Reach started life as Southwell Care Project in 1999.
We have grown from a very small, local group to a charity that reaches across the county and supports 150 adults with learning disabilities each week. But our roots are still firmly planted in the communities in which we work. Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers live locally to our services and many have caring responsibilities.
We know how important it is to get the right support at the right time.
Staff

Steve Shatwell
Chief Executive
I became Chief Executive of Southwell Care Project (now Reach) in 2007. Prior to this, I ran my own financial services business for 20 years. I am prime carer for Richard, my brother who has Down’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. I am passionate about supporting people to have choice in their lives. I truly believe that with our fantastic staff, volunteer and trustee team we can reach new standards of delivery and support for adults with learning disabilities. I’m a Mansfield resident so feel very proud that not only have we set up a flourishing new service in the town, but Reach organises the Mansfield 10k and Family Fun Run in September.
Trustees

David Thompson
FCA Chair
Founding member of Southwell Care Project Board of Trustees. David has a son with learning disabilities. Board level financial and project management experience for blue-chip companies. Former Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director of The Boots Co plc and Non-executive Director of Cadbury Schweppes plc. Former Chairman of Nottingham Building Society. Formerly Chairman of the Nottingham Healthy Living Centre.

Daphne Hughes
Mother of a daughter with learning disabilities
Matron of Caudwell House (Children’s Home) for 30 years. JP for 26 years. Deputy Chairman of the Bench. Chairman of Youth Court.

Nick Turner
Verger at Southwell Minster
Member of Southwell Lions.

Anne Best
Mother of a son with learning disabilities
Founder of Westgate Group (local self-help group).

Madeline Oliver
Mother of a son with learning disabilities
Former Radiographer.

Keith Harding MR Pharm S
Father of a son with learning disabilities
Former Operations and Marketing Executive of the Boots Co plc.

Michael Davidson
Former Head of Humanities and Religious Education Teacher at the Magnus School.

Pati Colman
Independent investigator of complaints and employment matters
Formerly Complaints Manager, Training Officer and Social Worker for Nottinghamshire County Council. Currently Chair of the Westgate group – local self-help for people with disabilities and their families.
Julie Payne
Founder member of the Westgate Group. 20 year foster carer, former chair roles at local school and Family Care adoption panel. Parent of three sons, one with a physical disability, adoptive parent to two disabled daughters and “mum” to Selma, who also has disabilities.
Local managers
Meet our local managers at Reach Southwell, Reach Newark, Reach Mansfield.
We have a staff team of 17, most of whom are part-time. We will add their details at a future date.
Volunteers
Volunteers are very important to us. They come from all walks of life and make a real difference to our clients’ lives. Click here to find out about volunteering at Reach.
Find out about a volunteer’s experience here.