Meet the Team
Longmead Community Farm is supported by a dedicated team of staff, facilitators and specialists who work together to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who visits us.
Our team brings a wide range of experience across family support, wellbeing, creativity, land‑based work and site care, and is united by a shared commitment to compassion, inclusion and working alongside people with care and respect
Karen Allan
Karen leads the day to day running of Longmead Community Farm, overseeing operations, programme development, staff and volunteer coordination, partnerships and organisational sustainability. She works closely with the trustees and team to ensure that Longmead continues to deliver high quality, values led support in a safe and welcoming environment.
Sharon Sibley
Sharon leads Longmead’s Family Programme and has responsibility for safeguarding across the organisation. She supports families who attend Longmead and ensures that safeguarding, wellbeing and best practice are embedded in all areas of delivery. Sharon works closely with staff, facilitators and partner organisations to provide safe, supportive and inclusive experiences.
Lisa Gravett
Lisa leads the coordination and development of Longmead’s volunteer programme. She plays a key role in supporting and organising volunteers and facilitators, coordinating community activities, and building strong links with local groups and partners to ensure Longmead remains a vibrant and responsive community resource.
Tamara Loakes
Tamara delivers nature based wellbeing activities, supporting participants to connect with the natural environment in ways that promote calm, reflection and emotional wellbeing. Her work draws on the restorative benefits of outdoor spaces and gentle, inclusive activities.
Lucy Johnstone McCarthy (appointment pending)
Lucy leads music wellbeing sessions at Longmead, using music and sound as a creative, accessible way to support emotional expression, confidence and connection. Her sessions offer supportive spaces for individuals and groups to explore feelings and build wellbeing through shared musical experiences.
Lucy Newnham (appointment pending)
Lucy delivers art based wellbeing activities, providing opportunities for creative expression in a safe, non judgemental environment. Her sessions support confidence, communication and emotional wellbeing through a range of inclusive and adaptable creative practices.
Paula Davies (appointment pending)
Paula facilitates garden and bushcraft based wellbeing activities, supporting participants to engage with practical outdoor skills in ways that build confidence, resilience and connection with nature. Her sessions combine hands on activity with calm, supportive guidance.
Joe Ibbitson (appointment pending)
Joe delivers garden based wellbeing sessions at Longmead, using horticulture and outdoor activity to support emotional wellbeing, reflection and a sense of achievement. His work encourages participants to engage at their own pace and experience the therapeutic benefits of working with plants and the natural world
Mark Allan
Mark is responsible for property maintenance and site development at Longmead, helping to ensure that buildings, facilities and outdoor spaces are safe, well maintained and fit for purpose. His work supports the smooth running of the site and the delivery of programmes in a safe environment
Working Together
Alongside our staff team, Longmead is supported by skilled facilitators, committed volunteers and a dedicated Board of Trustees who provide governance and strategic oversight.
Together, we work to ensure that Longmead Community Farm remains a place where people feel safe, valued and supported.