About Us
Sheppey Matters is an award winning charity working for better health on the Isle of Sheppey. Established twenty five years.
It provides over 12 health and well-being community services from the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness, two outreach locations and many other community venues around the Isle of Sheppey.
Many of our projects are household names; The Community Chef and Sheppey Wheels are our most established. Our projects cover a wide range of ages and abilities and are fully inclusive. Our dedicated, hard-working and passionate team of over 29 full and part time staff, ably assisted by over 70 volunteers and not forgetting a fully involved and community minded board of trustees, provides year-round activities, programmes, courses, trips and general advise and assistance.
Management Team
Nigel Martin
CEO
Nigel Martin
Nigel’s career path has seen him in the travel and tourism industry, sales manager for Groups and Charters at the inception of the Eurostar story back in 1994.
Nigel is the Chief Executive Officer for our esteemed charity, a role he has embraced for the past 13 years. He leads a dynamic team of 29 individuals, all of whom share his unwavering commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of the Sheppey Community.
What Nigel loves about Sheppey Matters is the friendly, supportive and ‘can-do’ spirit that the entire team hold. It’s a workplace characterised by kindness, understanding, and a shared dedication to delivering impactful services.
Nigel’s journey is a testament to his enduring commitment to furthering the wellbeing of the Sheppey community. And the teams collaborative efforts to make a meaningful difference.
Rebecca Gebbie
Deputy CEO, Project Manager
Rebecca Gebbie
Office Team
Tania Allen
Project Admin Support
Tania Allen
With a solid 20-year background in banking, Tania transitioned to her current role as Admin Assistant at Sheppey Matters, where she’s been contributing for a year now. Tania loves the spirit of teamwork at Sheppey Matters. We all unite with a common purpose: to make a positive impact to our community.
Sarah Baker
Finance Manager
Sarah Baker
Sarah has worked in various finance roles over the years including overseeing small business accounts, project accounting and working for various charities. She has always had a keen interest in mental well-being and qualified to teach MBSR – Mindfulness Based Stressed Reduction and meditation in 2019, although she has been practicing this since she was a teenager and meditate twice a day. Sarah is also a mental health first aider and very proud to support New Leaf Support as their Trustee Finance Director. Outside of work Sarah enjoys writing poetry, walking in nature, meditating on the beach (especially at sunrise) ballroom lessons with her husband and reading in her book nook. To Sarah this is an important part of her self-care. Sarah happily completed her Classical degree with the Open University in 2024 too!
Charlotte Webb
Accounts Assistant
Charlotte Webb
Before Sheppey Matters, Charlotte worked within Children Centres, and at another local Charity Supporting Young Carers. Charlotte is passionate about her role at Sheppey Matters and enjoys her role within the charity. Charlotte is a devoted Wife and Mum to two young children. She enjoys traveling and plane spotting, music, and attending concerts. She ran the London Marathon in 2013 and hasn’t run since!
Gemma Hunt
Youth Engagement Coordinator, Community Gardener
Gemma Hunt
Gemma has been with Sheppey Matters for over 7 years, working in a range of roles including Project Admin and Project Manager and Community Gardener for the Well Life project. She currently coordinates the Island Youth Voice project and co-runs our Home Ed Life Skills group, supporting young people to express their views and influence change locally.
Gemma also runs the Sheppey Matters Garden Club and leads the Sheppey Matters Wombles litter picking group.
Passionate about nature and community, she is happiest when outdoors, bringing people together to care for their environment and wellbeing.
Kelly O’Connell
HLC Project Manager
Kelly O'Connell
Kelly runs the Healthy Living Centre for Sheppey Matters, where no two days are ever the same. From organising events that support health and wellbeing, to welcoming local groups and services through room hire, to keeping things running smoothly, she’s right at the heart of community life.
Since joining Sheppey Matters five years ago, Kelly has also been involved with projects such as Sheppey Wheels and Isle Connect You, giving her a real insight into how transport and connection bring people together.
The Centre is currently based at 31 Broadway in Sheerness while the major Sheerness Revival works take shape, and Kelly is proud to keep the doors open to the community throughout this transition.
What she loves most about her role is working with the community she grew up in. Every day she gets to meet inspiring people who are all trying to make a positive difference for Sheppey – and that’s what keeps her passionate about the job.
