GwenChair
I have been with the charity since my retirement in 2010 having had a long career in Further Education starting as a lecturer in a college in Worcestershire and finishing as Principal of Lowestoft College. I am a founding member of the University of Suffolk and hold an Honorary Fellowship so I get to dress up in these fancy robes every year.
Not bad for someone who has a rare genetic bone disease, was educated in a special school, was not expected to find employment, was not expected to live beyond 50 and is a permanent wheelchair user. I firmly believe that people with disabilities should not be limited in their ambition but should be able to live as full a life as possible.
I have over 30 years’ experience as a school and college governor overlapping with 15 years’ experience as a trustee in the charity sector. At DANES I have been Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Chairman and have been Chairman since September 2025. I was also given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce in 2023.
Tracy LiTrustee
I've worked with both non-profit organisations of all sizes, for about 10 years, enabling them to use data and AI effectively and ethically to further their social missions. Before this, I worked in research and data science.
I'm excited to support DANES because of how close they are to the communities they serve, and how much of a difference their services make to people's lives.
Thirugnana Sambandam Vijayan (Thiru)Trustee
I have spent over 24 years in technology, currently working at a major financial market infrastructure firm. My work involves designing and operating complex systems, driving digital transformation, and managing cybersecurity and risk. I hold top industry certifications including CISSP, CCSP, CRISC, and TOGAF.
I am passionate about using technology as a tool for good, not for its own sake, but to empower people and organisations. I am joining DANES as a Trustee because I believe that digital and data systems, when used wisely, can help a charity run more efficiently, safeguard vulnerable people, and focus its time on what truly matters: enabling those with disabilities to overcome disadvantages and live full lives.
I am here to learn deep lived experience, and to offer whatever strategic and technical help I can. Outside of work, I enjoy music and staying active.
Andy PearceTrustee
I was born in Southampton, but my family moved to Lowestoft (my Dad’s hometown) in 1976 and has lived here ever since. I lived and worked in Sheffield for 20 years but returned to Lowestoft in 2011 to look after my Mum.
I worked in the finance industry (pensions) for 34 years. Alongside the day job, I also volunteered for many years: for the Relative Relief Service as a young man in Lowestoft, at a time when DIAL (as it was then) and the Relative Relief Service were based in the same building in Kimberley Road, and later as an Appropriate Adult in Sheffield, representing youngsters and vulnerable adults in police custody. I also have personal experience of mental health issues. So I understand the need for compassion and understanding, and the importance of listening and not judging. It is particularly important to me that local government and services work for everyone in our community, and that the most vulnerable do not fall through the gap.
I currently chair the Roman Hill Primary School Committee, where the interests and welfare of local children including safeguarding and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are paramount considerations. I am also currently a Lowestoft Town Councillor, and Chair of the Gunton Residents' Association. These are separate organisations with very different roles and responsibilities, but they all share a common ethos that disability and financial deprivation should not be barriers to engagement or participation for local people.
I believe that everyone should have freedom of thought, speech, and action. But rights come with responsibility, and I do NOT believe in bigotry, intolerance, or extremism of any kind. We should be able to respect each other’s beliefs and views and be able to disagree without resorting to hatred and abuse.
MargaretTrustee
I have been involved with Disability Advice North East Suffolk (previously D.I.A.L. – Lowestoft and Waveney) since it was set up in 1986, when a group of people with disabilities got together to volunteer and run a telephone Helpline in Lowestoft. We wanted to be in control of our own lives.
I became Vice-Chair and then Chairman of the Management Committee in 1988, and when the Manager went on maternity leave in 1993, and then did not return, I applied for the post and was successful. I was Manager of D.I.A.L. for 17 years, until 2010, when I retired.
My voluntary employment has been long and varied, including Chairman of Great Yarmouth and Waveney Community Health Council, Chair of the East Anglian Regional Forum on Disability and Chair of the Suffolk Disability Information Group to name but a few. With D.I.A.L., we became guided by what people were asking for on our Helpline, so we set up the Waveney Area Community Transport charity, Lowestoft Shopmobility and the Waveney Centre for Independent Living, all of which I helped to manage.
