Meet the Team | Jennyruth Workshops

OUR WORKERS

Our workers are adults who have learning disabilities living in and around Ripon, North Yorkshire. They work in a positive, friendly and happy environment with dedicated staff supporting them. In-house training sees our workers build up independence, gain first hand work experience and everyday life skills.

As well as working on all aspects of producing the products; from sourcing materials, joinery, painting, packaging, quality control, dispatch through to marketing and selling, our workers are trained in every day life skills such as meeting new people, gaining the ability to socialise, dealing with money and managing time.

The Workers feel a sense of belonging to the workshops and feel ownership of the products they make and sell, bringing them confidence and self-belief.

Click on a photo to find out more about each of our incredible workers!

Richard Hi I'm Richard and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like being in woodwork especially using the bradel. I like painting as well.	Dawn Hi I'm Dawn and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I'm good at drilling holes in trugs and using different tools in woodwork. I like the people at Jennyruth because they talk lots.	Jonathan Hi I'm Jonathan and I founded Jennyruth Workshops along with my Dad back in the 80's. I love painting rainbow crosses and being the Foreman. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy train spotting and looking after my garden.
Matthew Hi I'm Matthew and I'm one of the founding members of Jennyruth Workshops. My parents started the charity back in the 80's. I love being in the communication group, working on my detail painting skills and working independently. When I'm not at the workshop I enjoy going to church, the theatre, dancing and meals out.	Ellen Hi I'm Ellen. I love painting and designing teddy bears in the design group. When I'm at home I like walking and making people laugh.	Ben Hi I'm Ben and I'm one of the founding members of Jennyruth Workshops. It was started by my parents back in the 80's. My favourite thing is being in woodwork and using the drill to put roofs on bug homes. I'm happy here! When I'm not at the workshops I love dancing and playing football, especially kicking the ball.
Daniel Hi I'm Daniel and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2006. I love designing dragons, painting and working in the office. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy horse riding.	Ryan Hi I'm Ryan and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like woodwork with Richard and painting bird boxes. When I'm at home I enjoy going on the computer and watch YouTube.	Thomas Hi I'm Tom and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like working in the laser room and being in the paintshop. When I'm not at the workshop I enjoy watching TV, horse riding and baking.
Chris Hi I'm Chris and I've been coming to the workshops since 2022. I enjoy sewing, working on the magazine and being in the paintshop. When I'm not at the workshops I love being at home with my mum and baking.	James Hi I'm James and I'm been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I love using the laser cutter. When I'm at home I enjoy playing on my PlayStation.	Victoria Hi I'm Victoria and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2017. I enjoy stencilling and working in the office. When I'm at home I like going to cafes and trying different cakes.
William Hi I'm William and I've been coming to the workshops since 2011. My favourite thing at the workshops is using the scroll saw and painting wrens. When I'm not at the workshops I like filming videos for my YouTube channel and swimming.	Julie Hi I'm Julie and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like painting trugs.	Shaun Hi I'm Shaun. I enjoy woodwork with Richard and painting. When I'm not at the workshop I like cleaning and doing my housework. and spending time at home in the garden.
Ryan Hi I'm Ryan and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2007. I love spending time with my friends and painting. When I'm not at the workshops I like watching Disney films. My favourites are Hercules, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.	Alex Hi I'm Alex and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2011. I enjoy woodwork and learning office skills. When I'm not at the workshops I love being at home with my friends and visiting my mummy in France.	Martin Hi I'm Martin. I like working with wood and building bird boxes in woodwork. When I'm at home I enjoy walking, dancing and working at Realitea.
Beth Hi I'm Beth and I'm one of the founding members of Jennyruth Workshops. The charity was started by my parents back in the 80's. I'm good at touching up bird boxes and I love being in the gardening group and taking part in community events. When I'm not at the workshops I love Bollywood dancing and attending Danceability.	Hannahd Hi I'm Hannah. I like seeing all of the team, having a laugh with all the staff and painting. When I'm not at work I enjoy going out, zumba and heading to McDonalds.	Lucy Hi I'm Lucy and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshop since 2013. I love painting bird boxes and detailed painting using my magic machine. When I'm at home I love spending time with my mummy and going out for lunch.
Rebekah Hi I'm Rebekah and I'm one of the founding members of Jennyruth Workshops. My parents started the charity back in the 80's. I enjoy making bird boxes in woodwork and stencilling. When I'm not at the workshops I love playing football and going dancing.	Emma Hi I'm Emma and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2020. I love showing people around the workshop, being helpful, woodwork and working in the office. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy looking after my chickens, helping my sister at the Vets and watching horror films.	Andrew Hi I'm Andrew. I enjoy making hedgehog homes and bat boxes with Simon. I also like being out in the garden. When I'm at home I like gardening and cooking.
Jessica Hi I'm Jessica. I like being in woodwork where I use the drill, hammer and put bird boxes together. When I'm not at the workshop I enjoy cuddles with my dog Snickers and looking looking after my fish.	Rachael Hi I'm Rachael. I enjoy woodwork and working with Phoebe in art skills. When I'm at home I love colouring in.	Adam Hi I'm Adam. I like painting and I'm very good at detail painting. When I'm at home I enjoy boxing, going to the gym and sketching.
Jamie Hi I'm Jamie and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2007. I like detail painting and working on bespoke orders. When I'm not at the workshop I love Morris Dancing, drumming and tandem cycling.	Christopher Hi I'm Christopher. I love working with the woodwork team on bespoke projects especially bin stores and planters. When I'm at home I like going bowling, to the cinema and scuba diving.	Jamie Hi I'm Jamie. I like doing a little bit of everything at Jennyruth. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy walking my dog Pippa and going to The Link.
Emma Hi I'm Emma and I've been coming to the workshop since it opened in 2004. I like woodwork and painting. When I'm not at the workshops and I love working on my sister's farm.	Sam Hi I'm Sam and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2006. I like painting bee homes and being independent. When I'm not at the Workshops I enjoy visiting Mum and Dad, listening to Pop Master and Tv Tunes.

