Pete moved to Somerset at the start of 2024 and brings significant experience across social care, education, and organisational leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked in roles supporting individuals facing disadvantage, with a particular focus on developing inclusive services and initiatives that create meaningful opportunities and access to support.

He holds degrees in Health & Social Care and Theology, along with postgraduate study in Inclusive Theory and Practice. This academic background, combined with his practical leadership experience, underpins Pete’s commitment to inclusive, person-centred approaches and to creating environments where people feel respected, valued, and supported.

Pete is passionate about social justice and about creating spaces where people facing disadvantage feel welcomed, valued, and able to access the support they need. He believes that everyone, at different points in life, benefits from the right support, encouragement, and opportunity to move forward. Pete is married to Karen, and together they share a vision for supporting those who are most vulnerable in society.

Suzanne is one of the founders and visionaries behind Diary House. Living at Manor Farm, she and her husband Rob were inspired to use the farm as a force for positive change, supporting the local community and addressing rural homelessness.

With over 30 years’ experience working with adults with complex needs, Suzanne has helped run rehabilitation projects in Hong Kong and worked across rough sleeper outreach services in Somerset, homeless day centres and Housing First initiatives. She is married to Rob, has five children, helps oversee Root Connections CIC, and runs a thriving pottery business from the farm.

Karen brings more than 15 years of experience in the housing sector, spanning roles from Night Support Worker in a direct‑access shelter in Nottingham to Programme Coordinator at a Young People’s Lifehouse in Cardiff. She also has extensive experience as an educator across a wide range of settings, delivering training, leading life‑skills and therapeutic programmes in community environments, and teaching pottery to learners of all ages.

Alongside her work with Connect Community Trust, Karen is married to Pete and runs her own ceramics business, where she both teaches and creates functional handmade pieces.

Dylan is Team Lead at The Dairy House, his role brings together leadership and direct support and he works to create a safe, empowering environment for residents and staff alike. His career began in English Literature and Philosophy, and when he transitioned into support work he carried with him the values of curiosity, thoughtful communication, and reflective practice. He endeavours to lead with empathy and collaboration, encouraging others to recognise and build on their strengths. He is deeply grateful for the residents and colleagues he works with and after six years, they continue to teach him daily about resilience, dignity, and the power of community.

Kate started as a volunteer in the Dairy House in 2019, then became part of the bank staff and finally she became a fully-fledged support worker in 2021.    

Kate’s background is varied, from teaching scuba diving to training as a psychotherapist, specialising in CPTSD in adult survivors of abuse.

Jake has been part of the Dairy House team for nearly five years, working as a Housing Support Worker. His role is about much more than helping people find stability — it’s about walking alongside them as they rediscover hope, confidence, and purpose. He brings to this work not just professional experience, but also his own lived experience of addiction, alcoholism, and chronic mental health challenges. Having been in recovery for over twenty years, he understands first-hand both the pain and the possibility that come with healing.

At the Dairy House, Jake loves creating spaces where people can express themselves and reconnect with what gives them meaning. He facilitates activities like woodworking and music projects, which often open up surprising moments of connection, pride, and growth. Alongside his role here, he runs a private counselling practice where he offers integrative, compassionate therapy that draws on Mindfulness-Based CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

Jake hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychotherapeutic Integrated Counselling, along with CPCAB and Level 5 Diplomas in Psychotherapeutic and Integrated Counselling. He has also completed additional training in self-harm awareness, suicide prevention, and understanding the impact of shame. His work is guided by compassion, respect, and a belief that change is always possible — no matter where someone is starting from.

Beckie joined the Dairy House team in September 2025. Being a support worker here is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Each day involves offering person-centered emotional support and advocacy to people facing complex issues such as trauma, addiction, or mental health difficulties. Her role requires patience, resilience, and strong boundaries, alongside genuine compassion.  

Beckie brings extensive lived experience and has studied Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for nearly five years as well as completing suicidal prevention, safeguarding and First Aid which strengths her ability to offer informed, empathetic support.

Katharine has worked as a specialist substance misuse nurse in residential drug and alcohol rehabs and prisons. Trained in adult general nursing in the 1990’s. She has worked in many settings including general wards, schools, youth centres and even a holiday camp .She previously led the Connect Outreach Team at the Connect centre.

This is a wonderful role, being able to be part of a team housing those most entrenched in homelessness and providing ongoing support is a privilege and a pleasure. Katharine works with such a lovely group of people and there are so many new and interesting challenges every day.

Paul holds an Honours Degree in Experimental Psychology and began working in Human Services in Australia in the 1990's as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor mainly within the Commonwealth Government's Disability Services Dept.

On returning to the UK in the early 00's he settled in Somerset and spent 12 years in local Drug and Alcohol Services, had a brief spell working with the Community Mental Health Team and for nearly 7 years now have had the privilege of working at the Connect Centre with the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, the Community Connect Team and most recently the Connected Housing First Team.

Sarah currently enjoying being a part of the Housing First team.  Previously, she worked as a practice nurse in New Zealand, so was able to draw on a strong background in healthcare experience along with being passionate about a holistic approach to well-being. She loves creative problem-solving alongside her clients, working together to solve issues .

Outside of work, Sarah is a mother of three grown sons. She enjoys staying fit through cycling and hiking, and cherish nature and the outdoors, having a love for the arts and gardening. She is excited to be working alongside experienced colleagues and hope they can continue to support people maintain permanent housing and empower individuals to realise their potential and enable positive change and personal growth.