Meet the team - Kingston Eco-op

Leeni - Manager of Kingston Eco-Op

I've been at Eco-op for 7 years and love my job! I've been working with vulnerable people since the year 2000 and enjoy working with people who need support in their lives by helping them to reach their goals and have fun in life.

It's wonderful to support our lovely clients at Eco-op. We always look to offer a variety opportunities for people to undertake many different activities. We have a strong emphasis on health and well being and our sessions include physical activities such as walking or cycling, mindfulness activities such as discovering books and board games, developing manual dexterity such as woodwork and drumming and learning sessions including English maths and IT. There are art sessions across the week and everyone loves a boogie at our disco or singing karaoke to unwind at the end of the week.

We have a great staff team and everyone works together for the greater good of our clients. The frontline staff are kind, caring individuals who strive to make everyone feel at home and welcome. We also have some amazing volunteers who give up their time to support our clients and are much appreciated in all they do. We also work collaboratively with Kingston university for student placements who bring further value to our centre.

Chris - Deputy manager

It has been a wonderful journey seeing how the project has grown since opening in 2009. I've been working from the very beginning across a variety of roles. I truly value the community here, having known many of our team and community members for years now. It has been amazing watching everyone grow in confidence, learn new skills and express themselves creatively. Working at a small charity can be challenging but I love being so close to the beneficiaries of our project and seeing first-hand the impact of our events, plans and projects.

Sharon - Team leader

My role as team leader allows me to not only be part of an amazing team , but also allows me to be part of the clients lives, which is a real priviledge. I find the role thoroughly enjoyable because every day brings something new, from the activities we run, to the outings in the local community, to the community spirit in the room. It really is a great place to be and I am thrilled to be part of it. I love that I can build up good relationships with the clients due to the amount of time I get to spend with them and getting to see their self esteem & confidence grow is very rewarding.

Christianah - Front line Support Worker

I enjoy my work as we have more clients and activities than ever before. I've seen different managers and buildings over the years and with the stability of the current venue and the manager there are now more structures in place like the clients having key workers who support them to reach their goals.

Tracy - Front line support worker

I have been working for Kingston Eco-op for two years, I started as bank staff in December 2023 and now have a split role of front-line support worker for two days and admin support worker for two days. Step inside and find a unique caring and supportive community of members and staff. We laugh, we smile and I absolutely love being part of this organisation.

Gareth - Front line support worker

I started as a volunteer in the charity sectors around Kingston, eventually moved onto bank staff for Eco – op now I’m here four days a week, surrounded by likeminded people when it comes to helping others, and amazing people to support. It’s a great combination for an environment where you can focus on the important part of our work, the people.

I come from a background in art, so it’s been amazing presenting an idea then being blown away by the interpretations our folks come up with. It’s a pleasure to be able to view perspectives and ideas together with everyone.

Dan - Frontline support worker

I'm Dan, the admin support worker. With a great team and great community members, work feels like a celebration of connection, blurring the lines between tasks and shared experiences.

Chesta - Frontline support worker (Bank)

I’m Chesta, and I first became part of the Kingston Eco-op family as a volunteer, which later grew into a bank staff position. Having already spent time with the team and the people we support, it felt really special to continue that journey in a different capacity. I love that every day is different and that I get to meet and learn from team and clients. Whether it’s joining in with activities, having a chat, sharing a laugh or supporting someone, I find the little moments just as meaningful as the big ones.

Felicity - Front line support worker (bank)

I am delighted to join the fabulous team at Kingston Eco-op. My own values align perfectly with their ethos, their passion for socialisation, inclusion, and the power of human connection. Every day is varied and it’s great to work with a diverse range of clients. My role allows me to fully engage with clients, share meaningful activities and play fun games. It is inspirational and rewarding, a positive and nurturing environment for staff and clients alike.