Charity Manager

Paula Da Silva

I started volunteering for the charity in October 2013 when I got made redundant from my job and wanted to fill my time productively.  My background is predominantly in administration so I offered my help whilst looking for a new job …. and never left!

I lost my brother in law to leukaemia after a long battle and my mother is a breast cancer survivor – so I know how these illnesses can affect the entire family which is why I am so passionate about not only helping the person with the condition but the family as a whole.

I became Charity Manager in October 2014 and can honestly say I have the best job in the world.  To be able to help people through their darkest times is so rewarding.  I have met the most incredible people through my role who, whatever happens, will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I am so proud of the charity and what we have all achieved together, although I may be biased, the Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre is a truly incredible place full of the most amazing, inspirational people.

Charity Ambassador

Joe Lycett

We all know too well the damage and heartache cancer causes, but also how scary and lonely it is for those who have been diagnosed. The Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre is essentially a big box of angels who provide a ton of different support, advice and compassionate care.

I’ve visited the centre and seen first hand how amazing it is and am proud to call its manager Paula my friend. I’m delighted to be an ambassador to their extraordinary centre.

Chair and Trustee

Cathy Tibbles

I have been involved in this amazing charity from the very beginning, before we even had a ‘Centre’.  I volunteer in personal tribute to a marvellous friend who was inspirational to me many years ago during her illness.

I know how important it is to have a place to turn to – somewhere with a warm welcome and friendly team who you can trust and confide in when you need a listening ear.  Whether you come to the Centre alone or bring your family or friends, we take pride in being there for everyone.  When you feel lost then this is the place to find.  Helping someone take their first step to get to a stronger place is a privilege.

I wish I could be here every day – I just love being part of this inspiring team.

Trustee

Jeanette Taylor

I first heard about the Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre through my daughter Abbie when she started volunteering. I attended a few events and found out what wonderful work they really do.

I wanted to get involved and knew it would be a valuable use of my time.

I love volunteering here and meeting all the lovely clients.

I am now a Trustee of the charity and I’m relishing the challenge.

Trustee

Julia Fallon

My involvement with the charity began in 2011 when I was a client and received much needed support after my diagnosis with breast cancer.  Upon recovery I then became a volunteer to help others in a similar situation to myself.  I became a Trustee in 2014 when we moved to the new Stonydelph building to show my commitment to the charity.  I believe in the charity so much because I feel we are unique and provide much needed services to our clients.

My main role at the centre is supporting the clients.  Having been through cancer myself I can relate to them and their needs. I can also share my experiences with them and provide an insight into how cancer affects you as a person, and can also demonstrate that there is life after cancer.

I love my time at the centre because the people are friendly, there is a sense of community and it feels like an ever expanding family.  People often expect it to be quite a depressing place but we actually have lots of fun.  We also have lots of events that help to create a great social life for people who may not ordinarily be able to socialise.

Trustee

Sam Beech

I first got involved with the Centre by raising funds through The Tamworth Panto. Over time, I began to understand more about the incredible work the Centre does for the local community. In my day job, I produce theatre and live events, so using Panto and similar platforms to help spread awareness about the Centre’s mission was a natural fit.

I was truly honoured when Paula invited me to become a trustee. It was only then that I began to fully grasp the scale and depth of the work TWCSC does. Every penny raised goes directly back into the Centre – and from there, straight into supporting those who need it most.

I’m constantly inspired by the dedication of the volunteers. I can’t wait to contribute however I can. I’ve never encountered a place quite like this – a space filled with such joy, warmth, and an open-armed welcome for everyone who walks through its doors.

Administration Assistant

Lisa Mitchell

I have been familiar with the centre since I met the Charity Manager, Paula in 2014.

Paula exhibits remarkable dedication to her work and the assistance and support that the charity provides to families experiencing life-altering illnesses. While I have not personally required the services or support offered by the centre, I understand the importance of having a warm and friendly place to turn to during difficult times.

The centre is staffed with many welcoming, caring, and empathetic volunteers. From the moment you enter, it is evident that you will be listened to, cared for, and understood. 

I am so proud to be a part of the Tamworth Wellbeing Cancer Support family.

