Well Doncaster and Be Well say goodbye to Elisa, Abu, James and Marilyn as they move on to pastures new. The team would like to thank them for all their hard work and wish them good luck in their next adventures.

We also welcome new faces to the team as we fill these roles and continue to develop the services and support we offer to Doncaster communities. So, please join us in giving a warm welcome to…

Kelly Watson

My name is Kelly Watson, I am one of the newest members of the Well Doncaster team. I will be covering the Central area of Doncaster City and working alongside residents and stakeholders as well as, Voluntary, Faith and Community organisations to help encourage everyone to lead a more positive and supportive community.

I am really looking forward to getting to see directly the work that Well Doncaster has helped implement so far in other areas of Doncaster.

I am currently a fulltime student studying BA (hons) Social Science at UCNL, Scunthorpe. I am a community asset in my own community, so I know how important community ownership and insight is. As an advocate for my area, and an elected as a member of the local parish council, I put the views of my neighbours and the improvement of our little village first. As part of an old mining culture, I recognise how important solidarity, traditions and principals are to people and fully support those of other communities and cultures. As a community volunteer, I have gained invaluable experience engaging with local residents and partner organisations and seeing first-hand the multi-agency work that goes on across Doncaster.

I am originally from the East of Doncaster where I live with my three children, close to my mum and dad. Family is very important to me, as are my friends. I enjoy spending time with them and like reading, walking and watching sports and documentaries in my free time. I also enjoy travelling around the UK with the Hatfield Main Colliery Trust, where we march with our Colliery banner, supporting communities and joining remembrance memorials as an act of solidarity.

I am really looking forward to meeting the communities the people that live in the Central communities of Doncaster City and feel passionate about supporting them and their causes.

Portia Wilkins

Hi, my name is Portia and I joined the Be Well Doncaster Team in April 2022. I am a Health and Wellbeing Coach and work in the East of Doncaster.

Since joining the team, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the communities I work in. I have immersed myself in the running of Peer Support Groups and 1:1 sessions. I am very passionate about supporting residents along their Health and wellbeing journey.

Prior to this, I spent a number of years working in a Special Educational Needs Department in a local Secondary school, supporting students academically, as well as socially and emotionally – this work was incredibly rewarding and ignited a desire to support people of all ages with their health and wellbeing. Other sectors I have worked in include hospitality and retail, where I was a Supervisor.

I graduated from university in 2021, with a Nutrition and Public Health degree and with the aim to attain a job in the Public Health sector. I enjoy learning and intend to develop existing and new knowledge through training courses.

In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit by walking, reading, and spending time with my dog Lucy and partner Ryan.

Laura Bugge

My name is Laura, I have recently joined Well Doncaster in a new dual role as a Public Health Officer and a Be Well officer for Central Doncaster. I live in Pontefract, but have close connections with Doncaster.

Over the last 10 years, I have worked mainly in NHS in various roles and with a range of different service users. In my last role, I worked as Tobacco Treatment Advisor in mental health hospital and I built relationships with service users who smoked. Whilst working, I have been studying over the last 7 years and last year I completed a BSc in Public health & Nutrition at Sheffield Hallam. I am currently still at Sheffield Hallam studying my MSc in Public Health.

In my spare time, I love to cook and learn new recipes, and over the last year I have started to be more active especially since COVID-19. I like to go swimming and go to the gym. I have 3 pets; a Hermans tortoise called Daisy and two musk turtles called Ted and Amy.

I am looking forward to working with the Well Doncaster team and making a difference in local communities around Doncaster.

Laura Ashton

Hi, my name is Laura Ashton and I have recently joined the Well Doncaster Team.

I have worked in Public Health for nearly 14 years, I have worked across many different teams within this time and love being part of this directorate. My main long standing substantive role is working in the Vulnerable Peoples Team covering Substance Misuse, Drug Related Deaths and Suicide Prevention.

I have recently taken up the great opportunity to work in Well Doncaster as a Public Health Improvement Officer in the East of Doncaster. I chose this role as I wanted a new and exciting challenge within Doncaster Communities. Many of my previous roles have involved administration, coordinating, report writing and working on projects covering my work related themes. I decided I wanted a different challenge working within communities so that I could be the one to do the ‘doing’, building up what our communities already have and helping to make it better, help make positive changes to better our Health & Wellbeing using community centred approaches.

I look forward to working within the East Communities and working towards a happier, healthier future.

Kirstie Lamb

Hello! I’m Kirstie and I have recently joined the Well Doncaster team as a Be Well Officer. In my role, I will be working with residents in the East to help them improve their health and wellbeing. I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with members of the community.

Doncaster is a new area for me and I am excited to get to know its residents. I grew up in a small town in Essex, but have lived and worked in Yorkshire for the past 7 years – I love it! In my spare time I enjoy exploring new areas in the Peaks and beyond, visiting family and friends, and going out running. I’m also a keen crafter and baker!

My background is in physical activity, nutrition, and health and I have a particular interest in the management of long-term health conditions. Prior to this role, I taught on Food and Nutrition courses at Sheffield Hallam University and have undertaken a PhD in Nutrition focusing on the health condition gout. I have also worked for a diabetes organisation in West Yorkshire, helping to support individuals with diabetes and provide them with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to self-manage their condition and overall health.

I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Well Doncaster Team and supporting residents in the East of Doncaster.

As always, the team will continue to keep everyone up to date with changes in the team. For now, we welcome the newest members of the team and look forward to working with them in helping Doncaster communities lead a healthier and happier life.