About Us
Founder & Registered Manager - Karen Scott
Karen Scott is the Founder and Registered Manager of Promoting Independence South West Ltd. Karen has extensive knowledge and experience working with Adults within Social Services, Primary Mental Health Trusts and charity sectors. As a Qualified Social Worker since 2010, Karen has a passion for people's rights; particularly those with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health and Physical Disabilities.
After completing her Newly Qualified Award in Social Work, a Post Qualification in Mental Health and completing Level 3 in Management and Leadership Karen pursued her career within Cornwall County Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council as an Adult's Safeguarding Chair. This role evidenced the importance of good quality care and the roles and responsibilities of all professionals working with our most vulnerable people in society.
Karen lived in East Devon between 2016 to 2021 and worked in various Adult Social Care Teams, as a Team Manager from Community/hospital services to Countywide projects within Devon County Council Karen now lives in Newquay, Cornwall. Promoting independence, safety, choice and rights for adults has been the main principle of Karen's practice and management of services. Karen states that 'our practice is embedded by strength based and person-centred approaches to support and mentor our clients towards increased independence. This provides better outcomes and less reliance of services for our most vulnerable in society.
Lead Mentor Coordinator - Emily Fletcher
My passion is helping others regain their independence and supporting them in complex situations.
For a number of years, I have supported ladies with complex needs fleeing domestic abuse in and around Cornwall.
I have completed my Level 2 and Level 4 in Advanced Counselling which I found beneficial when working with others. I am currently completing a degree in Criminology and Psychology. I am trained in domestic abuse Level 2 and DASH trained.
When not working I enjoy taking my dog for walks on the beach and spending time with my family.
Mentor Coordinator - Clare Latchem
I have worked within the care sector for approximately 14 years, firstly within the NHS, after which I then focussed my work in the private sector supporting individuals with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities. My work was both in residential settings and also within the community. Clients ranged from the age of eighteen to eighty with varying disabilities from, autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, downs syndrome, schizophrenia, anxiety, epilepsy, through to other associated complex health, emotional and behavioural needs. Each client having their own specialist requirements.
I realise the importance of person-centred practice in order to maintain the rights, dignity and autonomy of our most vulnerable in society and through my work I have developed a strong passion for human rights and equality. I believe that people with learning disabilities should have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else and should be valued as a person. They should be supported and encouraged to achieve their goals in order to lead a fulfilling and independent life.
In my spare time I act as a charity trustee in which I campaign for change and support others in minority groups and marginalised communities.
Mentor Coordinator - Rosie Reeve
I am a creative, empathetic and light-hearted person with a diverse background. I have had the pleasure of supporting and promoting the independence of people aged 11 to 100. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, compassion, respect and dignity. In my work, I take an open-minded, person-centred approach where each person's uniqueness is something to be recognised and celebrated.
Previously, I performed with a professional theatre company and then went on to teach English, Media and Drama to secondary school and A-Level students. Most recently I facilitated meaningful activities as a Well-being Coordinator in local care homes. Empowering all individuals to lead independent and rewarding lives is my passion.
I am proud to be Cornish and, in my spare time, I like to explore the woodland and coast of our beautiful county. I enjoy socialising with friends and family - and more importantly, their pets! My rescue dog Alfie is spoiled rotten and loves our adventures around Cornwall.
Mentor Coordinator - Sarah Johnston
You can take the girl out of Cornwall but you can't take Cornwall out of the girl, so the saying goes - in my heart of hearts I know this is true.
For the past three years I have been living in a British overseas territory working with vulnerable individuals, helping them to achieve their potential. All the time I was away my thoughts always turned to home and I knew I wanted to come back to work in Cornwall. I didn't want to just do any job, I wanted a job with real purpose, one that worked with the vulnerable of our society and I could be someone that is reliable, constant and empathetic within their lives. Being a spoke in their wheel, a link in their chain.
Working for PISW is all those things and more, a company that genuinely believes in individuals without barriers or prejudice wanting the best for them and going that extra mile to make this possible.
As I have got older, I have come to realise that it is the simple things in life that are important; cooking my family a lovely Sunday roast dinner, walking on the beach, just being with friends and family makes me so happy and content. Living by my mother's mantra - "Sarah, always treat others as you wish to be treated yourself"
Learning Disability Coordinator - Sarah Lee
My background is predominantly from education, but I have worked with young people and adults in the community as well. I have worked with some fantastic people over the years and have learned some invaluable skills. I think it is a real privilege to be a mentor and have people welcome you into their lives, to help and support them. I believe in giving people the chance to thrive and empowering people to fulfil their potential.
I like to think I am a fun and caring person with a positive outlook on life. I love nothing more than spending time with my family and lovely little dog Tilly. I like beach days and walking in places I have never been before. Our house is always noisy but full of fun.
I am looking forward to my journey with Promoting Impendence South West and having the opportunity to work within this fantastic team.
Mentor Coordinator - Sam Dunn
The sense of purpose that comes from helping others, especially those who are facing complex challenges in their lives, gives life more meaning. It can be very frustrating at times, but the feeling of achievement, when I have actually managed to help make a positive difference in someone's life, makes it all worthwhile.
My introduction to social care was taking Young People "In Crisis" away on wild camping trips and other activities for short term respite, I then eventually moved on to helping stabilise chaotic Children's Homes all over the country. I spent a number of years working with Adults with mental health needs in supported living, complex needs in temporary accommodation and doing community outreach for people who had moved on from, or were at risk of, homelessness.
My academic interest is in how childhood trauma leads to mental health and substance abuse problems, and how rehabilitation and counselling can be improved.
I'm at my most chilled out when lying on the sofa reading a book, or out walking with my partner and our springer spaniel, Spud. I also like messing about on the river.
Mentor Coordinator - Ben Wearing
I have been working with adults who have learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge for 8 years, supporting them to remain in their own homes and thrive as individuals as well as guiding them to make their best choices in life.
I take pride in helping my clients to live a happy and fulfilling life to progress and achieve their goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, our two rescue dogs Millie & Rocco, as well as spending time with my friends and family.
In my spare time I am a huge fan of films or a good Netflix series, as well as playing video games.
Apprentice Mentor Coordinator - Cameron Beumkes
Having overcome my own challenges, and witnessed similar struggles amongst my family and peers growing up, I was driven to achieve the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to make a positive difference and improve access and quality of care for those who need it most. I pursued psychology, eventually graduating with a BPS-accredited masters degree specialising in research, clinical, biological, social, cognitive, and developmental aspects. My focus lies in contributing to the widespread enhancement of personal well-being: to help people live their best lives and achieve their full potential, without being held back by trauma or self-doubt; a cause that resonates deeply with my own experiences and aspirations.
After spending some time gaining valuable experience working one-to-one with children in SEN (special educational needs) schools, I am incredibly excited to work with the team at PISW, to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Ledger Clerk - Karen Husband
My work background for the last 27 years has been in the motor trade; not as a mechanic but accounts and reception at a local garage until, unfortunately, they closed their doors.
I loved this job as it combined my love of helping people, meeting new people and the admin side of running a garage. I worked with a good group of people who supported each other in our different roles so I am hoping to get the same enjoyment working with PISW.
As my husband has recently retired, this part time role is ideal as we will be able to spend more time together. A real bonus is that I only live five minutes away from the office!
I have a daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons who live close by so, most weekends are spent at one of the many beaches or in the woods making dens and getting muddy. My son lives and works in Liverpool so we try to make regular trips north to experience the lively places near him.
I look forward to working with all the team at Promoting Independence and hope that I can make a positive contribution to the company.