Amy Mackin – Volunteer

Cancer is a subject that has affected my loved ones just like many, my grandad who I was extremely close to and was more like a dad fought many types of cancers but unfortunately lost his fight to brain cancer a few years ago, this hit me hard and I didn’t know where to turn to.

Many of my family including my nan and my grandad’s siblings continue to fight cancer to this day. It’s a cruel and emotionally hard thing to go through for all involved, what TWCSC does to support not only those going through cancer but also family and friends is incredible, nothing is too much, what Paula and the team have created is nothing short of life saving. I hope to use my counselling skills to help support those in such a vulnerable time and help ease the burden of feeling alone.

I am not a very good tea maker but I sure am a good shoulder to laugh or cry on. Trying a new environment can be scary but no-one regrets coming to the centre and everyone soon becomes like family.

Cathy Ward – Volunteer

I chose to volunteer at the centre because I was looking for something worthwhile to do with my time for a few hours each week.

It is a wonderfully warm and friendly place to be and it is great to be a part of something that supports families within the community at the toughest of times.

Chrissie Chadwick – Holistic Therapist

Hi, my name is Chrissie.

I am a beautician, nail technician and holistic therapist.

I started volunteering at the Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre because I wanted to give something back to the community.

Being at the centre, has given me no greater pleasure than to give others something to look forward to.

Kath Kelly – Volunteer

I have known about the centre for some time but it was after a talk I attended about the charity that I decided to look into volunteering at the centre.

I have been a volunteer for other organisations for many years and always found it a very fulfilling role. I decided to volunteer at the  centre having had friends and family affected by cancer.

I have found the centre to be a warm welcoming space and look forward to spending time with all the lovely people there.

Hayley Smith – Foot Health Practitioner

I am a mum to triplet girls and I qualified as a Foot Health Practitioner in June 2015, but did not start my own business until January 2016. I approached the Centre to volunteer to gain experience and confidence.

Both my mum, uncle and mother-in-law have died from Cancer so I felt I wanted to be involved in some way. I am at the Centre every other Monday and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Helena Pickin – Holistic Therapist

As well as working as a clinical pharmacist for the NHS, I run my own well-being therapy business providing coaching, reiki and clinical hypnotherapy.

Sadly, I recently lost my mum to bowel cancer. Knowing how much the reiki helped her, TWCSC is the perfect place for me to give something back and share my skills as a well-being practitioner.

Lisa Dearne – Volunteer

The reason l wanted to volunteer at TWCSC is because two of my close friends used to attend the centre and used to tell me how much going there made them feel ‘normal’ and they enjoyed the facilities and the friendship.

I wanted to volunteer to help out, how the centre helped them, which is now possible now I’m retired.

Jo Woodley – Volunteer

I have known about TWCSC since my best friend and Charity Manager Paula started with the charity.   I have always helped her with events that I have attended and really enjoyed doing so and finally Paula suggested I become a volunteer.

It’s an amazing centre that deserves all the recognition it can get and I’m glad to be officially involved.

Mal Middleton – Volunteer

I started volunteering in 2014 because my daughter Paula is the Charity Manager and I wanted to support her.  Her Dad and I are very proud of what she has achieved.  Also,  I am a breast cancer survivor and wanted to give something back.  There wasn’t anywhere to go for support when I was diagnosed and going through treatment.  I really wish I’d have had somewhere like TWCSC to turn to.

I volunteer one day a week at the centre and help with fundraising events.  I thoroughly enjoy my time volunteering and have made some lifelong friends.

Margaret Eaton – Volunteer

In 2019 I went along to the Centre with my husband, following his terminal diagnosis, to find out what support they could offer us. We were greeted immediately by a lovely volunteer and taken to Paula. She was so warm, friendly and compassionate, putting us at ease immediately. We learned how the Centre could help over the months ahead. I was so impressed, I asked “do you need volunteers? ” to which she replied “we always need volunteers”. That’s how it started.

My hubby found great comfort in going along to chat to other clients and volunteers and I helped where I could, which I found so rewarding and took my mind off what was ahead. Helping others focuses your mind. Sadly I lost my hubby in March 2020 and even though the Centre has been closed during the coronavirus pandemic the friends I’ve made there have been so wonderfully supportive and I can’t thank them enough. I look forward to it reopening so I can, in someway, repay their kindness.

