@sasp.co.uk

Hayley is a SASP Health and Wellbeing Coach in Yeovil, supporting people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. 

Emily Vickery
Disability Projects Officer
T 07761636749
E EVickery@sasp.co.uk

Emily is a member of the inclusion team and manages the Fit For Work programme, supporting adults with disabilities who want to get ready for employment. Courses consist of a 10 week programme to build stamina, improve movement, and boost overall wellbeing

Helen Wilkes
Proactive Referral Scheme Coordinator The Beach Wellness
T 01643709778
E HWilkes@sasp.co.uk

Helen is part of the Beach Wellness team supporting people in West Somerset and is also part of the GP Referral team.

Claire Williams
Employability Pathway Officer & Moving Mums Lead
T 07305049958
E CWilliams@sasp.co.uk

Claire supports and manages our supported internship programme in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Laura Williams
Office Administrator
T
E LWilliams@sasp.co.uk

Laura supports the central back-office services at SASP and is an integral part of the team.

Sammy Wright
Senior Health & Wellbeing Coach (Bridgwater)
T 07599654680
E SWright@sasp.co.uk

Sammy is a Senior Health and Wellbeing Coach, managing the team in Bridgwater. He supports people with long term conditions to access physical activity in order to promote and protect their health. Sammy works with local people through 1-2-1 appointments at their GP and also delivers group sessions in the local community. Sammy covers Cranleigh Gardens Medical Centre, Taunton Road Medical Centre or North Petherton Surgery.
Sammy also manages our Unbreakable Men programme supporting men with their mental health.

Jane Knowles
Chief Executive Officer
T 07813201213
E JKnowles@sasp.co.uk

Jane provides the strategic leadership within SASP to guide and deliver our system wide strategy Somerset Moves. Jane provides a key role in promoting and advocating for the investment of system partners across Somerset and beyond into physical activity, while also influencing stakeholders and others to embed moving more into their culture, values and psyche for better physical and mental health for all our population in Somerset.