David JH Jones
How long have you volunteered for Cambridge Joint Playscheme? I have been involved as a Parent and then as a committee member for 15 years
What is your role at CJP? I am Chair of Trustees
Why did you sign up to volunteer/work with CJP? My daughter has severe learning difficulties and I saw the fun and sheer joy she experienced at CJP. So, I felt I needed to get involved to make sure the services offered could continue even after my daughter was too old to attend herself. I am also proud of the fact that our holiday and Saturday schemes are so well run and lead and yet we manage to keep the cost of attendance to the minimum so that it is accessible to all parents and children without regard to financial circumstances.
What is the best bit about CJP?
Great staff, great volunteers and enjoyable and inclusive activities for all the children and young people who attend. They joy in the young people’s faces at the playscheme activities will bring anyone to tears!
Your most memorable moment from CJP?
Making the movie for the the National Lottery Community Fund appeal. The children loved it and the parents met and were able to share a great time together too.
Interesting fact about yourself?
I have lived in Little Shelford, South Cambridgeshire, for 22 years but I’m originally from Birmingham. A West Bromwich Albion season ticket holder, Parish Councillor and Christian. I also Chair the Shelford and Stapleford Youth Initiative which is a Christian charity that provides Youth Clubs and Youth activities across the three villages of Shelford and Stpleford and which supports Young People with a wider array of every day challenges.
Playscheme Manager
We are currently recruiting for a Playscheme Manager.
This page will be updated in due course.
Emma South, Deputy Co-ordinator
How long have you worked for Cambridge Joint Playscheme? I have worked at CJP for 8 years (started 2013) and started when I was 16 years old.
What is your role at CJP? Deputy Co-ordinator. I plan activities for the holiday playschemes, I deputise for our Activity Manager and generally get stuck in to everything.
Why did you sign up to volunteer/work with CJP? I originally started working at CJP as a way to gain work experience ahead of University and it was a great experience ahead of qualifying as a primary teacher. The experiences I have had, still help me to develop my skills as a teacher today.
What is the best bit about CJP? The children. It's been an incredible experience watching the children grow up and develop their own individuality and personalities. However, a close second is the incredible trips and experiences Carol organises including trips to the Zoo, football with Phil and the children's favourite, swimming..
Your most memorable moment from CJP? There are just too many to choose from! One that sticks in my mind is the trip to the beach where we were able to paddle in the sea and eat fish and chips on the beach. The children were so excited to collect shells and bury their feet in the sand.
Interesting fact about yourself? One of my favourite things to do in my free time is to bake. The more chocolatey the better.
Wendy Little
How long have you volunteered for Cambridge Joint Playschemes?
I have been involved as a Committee Member and then a trustee for 4 years
What is your role at CJP? I am a Trustee and advise on Finance
Why did you sign up to volunteer/work with CJP? I started working at Green Hedges Special Needs School in 2001 as the Business Manager where CJP held their Easter and Summer Holiday Playschemes. In 2006 Green Hedges closed and I moved to the new, Granta Special Needs School. CJP also moved their Playschemes to Granta and the Children always had great fun. When I retired in 2016 I was asked if I would sit on the CJP Committee which I gladly did.
What is the best bit about CJP?
I work with amazing staff and families especially Carol Brown, our Activities Manager, who is so dedicated to bringing smiles to the faces of the children/young people by getting them out into the community, doing activities and having fun with their friends that may otherwise be denied to them.
Your most memorable moment from CJP?
My best memories are seeing the children/young people enjoying the Playschemes and Saturday activities and growing in confidence within the community. Without the support of Local and National organisations this would not be possible.
Interesting fact about yourself?
I was born in Cambridge and, after working within the University of Cambridge with students for 16 years, I moved to a Local Special Needs School and started as their Business Manager, a process which changed my outlook on life. The children/young people and families have so many different challenges to cope with every day.
After retiring from Granta School in 2016 I travel as much as possible with my husband. I am also treasurer for Friends of Granta and a Committee Member for a Local Motor Boat Club which I am a member of. I feel very proud to be a part of CJP
Mel Stanford, Media and Marketing
How long have you worked/volunteered for Cambridge Joint Playscheme? Coming close to 10 years.