Julie Calder
Physical and Mental Health Wellbeing Lead
Julie Calder
With over 33 years as an Exercise Referral Instructor and 9 years of dedicated service in the NHS, Julie has had the privilege of working for the NHS as a Health Trainer and Referral instructor.
In her current role at Sheppey Matters as an Everyday Active Champion, she embraces the diversity of her responsibilities, which involves collaborating with groups and individuals to promote physical activity.
Her focus is on empowering older individuals with health conditions, striving to discover innovative ways to keep them engaged in an active lifestyle. She is truly passionate about Sheppey Matters, a community within a community, and the invaluable support it offers.
Sheppey Wheels Team
Anna Maley
Sheppey Wheels and Miles and Smiles Project Manager
Anna Maley
Anna’s previous career journey includes over a decade in customer service, planning, and logistics in various roles.
She started as an Assistant Admin for the Healthy Living Centre in 2022, transitioned to Administration duties for the Isle Connect You project, and is now the Project Manager for Sheppey Wheels and Miles and Smiles.
Anna loves her sense of purpose that her job offers. She takes pride in knowing that her work contributes to helping everyone in the community.
Vince Zborowski
Sheppey Wheels Driver
Vince Zborowski
Vince, with nearly two decades of dedicated service, his role being the key driver of our excursions in Kent and beyond.
Vince plays a vital role in ensuring that the residents of the Island stay socially active and mobile. Vince’s commitment to keeping the community engaged and connected is truly commendable.
Jacky Fiandermole
Sheppey Wheels Driver
Jacky Fiandermole
Jacky, before coming to Sheppey Matters was a lorry driver. She is now a driver supporting children getting to and from school safely, but and also gets involved in various Sheppey Matters activities.
Jacky loves the care and community feel at Sheppey Matters, and she also loves that Sheppey Matters is having a huge positive impact on peoples lives with all the help it provides.
Young People Matter Team
Jaime Giddings
Young People Matter Project Manager
Jaime Giddings
My passion lies in creating opportunities for young people to develop independence, confidence, and the skills they need to flourish. I strive to provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can explore their potential, overcome barriers, and discover the unique strengths they bring to the world.
I am committed to ensuring that our youth feel empowered to have their voices respected and their ideas taken seriously. By fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility, I aim to help the next generation not only participate in their community but also influence positive change within it.
Above all, my work is driven by a belief in the resilience, creativity, and potential of young people — and a determination to ensure they have every opportunity to become productive, engaged, and confident members of society.
Elaine Christopher
Young People Matter Youth Support Worker
Elaine Christopher
Elaine joined Sheppey Matters in 2008. Her passion for empowering young minds had already taken root during her decade-long tenure at Greenwich Children’s Young People Services. She began as dedicated youth worker and steadily rose to the esteemed position of Youth Work Project manager.
Elaine’s role was as the Rural Youth Project manager. Tailored to children and young people aged 8 to 25, with a focus on learning difficulties and additional needs. But, she has chosen to take a step back and is now supporting the new and very similar Young People Matter Project.
Sharon MacNaboe
Youth Worker
Lee Norris
Youth Support
Getting to grips with ADHD
Beverley Nolker
Getting to grips with ADHD – Project Manager
Beverley Nolker
Before her role at Sheppey Matters, Beverley was the Regional Learning Manager for the Prison Officers’ Association; managing nearly thirty learning centres in the Southeast of England. Beverley is a teacher with QTLS status and specialises in curriculum design, creating courses which focus on Neurodivergent Conditions. She is also a certified ADHD and Executive Function Coach as well as a qualified Anna Freud National Autism trainer which is paramount when supporting children and families.
Beverley now serves as the Neurodiversity Projects Manager. Her dedicated focus revolves around providing unwavering support to families of children who may have ADHD and Autism.
Her passion for learning is evident as she is currently studying her Masters’ degree in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions.
Beverley loves the diversity of support offered to the community. It’s the team effort, the varied services, and the impact made on the lives of individuals and families that continue to fuel her dedication.
