Meet the Team

The Participation Team are part of Devon County Council’s Children’s Services. Some of the team you might see lots, and others of the team you might see less of.

Your locality-based participation workers

Some of our Children in Care told us that they wanted more events and opportunities to get involved to take place closer to where they live. We thought that this was a great idea and we have re-organised some of our team so that there is now a Participation Worker who is based in each of the different localities (areas) of Devon.

If you have a general enquiry, please email participation@devon.gov.uk.

Marnie Eden South and West Devon

My name is Marnie, and I am the participation worker for South and West Devon. My role involves running monthly children in care and care leaver groups and facilitating regional events like Takeover Day 2019. I also undertake Youth Parliament with my local MYPs. My favourite part of the job is being able to meet young people all over South and West Devon and being able to do activities together like pizza making and pancake flipping! Outside of work, my favourite things to do are go to festivals, the beach and get involved in water sports.

📧 marnie.eden@devon.gov.uk
☎️ 01392 381613
📞 07866134429

 

Ella Baker Mid & East Devon

Hey, I am Ella, the participation worker covering Mid and East Devon. As part of my role, I run monthly children in care and care leaver groups, and I also help organise countywide events like the Children in Care Awards and Takeover Day. My favourite part of the role is getting to know you guys and supporting you to get your voice heard! Away from work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, getting takeaways and shopping!

📧 ella.baker@devon.gov.uk
☎️ 01392 383053
📞 07866134422

 

Joel Ramsay Exeter

Hello! I’m Joel and I’m the Participation Worker for Exeter. I work with care-experienced young people and give them the platform to have their say and make a difference. I also run monthly sessions for children in care and care leavers in Exeter. Before this, I worked in a children’s home for a year and in a care leavers supported living accommodation for a year. My favourite part of my role is meeting inspirational young people and helping them in any way I can. I love football and play four times a week and watch it and any given opportunity!

📧 joel.ramsay@devon.gov.uk
☎️ 01392 383053
📞 07977 342943

 

Amanda Parkin North Devon

Hi, my name is Amanda and I am the Participation worker for care leavers, initially starting in North Devon. I hold monthly groups for care leavers to catch up and share their experiences. I also arrange workshops and days out so everyone can have fun and let off some steam! I enjoy meeting young people and helping them get their voice heard as well as celebrating the achievements of young people. Outside of work I try to travel as much as possible, whether it is in the UK or overseas, and I also have an ever-growing collection of plants!

📧 amanda.parkin@devon.gov.uk
☎️ 01392 388526
📞 07813 400973


Some of the rest of the participation team

Claire Richardson

I’m Claire, the participation team leader, and I have the privilege of leading this amazing team of participation workers. Having worked as a grassroots youth worker for most of my life, I am passionate about breaking down the stereotypes and prejudices about young people that are often thrown around our society and media. This job offers a wonderful opportunity to do just that by empowering young people to find their voice and campaign for change!  When not at work, I like to be outdoors in our Devon countryside or just chilling at home with a good book!

📧 claire.richardson@devon.gov.uk
☎️ 01392 381429
📞 07866134427

 

Tom Carter

Hello! I’m Tom, the team’s communications and marketing officer. I look after this here website, and I’m also responsible for the team’s social media and finding creative new ways to communicate – so get in touch if you’ve got great ideas about how we can improve what we do. Away from work I love cooking, travelling and most sports but mainly football (although not as much as Joel likes football). I like to get away from screens as much as possible, so I like explore the moors, towns and beaches too.

📧 tom.carter@devon.gov.uk
☎️ 01392 381893

 

Kodey Cooper-O’Donnell

Hello, my name is Kodey. I’m an apprentice digital marketer, I work on social media posts, news articles and even going to events to take photos for our social media. I enjoy seeing what new events are going on and being creative with how I can post about them. I also have experience from being a young person in care, so I relate to a lot of the work that is done here. Outside of work I love anything digital, I play video games, draw, and make 3D models for fun, and I love to learn new things!

📧 kodey.cooperodonnell@devon.gov.uk
☎️ 01392 382964 

 

The SEND participation team

The SEND participation team run our SEND Network for Change groups that create youth voice opportunities for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Head to the Devon County Council website to meet the SEND participation team members.