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 (Hons) (CEO) is a child of Kaleidoscope and returned to the project in 1993. Martin became Kaleidoscope's Chief Executive of Operations in 1998.

Harriet Jacobs(CEO Support)

David Vickery FCCA

Kath Neale AAT

Jane Walsh (Finance Assistant)

Bradley Goff (Trainee Finance Assistant)

Glyn Davies (Health and Safety Lead)

John Lipscomb (Properties and Methadone Systems Lead)

Operations Managers

Sian Chicken BA (Gwent Regional Manager) Sian was appointed as a project worker in the original team in Newport. She managed the Newport Service aswell as Kingston, and will become Gwent regional manager on her return following the birth of her second child.

James Varty BSc, PRINCE2 (Powys Regional Manager). James has had a variety of roles in Kaleidoscope, from Operations Manager in Tredegar and Newport to Business Development and Quality in the Central Team.  James has returned to operations in the vital role of regional manager for Powys and has moved with his family to Welshpool.

Leeanne Small (Newport, Community Drug Service) Leeanne also came to newport service in the early days after working for other agencies in the area. After standing in for Sian during her maternity leave, her position as manager has become permanent.

Lisa Kieh RGN MSc Econ (Carmarthenshire Drug Services) Lisa joined Kaleidoscope in November 2008 as the Carmarthenshire Drug Service Manager following extensive experience in the drugs field. She has a passion for overseas development and has recently gained a Masters degree in Economics

Gemma Henton BSc (Monmouthshire and Torfaen Alcohol Service) Gemma (Jim) came to Kaleidoscope from Drugaid, where she was a team leader for the DRR. She joined the Kaleidoscope team in March 2009 as the Alcohol Service Manager for Monmouthshire, and now also manages Torfaen and Newport.

Kate McDougall RNMH (Gwent Community Prescribing Service Manager). Kate came to Kaleidoscope in April 2010 after working as a qualified mental health nurse for 10 years and working 10 years specialised in substance misuse since leaving university. Kate started off as the Nurse Team Leader for the service but has worked her way up become Service Manager of the Gwent Community Prescribing Service.

Bryan Murrell (Peer Mentoring Team Leader) Bryan has worked within the welfare to work sector since August 2005 and has a strong passion for helping and supporting people to make positive changes to their life. Bryan came to Kaleidoscope in February 2010 and has worked hard to now become the team leader of the Peer Mentoring service project.

James (Herbie) Hancock Herbie and his team have turned the hostel around ensuring our residents get the best possible care. Herbie has a housing background working for organisations such as St. Mungo's and joined Kaleidoscope in 2007 after a year out travelling.

Jane Matthew- Byrne BA SW (Student Services) Jane has an Advanced Award in Social Work, MA in Practice Teaching and MA in Professional Education and Training in Human Resources, which was jointly funded with Kaleidoscope Project and Kingston University. Jane has considerable experience in the field of addictive behaviour, dual diagnosis, supervision, teaching, mentoring and practice teaching.

Diane Double (Alfriston Day Centre Manager) Diane has been at Kaleidoscope since 2000 and has demonstrated an indomitable commitment to providing first class services to the elderly.