My reward has been seeing so many people claiming their entitlements and often taking control of their lives. In 2004 I was given an award at the Houses of Parliament “in Recognition of the Outstanding Service to the Local Community”, and in addition, Queen Elizabeth 2nd awarded me an M.B.E. in her birthday honours list in 2011. More recently, in 2022, I was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce.
SamTrustee
When my children started school I believed myself unemployable, having a chronic health condition. DIAL accepted me as a volunteer in 2001.
I was a volunteer representative on the DIAL Management Committee until DIAL employed me part-time. With the necessary training I later became a Disability Benefits Advisor.
In 2011, I successfully secured a full-time job with the Local Authority.
Still recognising the need of the Charity now known as DANES, in 2014 became a Trustee.
JohnTrustee
I have been a trustee for several years having been a trustee in charities for nearly forty years. I was the Chair for Norwich and Central Norfolk MIND, having previously been the honorary treasurer for about 30 years, until it merged with the other Norfolk and Waveney MINDs . I am one of a group of people who organise the Moveable Feast in Norwich each year which has raised about £350,000 for Parkinson’s research. I am actively involved in my local community where I am joint chair of our Recreation Centre Committee and treasurer of our petanque club.
I am a qualified accountant and worked in both the public and private sectors. I was City Treasurer for Norwich City Council before moving on to be Finance Director of the Enterprise Partnership and Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Waveney TEC. I was then the Norfolk Non Executive Director for the Learnings and Skills Council before being self employed as a director involved in education and training.
I have been a school and college governor and been on a number of committees promoting various skills in different industries.
I hope I can help the charity in achieving it’s objective of helping people with a disability to maximise their life opportunities.
Tess GandyTrustee
As an East Suffolk councillor for the Harbour & Normanston ward Tess lives in the heart of Lowestoft. Tess has been a district councillor for the area for over a decade. Tess is deeply committed to working on behalf of the residents of Lowestoft, and having worked previously for DANES, alongside other disability rights charities, Tess is deeply committed to improving the lives of people experiencing difficulties as a result of their disabilities. Being a trustee for DANES enables her to continue with this work and ensure the longevity and continued success of a brilliant charity which does so much in supporting disabled people!
As a qualified solicitor, with a background in corporate/banking law, and for the last 15 years working in the VCSE sector, Tess brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board; with specific emphasis on ensuring good governance, legal compliance, accountability and transparency. Tess has also served in a number of voluntary governance roles and is currently a trustee for two other local charities.
Jane BullenTrustee
Disability Advise North East Suffolk (DANES) represented an opportunity for me to use the knowledge and experience I have gained during my 30-year career in HR to contribute to an organisation that makes a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
Using my skills in a different way and to give something back to my local community. I can bring experience in people management, employee relations, organisational development, governance, and strategic decision-making, together with an understanding of the importance of creating inclusive and supportive organisations.
I was particularly drawn to DANES because of its focus on supporting and empowering disabled people. I truly value the opportunity to contribute as a trustee, learn from others and use my experience to help the charity continue to develop and achieve its objectives.
For me, trusteeship would be a positive way of combining my professional experience, my interest in people and my desire to make a purposeful contribution beyond my working career.
HeidiTrustee
For more than 15 years I worked various jobs in Benefits’ for one local authority, and now work for another authority supporting disabled people manage their own personal budgets/direct payments in order to have care in their own homes on their terms.
I have Dyslexia, which has given me a great insight into the struggles people have accessing services. Following a car accident I now find myself using a wheelchair and crutches to keep mobile.
I mainly work from home, and often find myself attending meetings online with the “help” of my cat who does not care how important my meeting is.
TrishManager
I have spent the majority of my career in management. I joined Disability Advice North East Suffolk (DANES) In September 2020 as a disability outreach advisor.
I then became the manager of Danes in March 2021. I really enjoy working with our superb dedicated team and meeting and supporting our amazing clients.
We strive to make a positive impact on people’s lives by advising, assisting and engaging with those in our community with a disability long term health condition and their carers.
PaulDisability Adviser
I started working with Disability Advice North East Suffolk in February 2022 as a disability advisor. I have a background with benefits as well as experience working and supporting people in the community.