Miles and Smiles Team
Anna Maley
Sheppey Wheels and Miles and Smiles Project Manager
Anna Maley
Anna’s previous career journey includes 2 years at a family-run toy business, followed by 11 years in customer service, planning and logistics in various roles from Call Centre Operative to Team Leader and Out of Hours Support.
She started as an Assistant Admin for the Healthy Living Centre, transitioned to Administration duties for the Isle Connect You project, and is now the Project Manager for Sheppey Wheels and Miles and Smiles.
Anna loves her sense of purpose that her job offers. She takes pride in knowing that her work contributes to helping everyone in the community.
Helen Vieru
Miles and Smiles Administration Support
Helen Vieru
Kay Gooch
Miles and Smiles Driver
Kay Gooch
Previously worked as a painter and decorator for 8 years, now a dedicated driver for Miles and Smiles and a diligent cleaner at Eastchurch Community Hub. Volunteered at Sheppey Matters for 4 years, totalling 10 years at Sheppey Matters!
She loves that Sheppey Matters feels like a family! The Best! Love working for them!
Tony Potter
Miles and Smiles Driver
Tony Potter
Tony initially worked for Sheerness Steel and Kemsley Paper Mill in Sales and IT, then, after undertaking various roles within local government, he took early retirement and joined us in December 2024 as a part-time driver. Tony was already well known to us, having been a casual driver after he organised the sponsored Bridgewalk across the new Sheppey Crossing in 2006, raising enough money to buy and donate to us our second Sheppey Wheels minibus, aptly named The Bridgewalk minibus.
Having been involved in community clubs and projects for over 40 years and recognizing the value and benefits of the many services that Sheppey Matters delivers and supports, Tony was delighted to be able to join the team.
Legacy Team
Angela Cox
Legacy Admin Support & Volunteer Coordinator
Angela Cox
Angela is a local lady from Sheppey with over 15 years of experience working in customer services, who previously enjoyed supporting the community as a GP’s receptionist.
Angela is super excited to be involved with Sheppey Matters, as admin for the New Legacy and Inspire Me Projects combating Loneliness and Isolation on our island. I have also taken on a new role as Volunteer co-ordinator which, I am very passionate about. We have some wonderful volunteers here who do so much to help our community being their voice in an honour.
Mikaela Langthorne
Legacy and Inspire Me Community Engagement Officer
Mikaela Langthorne
After 8 years of working as Project Management Support and Project Coordinator for Isle Connect You with Sheppey Matters . Mikaela stepped away for a short time and gained skills and knowledge working in employability across Swale. There was an opportunity with Sheppey Matters for her to reignite her passion working for with the local community which is where Mikaela says her heart is. Mikaela has now joined two new exciting projects, Legacy, and Inspire Me as a Community Engagement Officer with Sheppey Matters supporting isolation and loneliness across Sheppey.
Inspire Me Team
Nicola Waghorne
Inspire Me Project Manager & Sheerness Revival Manager
Nicola Waghorne
Nicola has worn several hats before coming to Sheppey Matters, from working at an airline company to nurturing gardens and being a dedicated mum. Now, she’s deeply involved in various aspects of Sheppey Matters: Community Development Manager, Miles and Smiles Project Manager, Well Life Project Manager and Levelling up Project Manager. Nicolas Sheppey Matters journey involved many roles, Community Gardener where she established thriving allotments at Stanford Hill Prison which is still flourishing today. She has also supported the Healthy Living Centre Manager and managed One Foot in The Gravy.
What fuels her passion is the power to instigate positive change in our communities and the endless opportunities we provide not just for residents but also our remarkable staff. Every day brings new challenges and rewards.
Debbie Kennedy
Community Engagement Officer – Inspire Me
Debbie Kennedy
Mikaela Langthorne
Community Engagement Officer – Inspire Me
Mikaela Langthorne
After 8 years of working as Project Management Support and Project Coordinator for Isle Connect You with Sheppey Matters . Mikaela stepped away for a short time and gained skills and knowledge working in employability across Swale. There was an opportunity with Sheppey Matters for her to reignite her passion working for with the local community which is where Mikaela says her heart is. Mikaela has now joined two new exciting projects, Legacy, and Inspire Me as a Community Engagement Officer with Sheppey Matters supporting isolation and loneliness across Sheppey.
