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Meet the Team

Find out a little more about everyone at Head Office and our regional hubs. You can read about what we do and why we enjoy working for Pets As Therapy.

Steven
Chief Executive

What do you do at PAT?

I am responsible for the overall running of PAT. That includes everything from our day-to-day operations, to fundraising, to making sure PAT is a well-run, safe and legal charity that is a great place to work and volunteer.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I’ve had dogs and cats for many years and know they difference they can make to people’s lives. So I am delighted to lead the team at PAT so many more people benefit from a visit from a PAT Dog or a PAT Cat.

What do you do outside PAT?

I love being outdoors. Unfortunately, my elderly golden retriever Mulligan can’t walk as far as he used to, but we both enjoy our gentle walks along the Thames.
I am also Chair of a charity with boats on the Thames providing therapeutic cruises and educational activities.

Meg
Head of Service Delivery

What do you do at PAT?

I am responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operational activities of Pets As Therapy, reviewing how we currently work and looking where changes can be made to improve our volunteers' experience and deliver our visits.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

Every time a volunteer or establishment shares a story about the positive impact and difference they have made, it is a reminder of why Pets As Therapy exists, why I do what I do and how proud I am to be part of an organisation that is focused on making a positive contribution to our local communities.

What do you do outside PAT?

A simple life enjoying simple things.

Adrian
Interim Fundraising Lead

What do you do at PAT?

I lead PAT’s fundraising and I am working with others at PAT to unlock fundraising income so we can recruit more volunteers and their pets, and do more of the great work visiting schools, hospitals, care homes, etc across the UK.
I’m also working with trusts and corporate donors to secure funds, and I’m reaching out to the public to engage them in PAT’s work and encourage them to support us financially or in some other way.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

As a kid I had dogs and cats and while we don’t have a pet at the moment, my wider family does. So, I know the fun and joy that pets bring and the difference they make to different people in various aspects of their lives.
I’m passionate about unlocking the potential in people and organisations and I think PAT has so much potential to grow — the challenge is which opportunities to select first. I’m loving working with the team to put in place plans and processes for the future.

What do you do outside PAT?

I love my sport, and I also love music and am a bit of a quiz anorak on both topics. I can regularly be found either attending gigs in and around Brighton, travelling up to Lords to watch England play cricket or making the long journey up the M62 to watch my beloved Liverpool. However, more recently the birth of my first grandchild means that I’m now on grandad duty one day a week.

Matthew
Head of Income Generation & Marketing

What do you do at PAT?

My two main responsibilities are maintaining and developing our income-generating sources and marketing activities. Income generation includes community fundraising events, sporting challenges, corporate sponsorship and partnerships, as well as grant applications. Marketing activities include managing our in-house social media and web elements, newsletters, as well as external PR activities and events.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

Firstly, Pets As Therapy is a great charity, I recognise the impact our volunteer teams deliver on every visit they undertake, this inspires me on a daily basis! Secondly, as part of a relatively small yet growing team, I love the variety of my working day and the opportunity to get out and about with PAT Volunteers.

What do you do outside PAT?

I am a husband and father of two wonderful children, so much of my life is understandably focused around their activities. I enjoy keeping fit via cross-country mountain biking, tennis and my local fitness group called Caveman. I have a passion for travel, consider myself a bit of a foodie and love spending time with friends!

Helen
Senior Coordinator

What do you do at PAT?

As a team we are all here to offer help and support, but my main area of work is to support our Volunteer Area Coordinators, Assessors and the PAT Teams that are allocated to PAT Head Office.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

Although no day is the same, one of the best things about my role is that I get to see the most adorable photos of pets. I also help volunteers to bring joy and happiness to others.

What do you do outside PAT?

Outside of PAT I am busy with my loveable, lively and energetic dogs and grandchildren, enjoying lots of walks and adventures. Thankfully my dogs are fair-weather dogs – unfortunately the grandchildren are not!

Katie
Volunteer Experience Manager

What do you do at PAT?

I make sure volunteers have a great volunteering experience and ensure that PAT can provide therapeutic pet visits to a variety of environments.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I enjoy speaking to our PAT Volunteers; they're caring and passionate about what we do. I especially love hearing stories of how just one visit, or even a few minutes with one of our PAT Teams, can have an immeasurably positive impact on a patient or resident. It's heartwarming and humbling.

What do you do outside PAT?

Outside of PAT you can normally find me meandering about the countryside, lost in a book or trying to find large, cold bodies of water to swim in.

Lorna
Communications Consultant

What do you do at PAT?

I write the regular PAT newsletters, help the team with marketing communications, and I deal with press and media enquiries, among other things.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I've worked in publishing for over 30 years, and I’ve long admired the work of Pets As Therapy (I’ve been a PAT Volunteer and a Trustee too). To be able to now help the charity with their communications is a dream come true.

What do you do outside PAT?

My cheeky Irish Terrier makes me smile every day and I cherish our daily walks along the beach or coastal path. I also love to travel – my favourite place in the UK is the Isle of Harris in the Scottish Highlands – though I go further afield in the winter to ski.