Marilyn Hartless – Volunteer

I am finally committing myself to volunteering at TWCSC, after many years of saying I would, this way I can give my time to those that gave me time.

I have now finished working, so I will help wherever I’m needed.

Maxine Talbott – Volunteer

I’ve been involved with the charity since 2015.

I first came to the Centre as a client, and when I received the support, I wanted to give something back, so I became a volunteer, and never looked back.

Rachael Prescott – Volunteer

Cancer has come close to my home over the last few years.  One of my closest friends lost his short, but very fierce fight to brain cancer.  My brother in law still fights the turmoil his body has been left in after throat cancer.  Two of my very close friends put a very brave face on when trying to celebrate Mothers Day.

Over the years I have worked in various environments, studied counselling  and volunteered at local charities and events.  Due to a change in my own circumstance and my children really just needing me for a Taxi service, I wanted to see if I can put my spare time to a better use.After seeing the good work, the warm and welcoming environment Paula and the team have created I wanted to see if I can help in anyway.  Even if its just working on my tea making skills or being able to reach the top shelf when others cannot – sometimes its the small things that can make a difference.

Paul Da-Silva – Volunteer

I became a volunteer to help  because the Charity Manager is my wife and I can see how passionate she is about the charity so I want to support her however I can.

I mainly help with I.T. issues, designing promotional materials and also helping out at fundraising events.  I love being a part of this special place and wish I could offer more time.

Rob Hamilton – Volunteer and Male Support Group Leader

In 2008 I was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer. It came as a real shock as I was a sporty 25-year-old at the time. Thankfully after 2 operations and 9 weeks of chemotherapy I was given the all clear. While going through my treatment I would have really benefitted in talking to other males who might have been going through similar experiences or have been affected by the disease.

I have been involved with the charity since 2010 when I set up the male support group. I aim to provide a relaxing and confidential environment for blokes to chat through what they are going through. Speaking to people who have been in similar situations has helped many chaps over the years, so I am proud to lead this group.

The centre is a wonderful place which does so much great work for people who need support and guidance. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming; it feels like a family when you walk through the doors. There are always lots of different events and different groups to help cater for everyone. It really is a special place.

Sally Nash – Holistic Therapist

As a qualified nurse with experience in Intensive care and Palliative cate nursing I saw first hand the positive effects of therapeutic touch.

I have been lucky enough to support people with life limiting, life changing illnesses through offering various holistic therapies. One of those was my wonderful sister who lost her own battle, but I was able to reduce the negative symptoms she experienced during her treatment.

TWCSC is a wonderful place which offers support and laughter, to all who face challenging illnesses and I feel privileged to be part of a fabulous team.

Sue Smith – Volunteer

In 2019 I first visited the Centre as a Client after being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer.

I was anxious and unclear about so many things and at that point I wasn’t sure what the Centre had to offer.

A few years on it has been a great source of support, friendship and fun so I spoke to Paula about volunteering in the hope I can offer back some of the help I’ve received. 

Val Pipe – Volunteer

After my retirement I wanted to do something with my time but I wasn’t sure what.  I then attended a charity event with my sister and stumbled across the Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre.  Coincidentally I used to work with Paula so it was easy to approach her and offer my time as a volunteer.

Since volunteering I have made lots of new friends for life and I enjoy a varied social life.  I absolutely love my time at the centre and would be lost without it.

Val Lawrence – Volunteer

I first visited the Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre as part of my volunteering role with Support Staffordshire, an organisation helping local charities.  This role ended due to Covid but I joined the Tamworth Sewing volunteers making items for front line staff: washbags, scrubs, face coverings etc.

Although I love gardening, sewing and knitting I wanted to be with people and volunteering fills that need, so contacting TWCSC was the obvious answer for me.  After a chat we felt that helping on one of the craft days was a good option so I visited the centre again.  The environment was as I had remembered, comforting and welcoming and the support for the clients was evident as they enjoyed various crafts with plenty of chatting, tea and biscuits.

I decided I definitely wanted to be part of the team.