The idea
Alison McPherson (Latimer)
Director of The Island Project
Alison has worked within social care for 25 years in a range of residential homes, schools, youth groups and other care environments.
Like Jacqui, she worked in a residential home where she a registered manager before leaving. Alison is a hands on director whos main role is overseeing behaviour management and safeguarding.
Jacqui Johnson
Director of The Island Project
Jacqui’s first role within the social care industry was a support worker at a residential home, where Alison also worked.
Having a talent for behaviour management, policy and safeguarding saw Jacqui promoted several times before making the decision to leave residential care as a registered manager in 2010. Jacqui’s now handles all business and policy aspects of The Island Project.
The decision to leave…
Both Jacqui and Alison are extremely passionate people when it comes to caring for young people. Both shared a vision whilst at residential care that all young people deserve the right to develop, thrive and reach their full potential.
The problem was profits came before care..
Having both become registered managers for different houses within the same care group, Alison and Jacqui began getting frustrated at some of the company policy, especially in regards to education and activity money per child. These frustrations could eventually no longer go unnoticed, and it was at this time Jacqui and Alison decided to make a change, and go it alone!
Our idea…
“To have an environment where young people can better themselves, be themselves without judgement and have access to learning materials and pastoral support which actually benefits a young person in an individualised way. Without money being a barrier, nor a priority.”
– Jacqui Johnson
In the beginning
South Normington Site…
2009-2011
A lovely secluded site in South Normington was where The Island Project first began it’s service and stayed there for 18 months. The Island made good tracks and decided to move to another, bigger site in Breaston.
Breaston…
2011-2012
Dubbed ‘Phase 2’ by the directors, the Breaston site was a lovely patch of land at the end of a small pathway, with a brook streaming by on one side and DIY buildings made up learning spaces. It was at this site that The Island began to expand, rescuing three Llama’s and a Pig.
It soon became apparent that life would be difficult at this site, without running water, or electricity as well as the site flooding. The Island Project had to move again….
The Island Project today
Draycott Site…
2012 – Present
The Island Project is now located on an ideal patch of land, almost 4 acres in size, with converted stables, a portacabin and a static caravan making up querky learning areas. The site has a large field which is divided into different sections for animals and gardening.
All amenities are catered for at The Island’s latest site such as toilets, running water, car parking and hard standing.
Jacqui Johnson
Director
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Alison Latimer
Director
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Amy Martinson
Manager & Education Facilitator
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Jonathan Goodman
Youth Project Coordinator
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Tanya Scholes
Senior Youth Project Worker
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Zoey Chadwick
Youth Project Worker & Animal Welfare Coordinator
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Wendy Scholes
Youth Project Worker
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Roy Johnson
Youth Project Worker
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre
Emily Prince
Youth Project Worker
The Island Project Farming & Education Centre