OUR STAFF TEAM

We have a wonderful, dedicated and experienced staff team at Jennyruth Workshops, all of whom are committed to supporting and enabling our workers to achieve their potential here.

All staff are enhanced DBS checked and undertake regular relevant training including safeguarding and health and safety training. Four of the full-time staff have their First Aid at Work Level 3 Qualification.

We are also fortunate to have a large team of volunteers and trustees who work alongside us to achieve the aims of Jennyruth Workshops. Team work is very important to us; no one person can do everything but between us we can achieve great things. Respect for others and working together are part of our work and our ethos.

Nicky Newell

CEO

Having been involved as a parent for many years, I joined the staff team in 2016 as the finance administrator. I took on my current role in autumn 2019 following an internal restructure. I love the varied and busy workload of running the Workshops and am lucky to have such a great team to work with.

If you would like to support us in any way, please do get in touch with me by email nicky@jennyruth.co.uk Tel - 01765606620

Admin Team

Shelley Atkinson

Volunteer
Co-ordinator/Administrstor

I work in the office providing admin support as well as being the Volunteer Coordinator and supporting our amazing Workers with various office tasks. I really love my varied role which combines all of my favourite aspects of Jennyruth Workshops and allows me to work more closely with all of the team!

shelley@jennyruth.co.uk

Avril Crack

Administrator

I have a varied role as an administrator; welcoming visitors, keeping records up-to-date, banking and posting items. I really enjoy it when the workers come into the office and we can work together. Everybody is so friendly here it makes it a pleasure to come to work.

info@jennyruth.co.uk

Anna Smith

Publicity and Media

I've been involved with the Workshop on and off since 2016 but joined the staff team in January 2021. I keep our website and online shop up-to-date, run all of our Social Media accounts and handle any publicity that comes our way!

For media enquiries please contact me on anna@jennyruth.co.uk.

