Karin, Founder  Director

Karin moved from Chigwell to Hertford in 2007. She has now fully involved  in community life, working with us at our Local Socials, helping out with Brownies and is an active member of her local church in Hertford. A regular member of  Guideposts Friendship Scheme, Karin enjoys Yoga, going out for meals and is a ‘demon’ knitter. Karin is proud of her independence but likes most of all, helping other people.

It is with great sadness that Karin died after a short illness on 25th February 2025. Karin was a founder member of Local Social, Director and a loyal member of the team. She made many friends, always thought of others and ‘kept us all on                                                                 our  toes’. Karin will be hugely  missed but remembered for                                                               her  valuable contributions to Local Social.                                                                                                                                  

 

 

James, Founder Director

James came to live in Ware, Hertfordshire in December, 2010 as part of a Shared Lives arrangement with Andy and his family.  He had spent the previous twenty one years
in specialist residential care at the National Society for Epilepsy in Chalfont, Buckinghamshire. James now enjoys a busy life, bringing a smile to all Local Social events. He loves making cakes and bringing them to our Local Socials where they are very popular. . Once a month he uses his experience to lead a session on Epilepsy for new carers, as part of the Care Certificate. James is  Shared Lives Plus Ambassador who has helped to run workshops a and speak to a large audiences about how his life has changed.  James enjoys his own garden and greenhouse and is working towards his blue belt at the local Karate Club.

 

 

 

Andy, Founder Director

Andy became a Shared Lives carer in 2010, following a career in teaching. In 2016 he started Local Social as a project to connect the people he was working with to their community. It was working with James that inspired the idea of Local Social and how vital social connection is for us all.

 

Bronte is our Cockapoo who attends all our events and is part of the team. She is a source of comfort to many people and an excellent conversation starter and loves it at our coffee mornings, especially if she gets a treat. Bronte has done some training with Dogs for Good.

Andy enjoys walking in the countryside with Bronte, just about all sport, though it is watching, these days.

Being with people and listening to the buzz of conversation at Local Socials is just wonderful.