Kaleidoscope was founded in 1968 by the Rev Eric Blakebrough. The early history is recorded in the book ‘No Quick Fix’ by Eric, which is available for £2 from our central office.

The Central Management Team

Rev Martin Blakebrough BA MA is a child of Kaleidoscope, returned to the project in 1993 and became its director/chief executive in 1998.

Veronica Snowball has been at Kaleidoscope Wales from its first day and is Martin’s PA

David Pritchard BSc Econ FAAI is our Finance Manager with responsibility for Human Resources and the Newport Juice Run. He has been in post 4 years.

Jane Walsh is our Finance Assistant and is responsible for pay roll and servicing invoices.

James Varty BSc is our Business Development and Quality Manager. He has led the Alcohol Service and is committed to ensuring Kaleidoscope adopts latest research methods in its work.

Operations Managers

Lisa Kieh RGN MSc Econ (Carmarthenshire Drug Services) Lisa, the manager, has considerable experience in the drugs field. She has a passion for overseas development and has just gained a Masters degree in Economics.

Debbie Faulds SRN (South Wales Drug Intervention Programme) Debbie has considerable experience in substance misuse from prison work to community prescribing.

Sian Chicken BA (Newport Community Drug Service) Sian was appointed as a project worker in the original team in Newport. She managed our Kingston service on a secondment basis but returned to Newport as the manager after the birth of her first child.

Gemma Wood BSc (Alcohol Service Manager for Monmouthshire and Torfaen) Gemma (Jim) came to Kaleidoscope from Drugaid where she was a team leader for the DRR and is now the Kaliedoscope Manager for Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

Niamh Donnelly LLB (Kingston Drug Services) Niamh initially came as maternity leave cover for Sian. She established herself in the role and when Sian announced her wish to return to Newport we had no hesitation in appointing Niamh as the permanent manager.

James (Herbie) Hancock Herbie and his team have turned the hostel around ensuring our residents get the best possible care. He has a housing background, working for organisations such as St Mungo’s. He came to us after a year out travelling.

Diane Double (Alfriston Day Centre) Diane has been at Kaleidoscope for 10 years. She has a commitment to older people and she continues to develop this service in Surbiton.