What is your role at CJP? I designed and maintain the CJP website as well as managing the Facebook page. I help Carol our Activities Manager with ideas for days out and help out with admin for the really busy Easter and Summer Playschemes.
Why did you sign up to volunteer/work with CJP? My son has autism, he joined CJP early 2012 and I saw the huge benefit CJP brought to not only him but the wider families. I strangely love Admin and offered to help Carol out in the office. We worked so well as a team and had such fun that I carried on, even after Oscar stopped attending CJP. I wanted to bring CJP to more families and so the website was born, hopefully showing everyone how amazing CJP is.
What is the best bit about CJP? The sense of family. Seeing how much fun the children have together and how much they get out of being at the Scheme. Carol is just amazing, she leads a fantastic team of staff and it is clear to see that they all love being there.
Your most memorable moment from CJP? The 21st birthday celebrations. It was a fantastic afternoon bringing together old members of staff and users of the Scheme, hearing how CJP had changed and all celebrating together. The silent disco was such fun! We all had fun with the photo booth, as well as meeting some princesses and superheros!
Interesting fact about yourself? I am a proud owner of two Blue Peter badges after winning a competition and coming runner up in another. I am a crazy cat person.
How long have you volunteered for Cambridge Joint Playscheme?
I joined in January 2023
What is your role at CJP?
I am a Trustee and Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Why did you sign up to volunteer/work with CJP?
My brother has learning difficulties and benefited from groups similar to CJP growing up, as did many of our childhood friends, including David (our CJP Chair)’s daughter.
Having qualified as a Chartered Company Secretary and Governance Professional, when I heard CJP was in need of a Secretary, I was keen to get involved.
What is the best bit about CJP?
The purpose and spirit with which the activities operate. The principle that every child deserves to enjoy socialising in a safe, inclusive environment.
Interesting fact about yourself?
I am originally from Cambridgeshire and have lived in London for coming up to 5 years – although I regularly visit my hometown. I have a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s in Corporate Governance. Interests include running, coffee and 1960’s pop!
How long have you volunteered for Cambridge Joint Playscheme?
I have been involved as a parent for about twelve years and then as a committee member for about two years.
What is your role at CJP?
I am a Trustee.
Why did you sign up to volunteer/work with CJP?
CJP has offered so much to my daughter, they opened up an opportunity when another club felt that it could not meet her needs. It is fulfilling to be able to assist in some way to support other families to access the provision that we have enjoyed.
What is the best bit about CJP?
The staff and the volunteers, they are friendly, helpful and supportive to both the young people and their families. There are a range of activities so there is always something for the young people to engage in or just chill out if they prefer. It has been reassuring for me to see my daughters happy face running into CJP for activities and wanting to be left to enjoy her time with her peers, and even not wanting me to pick her up too early!
Your most memorable moment from CJP?
The National Lottery Community Fund Appeal; I received calls from friends, family and colleagues to say that they had seen my daughter on the television. It was a lovely platform to encourage the support of CJP.
Interesting fact about yourself?
I moved from Kent to attend university for three years, however thirty years later I am still in Cambridge! I am a missionary at a local gospel church and have been a school governor for a local primary school and another local school catering for needs of children with disabilities. I also enjoy reading and travelling.
Jane Wilson
How long have you volunteered for Cambridge Joint Playscheme? I joined as trustee in 2022.
What is your role at CJP? I am a Trustee.
Why did you sign up to volunteer/work with CJP? I wanted to support this great play scheme to keep going. Groups like this are a lifeline and when my son was young I attended similar groups and he and I made lifelong friendships.
What is the best bit about CJP?
The best bit for me has been the privilege to have met new families and young people, supporting the assessing for the playscheme. There is so little provision for the children that attend the playscheme, it is so important to socialise and enjoy activities safely with peers, and for children to develop through play and socialisation.
Interesting fact about yourself?
I am from Cambridge and have lived in Hauxton for many years. I am a Social Worker with the NHS currently working in childrens crisis mental health team. I am part of the Figaro owners club and have my own little Nissan Figaro called Fitzwilliam.