Woodwork Team

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Richard Naish

Workshop Supervisor

I work in the machine shop producing stock items such as bird boxes, trugs, bee homes, bird feeders and bird tables. Normally with Ben, Christopher and sometimes Martin. I also work on a lot of things made to order. For example, a shed to house a motorised wheelchair. The thing I really love about Jennyruth is working with the workers and I'm looking forward to being able to do that again.

Simon Headley

Workshop Supervisor

I retired early from the public sector and joined the JRW team in May ‘21 volunteering one day a week in the woodwork shop. This quickly became two days…then all week!
I operate machinery, large and small, making the basis of bespoke items, on stock items-preparing them ready for the workers to do the important things to make them beautiful…and drinking coffee.
I also work alongside my good friend Andrew on Thursdays (this is actually my favourite day!) where a mutual support system operates on various tasks.
Although I was apprehensive at first, both the staff and the workers at JRW have made me feel exceptionally welcome.

simon@jennyruth.co.uk

Steve Carrigan

Workshop Supervisor

I work three days per week in the woodwork shop and have a background in school technology at secondary level. I tend to work on the more bespoke orders often using quality hardwoods and try to adapt the design and construction so that our workers are able to contribute as fully as possible to the various projects.

Adam Fryer

Workshop Supervisor

I work in the machine shop full time. My main role is to cut out our products ready for the workers to construct and also to take on some of the bespoke orders. When the opportunity arises I also work with a few of the workers doing some woodwork and share my knowledge with them. Before working for Jennyruth Workshops I was a site joiner and a trained machinist.

"Wood is my work and my hobby"

Paintshop Team

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Jackie Grant

Workshop Supervisor

I work to support and enable the workers in the paintshop. I run a weekly card making group and an art group. I love all my work but especially the small groups such as card making.

Kelly Mazza

Workshop Supervisor

I joined Jennyruth Workshops in February 2024, I work in the paintshop supporting the workers and helping to complete orders. It's always entertaining in the paintshop, I really enjoy the variety.

I have had lots of fun in the printing group, the workers have produced some fantastic wrapping paper.

I'm looking forward to running a group after Easter and of course going out on some trips with everyone!

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Phe Morris

Workshop Supervisor

Speciality paintshop. My role is predominantly in the paintshop where I support and enable the guys to get creative and work on stock products and bespoke items. I especially enjoy working one to one with the guys on the detail painting.

Phoebe Dawber

Workshop Supervisor

I joined on a Kickstarter and was lucky enough to be offered a full time position. I love being creative, coming up with new ideas. I especially love working with our workers and supporting them in the paintshop. I'm also looking forward to running an art skills course and working closer with the workers.

Denise Carrigan

Course Supervisor

I have worked at Jennyruth Workshops for over 15 years. I have seen many changes here as we have grown and developed but all very positive. It is so good to welcome new workers, staff and volunteers to the Jennyruth family. My current role is working with our workers, enabling them to develop work and life skills such as stencilling and design. I am working on developing a full programme of courses and activities that supports the work done in the workshops. I love working hands on with our wonderful team.

OUR WORKERS

Richard

Hi I'm Richard and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like being in woodwork especially using the bradel. I like painting as well.

Dawn

Hi I'm Dawn and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I'm good at drilling holes in trugs and using different tools in woodwork. I like the people at Jennyruth because they talk lots.

Jonathan

Hi I'm Jonathan and I founded Jennyruth Workshops along with my Dad back in the 80's. I love painting rainbow crosses and being the Foreman. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy train spotting and looking after my garden.

Matthew

Ellen

Hi I'm Ellen. I love painting and designing teddy bears in the design group. When I'm at home I like walking and making people laugh.

Ben

Daniel

Hi I'm Daniel and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2006. I love designing dragons, painting and working in the office. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy horse riding.

Ryan

Hi I'm Ryan and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like woodwork with Richard and painting bird boxes. When I'm at home I enjoy going on the computer and watch YouTube.

Thomas

Hi I'm Tom and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like working in the laser room and being in the paintshop. When I'm not at the workshop I enjoy watching TV, horse riding and baking.

Chris

Hi I'm Chris and I've been coming to the workshops since 2022. I enjoy sewing, working on the magazine and being in the paintshop. When I'm not at the workshops I love being at home with my mum and baking.

