About us

Our purpose, our values, our services

Grapevine Essex is committed to providing an excellent and professional service to adults with learning disabilities; comprising affordable, confidence building and educational opportunities that teach life skills, support independent living and improve employability.
The fully supported outings and activities provided ensure valuable respite to parents and carers, in addition to raising acceptance and awareness of adults with learning disabilities within the general public.
Most of all, we are dedicated to ensuring our members have fun, develop friendships and enhance their lives within a safe, supportive and friendly environment.

We listen. We act. We care.

Grapevine Essex Founders, Jackie Holland and Vanessa Hellier

Grapevine Essex was founded in January 2012 by Jackie Holland and Vanessa Hellier and we have over 150 members.

We are honoured to have Peter Turrall MBE as our President, and Lord Petre, 18th Baron Petre KCVO as our Patron.

Jackie’s role as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Charity Manager includes planning and organising all the activities and events for members, managing the accounts and overseeing the general running of the charity. Jackie holds qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work; Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction). Jackie manages the charity from her home in St Osyth.

Vanessa’s role as Member Support Manager involves organising the support for members and supervising the volunteer team. She also runs our two weekly clubs during term times: Club Grapevine and the Dance Group. Vanessa holds qualifications in First Aid at Work; Risk Assessment; Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction); Epilepsy Awareness; Autism Awareness and is qualified to administer Buccal Midazolam.

Mary Schultz works alongside Vanessa in providing support for members and organises the Art and Craft Workshops. Mary holds qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work; Risk Assessment; Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction) and Autism Awareness.

Adrian Heighes is a Support Assistant for people with complex needs. He is currently studying for a BSc Hons in Health and Social Care and holds the following qualifications: QCF/NVQ Level Two: Health & Social Care; NVQ Level Three: Employment Law; Understanding Autism, Fire Safety, Health & Safety, Nutrition & Wellbeing, Infection Control & Prevention, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction); Dementia Awareness, Makaton, The Autism Act 2009, Manual Handling; First Aid at Work and is qualified to administer Buccal Midazolam.

Simon Jones is a qualified SEN teacher and actively works teaching adults with alternative needs across a broad spectrum at a local Essex College.

He holds the following qualifications, DETS / LV5 (teaching diploma), HND in Early Childhood Studies, and BTEC level 3 Social Care. Simon has been working in the SEN sector for over 15 years and is an experienced behaviour support manager, personal assistant, classroom assistant and manager, and qualified teacher. In a nutshell, Simon loves his job.

Other support staff and volunteers are offered ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ training. All members of the Grapevine Team have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.