Samantha Bricknell
Legacy Community Engagement Officer
Samantha Bricknell
Samantha started February 2024 on the new project Legacy for over 60s helping with isolation and loneliness. It’s still early days but along with the rest of the team she has been learning and gaining knowledge so they can provide the very best service for our clients. Before all the above Samantha worked in different areas of retail at all levels, she then went into volunteering helping to deliver meals to vulnerable people in the community, Samantha took the opportunity to become a home support worker and her passion to help people be more confident and be heard took shape. In this time, she had also told people about Sheppey Matters and the fantastic work they do. So, it was perfect when this job opportunity came along and she could continue working to help even more people in her community.
Rebecca Gebbie
Legacy Project Manager
Rebecca Gebbie
Sheppey Community Media Centre
Julie Nicholls
Sheppey FM Project Manager
Julie Nicholls
I have been with Sheppey Matters since 2010, when I discovered a derelict, abandoned building and decided to renovate it and return it to community use. We started as an internet station, offering training to schools and volunteer opportunities for local disadvantaged people.
In 2017, we were launched by the BBC as an FM station and have since rocketed in our community reach. We’ve been visited by Prince Charles and Camilla and were personally awarded the Princess Royal Training Award by Princess Anne, along with a special commendation for Inclusion & Diversity, one of only six awards in the UK.
I love my project, and it lifts my heart to meet so many good people working hard to make our community a better place for everyone.
I cherish the strong sense of community cohesion on the Island and cannot think of a more caring environment to work in.
Sadie Cordwell
Arts and Youth Lead at Sheppey FM
Sadie Cordwell
Before Sadie’s journey at Sheppey Matters, alongside caring for her own children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) she worked as a teacher, specialising in English and Drama & home tutor, covering all core subjects.
What she loves about Sheppey Matters is it’s unwavering commitment to the community’s welfare, ability to identify support gaps and needs, stepping in to fill them.
Wayne Cordwell
Programme Manager at Sheppey FM
Wayne Cordwell
Wayne proudly serves as the Studio and Programme Manager at Sheppey FM. He presents the breakfast show three times a week and hosts the lively ‘Club Sheppey’ on Saturday nights.
What Wayne loves about Sheppey Matters is it’s innovative ideas that have a profound impact on the community. Also the ability to provide essential services when they are most needed is a testament to its commitment to the community’s well-being.
Grub Hub
Pat Pieri
Community Cook
Debbie Kennedy
Community Cook
Debbie Kennedy
Brandon Gebbie
Community Cook
IT Digital Support
Jordan Manterfield
IT Support
Jordan Manterfield
Hi, I’m Jordan, IT Support at Sheppey Matters. I help people of all ages feel more confident with technology, whether that’s supporting the elderly with digital inclusion or guiding young people into coding, game development, and digital creativity.
I’m passionate about making technology accessible, practical, and engaging for everyone. From helping someone send their first email to teaching the next generation how to build their own games, I believe digital skills open doors and strengthen our community.
Board Members
Christine White
Chair
Mike Brown
Board Member
Mike Brown
Mike was a member of a group that formed Sheppey Matters, 29 yers ago and very much part of its development ever since.
From a small beginning with no permanent staff or office, we sought charitable status and were then asked to form the first Healthy Living centre in Sheerness. He is very proud to have seen the project grow and achieve so much for the local community.
Paul Murray
Board Member
Paul Murray
Paul has been a teacher on the Isle of Sheppey since 1975. Born in Bishop Auckland County Durham. Attended college of the Venerable Bee, Durham University. Married to Margaret who also taught on the Island for 40 years. They have bought only ever taught on the Isle of Sheppey and have always been very proud to work here. He loves cricket and is a member of the Kent County Cricket Club. He supports Sunderland much to the delight of Mike Brown. Sheppey Matters is important to the Island, as it says, Sheppey Matters.
Ken Pugh
Board Member
Gareth Dyson
Board Member
Evan Francis
Trustee
Evan Francis
Evan’s experience includes being Founder & Director of Short Stuff Communications – a purpose-led PR and storytelling agency amplifying underrepresented voices. Disabled storyteller, PR strategist, and national health advocate. Freelance writer for ME Essential Magazine and Patient Council member for Fowlers Syndrome UK. Specialist in advocacy-driven communications, with experience working alongside national charities, campaigners, trade unions and public figures to deliver campaigns that influence public perception and policy.
