Volunteers and Funding Coordinator

Say hello: volunteer@groundedcommunity.co.uk

HR, Finance and Policy Coordinator

Hi, I’m Karen, the HR, Finance and Policy Coordinator for Grounded Community, the person who sits behind the scenes looking after people and finances. I feel proud to be part of a team where we all work together, collaborating, supporting, and making a meaningful difference in the local community.
Being part of Grounded is more than just a job to me, it’s an opportunity to contribute to a culture of teamwork, compassion, and shared purpose, where we can achieve so much more together.

Say hello: admin@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Pantry Lead & Grounded Gatherers Project Coordinator

Hi, I’m George
I’m The Pantry and Grounded Gatherers Coordinator. My role has lots of different parts, and I really value being able to help people in a variety of ways. From rescuing surplus food and redistributing it within the local community to help ease some of life’s pressures, to taking groups out foraging and learning together about the amazing edible and medicinal plants around us.
I love problem solving, and this role certainly brings plenty of that day to day. Most of all, I enjoy being part of something that brings people together and makes a practical difference. I’m also constantly in awe of the amazing people I work with across Grounded

Say hello: george@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Skills, Learning & Composting Coordinator

Hi, I’m Jonno, the Skills, Learning and Composting Coordinator. I coordinate volunteer sessions and workshops at the Secret Garden, and work with Adam to transform food waste into high-quality compost.

I’m passionate about helping both adults and children learn how to grow their own food—getting hands in the soil and learning real, practical skills. I’m especially interested in urban permaculture: finding simple, affordable ways to meet more of our needs locally, from backyard forest gardens and perennial vegetables to home composting, rainwater harvesting, and compost loos.

Say hello: education@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Grounded Bee’zz Coordinator

Hi, I’m Fred and I lead the Grounded Bee’zz project. I’ve been keeping bees since 2012 and, although I’d say I’m still learning, I’m incredibly passionate about what I do.
I’ve been involved with the Bournemouth Beekeepers Association and have helped run the local Honey Show, as well as balancing life as a firefighter and drummer, so it’s fair to say I like to keep busy.
What I love about Grounded is helping people discover something they enjoy, learn new skills and feel part of something that benefits both them and the planet.

Say hello: bees@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Grounded Composting Lead Operator

Hi, I’m Adam
I’m the Grounded Compost Coordinator and joined the team in 2020. I’m responsible for collecting brown caddies from local businesses as part of our composting work, helping divert food waste away from landfill and into something useful.
I also enjoy getting involved in different aspects of Grounded whenever I can. As a keen photographer, I love capturing moments in the garden and across our projects, helping share the story of what we do. I’m also passionate about supporting food waste awareness and helping people understand how small changes can make a big difference.
I really enjoy being part of Grounded. It’s great to be out in the community, meeting people, and knowing the work we do is helping reduce waste and support a more sustainable way of living.

Say hello: composting@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Installation Coordinator

Hi, I’m Daryl.
I’m the Installation Coordinator at Grounded and have been part of the team since 2024. I help with building and installing things like raised beds and supporting projects as they take shape.
You’ll often see me at events and getting involved wherever I’m needed. I really enjoy being part of Grounded and supporting the work we do across the community. It’s great to be part of a team that brings people together and creates something positive.

Say hello: installations@groundedcommunity.co.uk

The Pantry Volunteer Coordinator

Hi, I’m Jacqui, Volunteer Coordinator for The Pantry at Feed Our Community. I support and organise our dedicated team of volunteers, helping to ensure The Pantry operates smoothly seven days a week and that everyone who visits feels welcomed and supported.
Having been involved since the early days, it means a great deal to me to be part of an initiative that enables people in our community to access good, healthy food with dignity. The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing the positive impact we make, whether that’s a smile, a kind conversation, or simply knowing we’re helping people feel supported.

Say hello: thepantry@groundedcommunity.co.uk

The Pantry Pick Up Coordinator

Hey, I’m Karli and I coordinate the surplus food pick-up drivers for Feed Our Community.
I make sure our brilliant volunteer drivers are at the right place at the right time to rescue unwanted food that would otherwise go to landfill. It’s all about saving good food, helping the planet, and making sure it reaches people in our local community who can make good use of it.
I’m passionate about reusing things that might otherwise be considered waste, and about helping and educating the people we support. Knowing that we’ve saved tons of food and helped hundreds of people from all walks of life is an amazing thing to be part of.

Say hello: drivers@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Chair of Trustees

Hi, I’m Mark

I’m the Chair of Trustees at Grounded and support the organisation across its different projects and activities. I enjoy working alongside the team and helping wherever I’m needed, whether that’s offering guidance, getting involved in sessions, or supporting things behind the scenes.
I value the sense of community that Grounded creates and the way it brings people together. Being part of the journey and seeing the impact across so many different areas is something I find really rewarding.

Say hello: mark@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Treasurer

Hello, I’m Joanna

Say  hello: treasurer@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Trustee

Hi, I’m Ellie, one of the trustees for Grounded Community. I support the team wherever I can and lead on measuring our impact, collecting amazing data and stories that pop up across the charity. I love being in the sea, visiting the chickens and meeting the wonderful people across our community, connecting to nature and each other!

Say hello: ellie@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Trustee

Hello, I’m Helen, a trustee at Grounded Community. Alongside the other trustees, I help guide the charity by making strategic decisions, managing resources, and ensuring everything we do is compliant and in the best interests of our community and beneficiaries.
I’m also a facilitator and volunteer in the Secret Garden, where I help run sessions and, my favourite part, look after our beautiful chickens.
Being part of Grounded means a great deal to me. I believe creating supportive, connected communities is vital, and I love helping people feel empowered to learn new skills, grow their own food, and access healthy, nourishing produce.

Say hello: helen@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Trustee

Say hello: john@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Trustee

Hello, I’m John.
I’m one of the trustees at Grounded. I’ve spent many years working with children and young people, and I’m passionate about supporting the next generation.
Being part of Grounded gives me the opportunity to continue that, with a focus on community care and the importance of showing love and concern for our neighbours.

Say hello: jr@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Trustee

Hi, I’m Mayu

I first connected with Grounded through the Social Canteen when it began in 2022, and I’ve proudly continued volunteering there ever since. Through that experience, I’ve seen first-hand the power of Grounded’s work in bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging, and strengthening the local community.
I joined the Board of Trustees in summer 2025 and am really enjoying growing into the role. I’m passionate about finding meaningful ways to support Grounded’s vision and help the organisation continue to thrive.
Alongside this, I work in the charity sector as a Project Manager, leading community projects centred around advocacy, diversity and equity. I’m also part of the local creative scene, organising poetry events that celebrate connection, expression and collective voice.
I feel really lucky to be part of Grounded and to contribute to something that brings people together in such a positive and inclusive way.

Say hello: mayu@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Trustee

Hi, I’m Michael and I am one of the trustees at Grounded. I first came to the garden in 2014. I was inspired by the garden coordinator, Alan Kenny, and his vision to teach local people to grow their own food.
Since then, I have helped shape the vision and the projects, and connected with so many like-minded people. I am totally committed to local food production, and Grounded forms a crucial part of that vision, in the belief that we can do so much more together.

Say hello: michael@groundedcommunity.co.uk

Trustee

Hi, I’m Theresa, one of the trustees at Grounded. I’m passionate about growing and cooking food, gardening and helping wildlife thrive.
I love being part of developing a sustainable local food system using permaculture principles to support our community.

Say hello: theresa@groundedcommunity.co.uk