Liz Mackenzie

Dhiverse Manager

Meet Liz

Vicky Baddeley

Co-Founder

Meet Vicky

Christine O'Neil

Co-Founder

Meet Christine

Bill Jones

Presenter/Steering Chair

Meet Bill

Elizabeth Felton

Ambassador

Meet Lizzie

Jenny Nott

Steering Group member

Meet Jenny

Darren Fitzpatrick

Photographer

Meet Darren

JADE-ANNE GRIFFIN

Social Facilitator

Meet Jade-Anne

Leonie coote

Social Facilitator

Meet Leonie

Viv Wiggins

Online Presenter

Meet Viv

Maia Pace

Admin & Volunteer Manager

Meet Maia

Liz Mackenzie

Hello, I am Liz Mackenzie and I have worked with people with learning disabilities and or autism in a training capacity for the past 30 years. I am passionate about trying to ensure people with additional needs have equal rights and the same opportunities as everyone else in society. I am project manager for the ABC Relationships and Sexual Health Project at Dhiverse and work with groups, couples and individuals in a wide range of organisations.

Vicky Baddeley

Hi, my name is Vicky Baddeley, I am a mother of 2 amazing boys. I have worked in the learning disability sector for many years, in a voluntary capacity and was employed as the Befriending and Family Support Co-ordinator at Eddie’s in Cambridgeshire for 7 years. I have seen first-hand the difference to a person’s wellbeing and self-esteem, when they know they have a friend who will listen and spend time with them.. I am passionate about helping people to find that connection, whether through friendship or a romantic relationship.

Christine O'Neil

Hiya, Christine O’Neil here I had a lockdown birthday so I can still say I am 39 with 3 teenage/nearly teenage children. Over the last 8 years I have worked with children and adults with additional needs. I believe passionately about enabling people, whoever they may be, to reach their full potential, and for those who want to find new relationships to be able to do so in a SAFE and supported way.

Hiya, Christine O’Neil here I had a lockdown birthday so I can still say I am 39 with 3 teenage/nearly teenage children. Over the last 8 years I have worked with children and adults with additional needs. I believe passionately about enabling people, whoever they may be, to reach their full potential, and for those who want to find new relationships to be able to do so in a SAFE and supported way.

Bill Jones

I’m Bill Jones, one of our many members and I am also Safe Soulmates steering group chair. As chair, I lead our steering group meetings and help with most of our decision-making. I am a member of VoiceAbility’s Speak Out Council. As well as this, I co-lead their Safe Places campaign at VoiceAbility. I am also a non-executive director at Thera, so I am pretty busy! I have been on board with what we do since day one and always tells people about us at many meetings and events he goes to.

Elizabeth Felton

Elizabeth Felton here. I am 27 and I have been a member of Safe Soulmates from the beginning; I am one of the reasons the organisation was founded, after Christine (she was my befriender) and I found it difficult to find a suitable friendship and dating organisation locally. I have 6 years of volunteering experience with Scope, the national disability charity which campaigns to challenge and change negative attitudes about disability and provides direct services. I enjoy helping and supporting people whenever I can. My hobbies and interests are journaling, creative writing, the 1920’s-1980’s, Titanic, watching tv dramas, listening to music, and utilising Pinterest and social media.

Jenny Nott

My name is Jenny Nott, I am 31 years old and I have been a member of Safe Soumates for 3 years. I am an active member of the steering group too. I really love musical theatre!

Darren Fitzpatrick

Hi, I am Darren Fitzpatrick, a keen photographer, also a DJ and producer. I am the official photographer for Safe Soulmates.

A smiling woman looking at the camera with long dark hair

Jade-Anne Griffin

I have a background in mental health, recovery, training, learning disabilities and community engagement. I’ve managed projects which have encouraged co-production at the heart of the changes we create. I believe in social mobility, equality, empowerment, and more importantly happiness.

I live with fibromyalgia, hydrocephalus and a physical disability in my arms. Ive been diagnosed with both ADHD and Dyslexia. This has taught me that the world isnt always an easy place to navigate. I believe that our differences are gifts to be embraced and shared

Hi, I am Jade-Anne Griffin. I have a background in mental health, recovery, training, learning disabilities and community engagement. I’ve managed projects which have encouraged co-production at the heart of the changes we create. I believe in social mobility, equality, empowerment, and more importantly happiness.

A smiling woman looking at the camera with long blond hair

Leonie Coote

Hey, I'm Leonie, I'm social facilitator in Peterborough and so happy to be a part of the Safe Soulmates' team.
I'm a mummy to three beautiful daughters; when we're not out and about exploring in nature you will find us doing plenty of arts and crafts and keeping busy. It's never a dull day.
I am currently studying psychology and sociology at university centre Peterborough which I am really enjoying! It definitely opens my eyes to the world around and sparks a passion into helping people to make a change.

Hey, I'm Leonie Coote, I'm social facilitator in Peterborough and so happy to be a part of the Safe Soulmates' team.
I'm a mummy to three beautiful daughters; when we're not out and about exploring in nature you will find us doing plenty of arts and crafts and keeping busy. It's never a dull day.

I am currently studying psychology and sociology at university centre Peterborough which I am really enjoying! It definitely opens my eyes to the world around and sparks a passion into helping people to make a change.

Viv Wiggins

Hi I am Viv and I am a professional actor and presenter. I carry out online events over two evenings a week for the Safe Soulmates, creating an accessible space for people to meet, discover things in common and develop skills! I have a background in working with charity ''The Jospehine and Jack Project (CIO)' as a drama facilitator, helping our learning disabled communities and young people with additional needs. This can be in understanding more about relationships, the choices we have and the consequences in keeping safe. The Safe Soulmates community is very special to me and all members have so much to offer.

Hi I am Viv Wiggins and I am a professional actor and presenter. I carry out online events over two evenings a week for the Safe Soulmates, creating an accessible space for people to meet, discover things in common and develop skills! I have a background in working with charity ''The Jospehine and Jack Project (CIO)' as a drama facilitator, helping our learning disabled communities and young people with additional needs. This can be in understanding more about relationships, the choices we have and the consequences in keeping safe. The Safe Soulmates community is very special to me and all members have so much to offer.

Maia Pace

I am deeply enthusiastic about intersectional disability rights, creating equity to ensure everyone has the same opportunities to live fulfilling lives and ensuring accessibility in all areas of society.

Hi, I am Maia Pace. I am deeply enthusiastic about intersectional disability rights, creating equity to ensure everyone has the same opportunities to live fulfilling lives and ensuring accessibility in all areas of society.

Meet Our Team

Liz Mackenzie

Vicky Baddeley

Christine O'Neil

Bill Jones

Elizabeth Felton

Jenny Nott

Darren Fitzpatrick

JADE-ANNE GRIFFIN

Leonie coote

Viv Wiggins

Maia Pace

Liz Mackenzie

Vicky Baddeley

Christine O'Neil

Bill Jones

​Elizabeth Felton

Jenny Nott

Darren Fitzpatrick

Jade-Anne Griffin

Leonie Coote

Viv Wiggins

Maia Pace

Elizabeth Felton