A few words from Evan herself – “I’m the founder of Short Stuff Communications – a disability-led PR agency committed to creating honest, impactful campaigns. Day-to-day, I work with charities, campaigners, and individuals to build websites, secure national press, and shape authentic narratives that challenge stigma and drive real-world change. I also design and deliver training sessions for healthcare professionals on catheter care and chronic illness, driven by my lived experience with Fowlers Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Outside of work, I’m a health advocate, public speaker, and community writer using my voice to call out systemic failings and champion equity for disabled people – especially those often dismissed due to age, gender, or postcode. I joined Sheppey Matters because I am Sheppey. I grew up here, I’ve experienced its challenges first-hand—from the loss of our structured education system to the lack of healthcare access and career prospects—and I’ve turned that experience into purpose. Becoming a trustee isn’t about a title. It’s about action. Rather than moaning about what’s wrong, I believe in sorting it out. That’s why I’m here: to ensure decisions are made with the community, not about it. I want to help Sheppey Matters lead with integrity, challenge outdated systems, and be a force for meaningful change. Something interesting about me is- I once got a public apology from Greggs after calling out their inaccessibility for disabled customers—and it sparked a national conversation about hidden disabilities. For me, it wasn’t about a sausage roll. It was about dignity.”
Sesh Naidoo
Trustee
Sesh Naidoo
Sesh’s experiences include being Director of Education for a globally accredited coaching certification, leading curriculum development, coach mentoring, and community-led learning experiences. Her day-to-day includes mentoring aspiring coaches, consulting with entrepreneurs on business strategy, and facilitating somatic wellbeing sessions. Sesh co-leads retreats, trains coaching teams, and designs resources that help people grow with clarity and confidence. Her background in science education continues to influence her structured and compassionate approach to creating transformative experiences.
A few words from Sesh- “Community wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do, and Sheppey Matters’ commitment to holistic, inclusive support resonated deeply with me. Becoming a trustee felt like a natural extension of my values… supporting people of all ages through movement, connection, learning, and care. My husband and I moved to Sheppey in 2019 with our son, seeking a nurturing space after a difficult chapter in our lives. Since then, we’ve found a sense of home and healing on the Island. Serving this community is my way of giving back to the place that gave us so much. I’m inspired daily by the Sheppey Matters team… their heart-led work aligns with my own philosophy as a leader. I believe in creating environments where people feel seen, empowered, and supported, and I’m proud to be part of a team that lives those values in action. An Interesting fact about me is- I’m proudly dyslexic… and growing up in South Africa during a time when learning differences weren’t widely recognised, I had to learn how to advocate for myself early on. I’ve turned what was once seen as a challenge into a superpower. This mindset has helped me innovate and create outside-the-box solutions, like designing and publishing an app used internationally to help teachers self-coach and publishing a reflective journal for educators… all while pregnant with my second child! It’s one of my proudest achievements and a reminder of what’s possible when we embrace how our minds work.”
Teresa Harris Boag
Trustee
Teresa Harris Boag
A few words from Sesh- “Community wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do, and Sheppey Matters’ commitment to holistic, inclusive support resonated deeply with me. Becoming a trustee felt like a natural extension of my values… supporting people of all ages through movement, connection, learning, and care. My husband and I moved to Sheppey in 2019 with our son, seeking a nurturing space after a difficult chapter in our lives. Since then, we’ve found a sense of home and healing on the Island. Serving this community is my way of giving back to the place that gave us so much. I’m inspired daily by the Sheppey Matters team… their heart-led work aligns with my own philosophy as a leader. I believe in creating environments where people feel seen, empowered, and supported, and I’m proud to be part of a team that lives those values in action. An Interesting fact about me is- I’m proudly dyslexic… and growing up in South Africa during a time when learning differences weren’t widely recognised, I had to learn how to advocate for myself early on. I’ve turned what was once seen as a challenge into a superpower. This mindset has helped me innovate and create outside-the-box solutions, like designing and publishing an app used internationally to help teachers self-coach and publishing a reflective journal for educators… all while pregnant with my second child! It’s one of my proudest achievements and a reminder of what’s possible when we embrace how our minds work.”