Rachel
Project Coordinator

What do you do at PAT?

I facilitate and support projects to ensure that we are continually developing and improving our processes, our service provision and delivery, and our commitment to our volunteers and the wider community who receive our service.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

How can I not enjoy spending my working day supporting our loyal and selfless volunteers and their pets; who passionately devote their time reaching into the lives of others who face a plethora of challenges and to bring them paws, tail wags or purrs of priceless love and happiness.

What do you do outside PAT?

I shoot for the stars with my incredible partner and our motley crew of dogs – and anyone else who wants to jump onboard the bus of fun with us. Otherwise I can be found attempting yoga on my paddleboard anywhere on the UK coast with chattering teeth and a hot water bottle!

Sarah
Finance & Salesforce Administrator

What do you do at PAT?

I ensure that our financial records of donations and subscriptions are acknowledged and kept accurate and up to date.

What do you do outside PAT?

I spend as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors.

Ann
Education & One-off Events Coordinator

What do you do at PAT?

I support volunteers and their amazing PAT Pets with their school visits, and I coordinate one-off visits and events to many establishments who want to support us and enjoy the value and benefits every special PAT visit brings. I also support the Head Office team with ad hoc administration as needed.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I enjoy the feel-good buzz. knowing I am helping and supporting people of all ages across the nation.

Sheena
Senior Volunteer Experience Administrator

What do you do at PAT?

I am one of the jovial voices at the end of the phone when you call Head Office and I respond to the Reception emails. My main role is to support new volunteers to progress their application, from the start of the process through to becoming fully fledged volunteers; processing the administrative tasks involved. I also support and guide existing volunteers and answer general enquiries.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I love the variety my role brings and knowing that I am helping an individual to fulfil their wish to help others gives me so much satisfaction. Being a massive dog lover and knowing how their unique instinct to reach in and bring so much love and joy to people, is important to me.

What do you do outside PAT?

I love spending my time with my grandchildren and family laughing and enjoying life. I do enjoy a good Netflix series or film. My happy place is being out and about with my adorable (and love of my life) Rottweiler, and my cheeky Cocker Spaniel grandson!

Michelle
Volunteer Experience Advisor

What do you do at PAT?

I help new volunteers move through the application process as smoothly as possible, so that they can embark on their new adventure as a PAT Volunteer. I process the cat applications and love hearing all the wonderful stories as to why they would make an amazing PAT Cat.
I also support our wonderful team of existing volunteers so that they can do what they love best, visiting people with their marvellous pets, and I answer a range of enquiries from individuals and organisations.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I love talking to people and hearing about their experiences of volunteering with their pets and the joy and comfort that they bring to so many on their visits. I also enjoy helping people and making a positive difference to someone’s day.

What do you do outside PAT?

I love spending time with my family and friends and am kept very busy by my two lovely sons, my mischievous cat Spike and my adorable tortoise Herbie. I love being in the outdoors, out on my bike and at the allotment or reading a good book with a glass of wine in hand.

Beth
North-West Coordinator

What do you do at PAT?

I support our volunteers and establishments in the North-West to make sure each visit is safe and enjoyable.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

Because I want everyone to experience the love and attention from a pet.

What do you do outside PAT?

I like to cook, read and take my own sausage dogs out for walks.

Becky
North-West Administrator

What do you do at PAT?

I support the North-West Coordinator in making sure our volunteers have a positive experience when visiting establishments with their pets. I also help with any queries a volunteer may have and help them find placements if they are struggling.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

It is a wonderful charity that allows people to do more with their furry companions.

What do you do outside PAT?

I spend most of my time with my two German Shepherds, going for long walks, training and meeting up for doggy play dates with our friends. I play a forward position in my local women’s rugby team. I love a good book and crime thriller novels are my go-to.

Winnie
Scotland Coordinator

What do you do at PAT?

My role is to recruit and support volunteers through their volunteer journey with PAT. I also manage and support current and new establishments ensuring the PAT experience is a positive one and is running smoothing. I will be engaging with local communities, supporting fundraising and overall promoting Pets As Therapy.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I enjoy spending time and speaking to the volunteers, it is so inspiring to hear the positive impact a PAT Team can have. It is great to be part of a dedicated and knowledgeable team, who are friendly and so helpful.

What do you do outside PAT?

I love crafting and keen to try new things. I also enjoy walking the dogs, going on holiday and spending time with the family.

Lucy
Scotland Administrator

What do you do at PAT?

I support the Scotland Coordinator and the volunteers with any admin-related task or queries they may have. I am also responsible for our social media pages and monthly newsletter for the volunteers.

Why do you enjoy working for PAT?

I love animals and I love being a part of something that makes a huge difference to people’s lives. I enjoy hearing all the positive stories from volunteers and the positive feedback we get from events.

What do you do outside PAT?

Most of my spare time is spent with my daughter and we love going for long adventurous walks with our dog and exploring Scotland. I also enjoy being creative and trying new crafts, crocheting and paddleboarding.

We’re here to help

Whether you are a potential volunteer, a corporate sponsor or you’d like to take part in an event and raise money for Pets As Therapy, get in touch.

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