James

Hi I'm James and I'm been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I love using the laser cutter. When I'm at home I enjoy playing on my PlayStation.

Victoria

Hi I'm Victoria and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2017. I enjoy stencilling and working in the office. When I'm at home I like going to cafes and trying different cakes.

William

Hi I'm William and I've been coming to the workshops since 2011. My favourite thing at the workshops is using the scroll saw and painting wrens. When I'm not at the workshops I like filming videos for my YouTube channel and swimming.

Julie

Hi I'm Julie and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2022. I like painting trugs.

Shaun

Hi I'm Shaun. I enjoy woodwork with Richard and painting. When I'm not at the workshop I like cleaning and doing my housework. and spending time at home in the garden.

Ryan

Hi I'm Ryan and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2007. I love spending time with my friends and painting. When I'm not at the workshops I like watching Disney films. My favourites are Hercules, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.

Alex

Hi I'm Alex and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2011. I enjoy woodwork and learning office skills. When I'm not at the workshops I love being at home with my friends and visiting my mummy in France.

Martin

Hi I'm Martin. I like working with wood and building bird boxes in woodwork. When I'm at home I enjoy walking, dancing and working at Realitea.

Beth

Hannahd

Hi I'm Hannah. I like seeing all of the team, having a laugh with all the staff and painting. When I'm not at work I enjoy going out, zumba and heading to McDonalds.

Lucy

Hi I'm Lucy and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshop since 2013. I love painting bird boxes and detailed painting using my magic machine. When I'm at home I love spending time with my mummy and going out for lunch.

Rebekah

Hi I'm Rebekah and I'm one of the founding members of Jennyruth Workshops. My parents started the charity back in the 80's. I enjoy making bird boxes in woodwork and stencilling. When I'm not at the workshops I love playing football and going dancing.

Emma

Hi I'm Emma and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2020. I love showing people around the workshop, being helpful, woodwork and working in the office. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy looking after my chickens, helping my sister at the Vets and watching horror films.

Andrew

Hi I'm Andrew. I enjoy making hedgehog homes and bat boxes with Simon. I also like being out in the garden. When I'm at home I like gardening and cooking.

Jessica

Hi I'm Jessica. I like being in woodwork where I use the drill, hammer and put bird boxes together. When I'm not at the workshop I enjoy cuddles with my dog Snickers and looking looking after my fish.

Rachael

Hi I'm Rachael. I enjoy woodwork and working with Phoebe in art skills. When I'm at home I love colouring in.

Adam

Hi I'm Adam. I like painting and I'm very good at detail painting. When I'm at home I enjoy boxing, going to the gym and sketching.

Jamie

Hi I'm Jamie and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2007. I like detail painting and working on bespoke orders. When I'm not at the workshop I love Morris Dancing, drumming and tandem cycling.

Christopher

Hi I'm Christopher. I love working with the woodwork team on bespoke projects especially bin stores and planters. When I'm at home I like going bowling, to the cinema and scuba diving.

Jamie

Hi I'm Jamie. I like doing a little bit of everything at Jennyruth. When I'm not at the workshops I enjoy walking my dog Pippa and going to The Link.

Emma

Hi I'm Emma and I've been coming to the workshop since it opened in 2004. I like woodwork and painting. When I'm not at the workshops and I love working on my sister's farm.

Sam

Hi I'm Sam and I've been coming to Jennyruth Workshops since 2006. I like painting bee homes and being independent. When I'm not at the Workshops I enjoy visiting Mum and Dad, listening to Pop Master and Tv Tunes.

OUR STAFF TEAM

Nicky Newell

CEO

Admin Team

Shelley Atkinson

Volunteer Co-ordinator/Administrstor

Avril Crack

Administrator

Anna Smith

Publicity and Media

Woodwork Team

Richard Naish

Workshop Supervisor

Simon Headley

Workshop Supervisor

Steve Carrigan

Workshop Supervisor

Adam Fryer

Volunteer
Co-ordinator/Administrstor