I have a good knowledge of housing issues that I feel can use in this role. I am based in our office in Lowestoft and I will be able to offer help and advice about benefits and housing
I look forward to meeting people either at our office, outreach locations or via a home visit to support people with disabilities long term health conditions and there carers
DebbieDisability Adviser
I have worked as a Disability Adviser with DANES since September 2021. Previously I was an adviser on special educational needs for children and young people across Suffolk.
I enjoy being part of a friendly team offering impartial, confidential advice and information on benefits, housing, grants, local groups and opportunities for anyone living with a disability or long-term health condition.
I am based at our Lowestoft Office but work across North East Suffolk, including regular outreach appointments each month at Beccles Job Centre and Bungay Medical Centre.
I very much enjoy meeting our clients, their family and carers.
MeganDisability Advisor
I joined Disability Advice North East Suffolk in 2024, with the aim of aiding and assisting those with both visible and invisible disabilities. Combined with my background of delivering excellent customer service and my own personal experience of dealing with disabilities, this opportunity is a perfect way of me being able to help others in need.
The team here at DANES are incredible, they have all welcomed me and nothing is ever too much trouble for them, they are a truly amazing group of people.
Paula ClarkDisability Advisor
I first joined DANES in May 2023 as a full-time administrator and receptionist. In April 2024 I made the transition to a part time Disability Advisor. I have first-hand experience of the challenges those with a disability face. I enjoy helping and supporting people and find this role very rewarding.
I previously worked for a special needs school, supporting children between the age of 12 to 16, with their educational needs. The team at DANES are great to work with, they have loads of experience and knowledge.
Luke TuckerDisability Adviser
Hi, my name is Luke and I joined DANES in August 2025.
I have worked with homeless people for the last twenty years and I look forward to my new role, supporting people with disability advice.
DanaDisability Adviser
Hi, I’m Dana, a Disability Advisor at Disability Advice North East Suffolk.
Since joining in May 2025, I have been dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in accessing the guidance and assistance they need. With a background in elderly care, both in residential settings and out in the community, I bring compassion, patience, and a strong commitment to helping others.
In my current role, I feel incredibly fortunate to help individuals with disabilities access the support they deserve. It’s a role I find genuinely rewarding, as I’m able to make a real difference in people’s lives, whether through one-to-one advice, outreach work, or visiting clients in their homes. I strive to make every interaction meaningful and supportive.
IanDisability & Appeals Adviser
I started with Disability Advice North East Suffolk in January 2019 as a Disability Advisor. I combined this with my added role of Appeals Advisor in 2020.
My background has been within the community care sector, and my work has always involved supporting people to overcome difficulties in regard to aspects of daily living.
FayeReceptionist/Administrator
I joined Disability Advice North East Suffolk in February 2025 as a Receptionist/Administrator. Coming from an NHS background, my passion has always been helping others and making a difference. I’m excited about this new opportunity, as I believe it will be a truly rewarding role.
In the short time I’ve been here, the team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I look forward to contributing to the great work they do.
Charlie GarwoodEmployment & Community Engagement Advisor
I joined Disability Advice North East Suffolk in January 2024 as the Employment and Community Engagement Advisor. My previous roles have been around Customer Service and Employment.
I really enjoy working with a great bunch of people, who have a wealth of knowledge which is used to support our clients as they need. This role is ideal for me as I am passionate about Disabilities. I have first-hand experience of the difficulties encountered by people with disabilities, both visible and invisible and find it extremely rewarding being able to offer assistance and guidance to the people that reach out for our support.
PamVolunteer
Pam works as a coach at the Waveney Gymnastics Club in Lowestoft. She enjoys horse riding and playing pool.
Pam has supported DANES at a number of events, helping us to set up stalls at events and sharing what we do with members of the public.
Join Our Team
TRUSTEES
If you would like to support DANES by becoming a Trustee, then please contact Trish on 01502 581833
STAFF
We will announce any future staff vacancies on our website.
We have seven professional members of staff with a broad range of knowledge and experience of living with a disability. We work as a team and have regular meetings to keep up with the rapidly-changing situations we are all facing. That way we can offer the best service to our clients with disabilities, long term ill health and their carers or family. We also support employers and professionals who require our help and advice.
VOLUNTEERS
We are always looking for volunteers who can help us with events, fundraising and developing our service user group. Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. How much you do is up to you.
PLEASE NOTE
DANES does not require any person within our charity to have an ID photo on any of our sites.
