Michele Armstrong- Chief Executive Officer

Michele started with this organisation, then called the Wear Valley Volunteer Development Agency, in Aug 1998 as the manager. Michele is nowthe Chief Executive Officer.

 Her commitment to the Voluntary and Community Sector is clearly shown in her dedication to ensuring the sector is at the forefront of partnership working and that Teesdale and Wear Valley is represented on a local, regional and national level.

Michele has set a high standard for 2D and heads a dedicated team of experts. "For me 2D is a team effort; personal development is important and the dedication of the team is something I don't have to question!"

Contact: m.armstrong@2d.org.uk

Ann joined the organisation in 2000 when it was the Wear Valley Volunteer Development Agency.

Ann provides administrative services both in house and externally. She ensures the day to day running of the office and makes sure we pay the bills on time!

An increasingly important part of Anns role has been to manage the conference / training facility, in this day and age of declining funds 2D has had to look to generate some of its own income whilst providing a useful service to community and voluntary groups. Anns professionalism has ensured that groups and organisations continue to re-book the facility time and time again.

Contact: a.cairns@2d.org.uk

Phil Davies- Development Officer

Phil works as a senior member of the 2D team to deliver an agreed programme of work with clients and other stakeholders, ensuring awareness of and commitment to the delivery of the core functions and requirements of quality systems.

It is predominantly Phils role to fulfil the day to day functions of the CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) particularly in the areas of support, information and advice to members and voluntary and community groups.

In order to provide groups and agencies with the best possible service, Phil has attained a number of qualifications in advice and guidance, management and funding advice amongst others. He also built up a wide range of contacts in the sector, an extensive library, information leaflets and electronic data to provide the most up to date help and advice.

Contact: p.davies@2d.org.uk

Lindsay Wright- Development Officer

Lindsay Wright joined the team in August 2002.

Lindsay also works as a senior member of the 2D team to deliver an agreed programme of work with clients and other stakeholders, ensuring awareness of and commitment to the delivery of the core functions and requirements of quality systems.

Lindsay's role involves working with local voluntary and community organisations to enable them to identify their needs and to develop and support the implementation of programmes to meet those needs, including the development of volunteering opportunities.

Contact: l.wright@2d.org.uk

Rachel Brayfield- Development Support Worker

Rachel meets with individuals who want to volunteer and matching them with appropriate opportunities.

Another aspect of the role is to register organisations that require the help of volunteers. Rachel will also provide continuous support and guidance to new and existing volunteers and organisations.

One of Rachel's aims in this role will be to develop 'information points' throughout the Wear Valley and Teesdale areas to promote volunteering benefits and opportunities.

Contact: r.brayfield@2d.org.uk

Robert Fothergill's role includes developing initiatives to involve young people between the ages of 5 and 19yrs in decisions about public service delivery that effects them and their peers. He works closely with local groups that involve children and young people.

This post has a primary focus on inclusive participation work for children, young people and families in decisions that affect them, with a particular emphasis on the Every Child Matters agenda. This has included raising the profile of this, particularly in the voluntary and community sector.

Contact: r.fothergill@2d.org.uk   

Michael Dixon- Play Co-ordinator for Willington and Crook  

Michael Dixon's role includes promoting and delivering play opportunities for children aged 5-13 in the areas of Crook & Willington. He will also be working in partnership with local groups that involve children and young people.

Michael, from Bishop Auckland, has come from a background of youth work and has over 3 years experience of working with children and young people.

Contact: m.dixon@2d.org.uk

Lianne Lowes - Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Participation & Engagement Officer

Lianne supports VCS groups across the Durham Dales area. Originally from Hunwick and moved to Bishop Auckland three years ago, she has a background in Youth Work; achieving a degree in this field in 2006 and working within the Four Clocks Youth Project in Bishop Auckland, Tees Valley YMCA and Darlington Borough Council.

A key priority for the post is to conduct a piece of work that will hopefully result in recognising the importance of VCS with regard to the work with children and young people across the Durham Dales area in relation to integrated services.

If you are involved in a group which works with children, young people and families and would like to contact Lianne to see what kind of support and assistance is available call 2D on 01388 762220 or e-mail l.lowes@2d.org.uk