Meet The Team

​We have lived in Rainworth for nearly 30  years now with my family .... having moved here from Bristol.  Sam is mine and Phil's son and has Down's Syndrome, autism, and several other factors affecting his learning and development.  Whilst he was in education, he was safe and secure but when we began to look around at options available afterwards, there was little that Sam liked or wanted to do.  We were constantly offered a "set" box, but Sam doesn't fit into a box, nor did we want something that was "a best fit" for him ... we wanted the absolute best as he deserved it!

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So we set about setting up something that ticked ALL of his boxes, and Sam's Workplace was born ..... together with our very good friends Vicky and Craig, we set up a sweet shop and cafe within our local community who we  know are fantastic and the rest, as they say, is history ...... 

I  runs the allotments and small animal care provision and all the service users who come along have a fantastic time, working hard and developing new skills all the time. Each day is completely different and fun.

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I'm a Derbyshire lad born and bred, but have loved becoming more and more involved with the Rainworth community, coaching football teams for the RMWFC Youth Teams, Girls Team and Disability Team, as well as supporting Derby County of course! 

Hello my name is Vicky, I am married to Craig.  I have worked as a teaching assistant in special needs schools for the last 20 years. I have family members with disabilities and autism and I have seen their trials and tribulations first hand. 

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Setting up Sam's Workplace has been fulfilling,  in business and friendship, seeing the potential and growth has been exceptional, watching a dream become reality, and with good friends too.

The young adults we work with are fabulous watching them set challenges and achieve every day.

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We moved from both having travelled with our families in the Army, over 30 years ago and have settled here within the community of Rainworth.

 

Having our family here, myself and Vicky have always been an active part of the community, from volunteering in beavers, cubs, scouts and cadets.  This is where I grew my  passion for the great outdoors, Hence Sam's Workplace DofE has developed.

Having qualifications in mountaineering, low/medium/high hiking 1st aid and so much more, I am able to teach skills on all levels.

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​Offically from Sussex, I feel I have made Rainworth my home.  I have always been a part of the community and love teaching skills in the great outdoors, to improve self confidence, and to show that your own abilities are limitless.

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My name is Leah I started out volunteering here at Sam's workplace and was fortunate enough to secure an apprenticeship, which I have completed and I am now a full-time member of staff here. 

 

I love the fact that every day is different, and working with our service users is so much fun and diverse.  

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I have fun going to Bingo with my friends,  and adore anything stitch, Harry Potter & Disney I recently rescued my dog Arlo, I love taking long walks with him.

 

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Hello I'm Winston.  

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This job is so rewarding.  The young adults I work with make every day different in a good way.

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In my spare time you'll find me with a paintbrush in one hand and some dice in the other, I live for gaming.

 

I run the games evenings here at Sam' Workplace as it encourages, social interaction,  patience and friendship.

HI there, I'm Dave but people call me Davey.

 

I  am the manager of sam's workplaceDofE, as well as  a full time Teacher.

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I have a great passion for out doors and believe that we all can find enjoyment in the great outdoors which is where I find a great passion in teaching this to children/ young adults.