Blog Archives

Justin Smith – (CEO) Chief Executive Officer

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I’m Justin and I joined CfD in February 2022

Alpa Bhudiya – Operations Manager

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With over 20 years of experience in the third sector, I support charities and community organisations to improve services and create meaningful impact. As Operations Manager at CfD, I focus on strengthening systems, developing effective ways of working, and ensuring our mission—to build a fairer and more equitable society—guides everything we do.

My career has included work with a range of vulnerable groups, including people affected by substance misuse and women facing complex challenges. I am committed to social justice, community engagement, and ensuring services are accessible and inclusive.

I also serve as an Independent Scrutineer for the Avon & Somerset Criminal Justice System, contributing to work on disproportionality, accountability, and systemic improvement.

Mark Gill – Community Development Officer

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I’m Mark. My job role is funded by the Bristol Impact Fund and it entails me meeting deaf and hard of hearing people in Bristol and working with them to make a real difference to individuals and the community as a whole. I am in the process of organising events, mainly information sessions, where deaf and hard of hearing people can access information that is widely accessible to mainstream society.
I also organise a bi-monthly coffee morning where deaf and hard of hearing people can come together to catch up and meet new people. The main project that I am working on is called ‘Deaf People Together’ and its aims include supporting Deaf and hard of hearing people to set up and run their own activity groups and encouraging others to join. The groups have an open remit, the main aim being that the activity is just enjoyable and that it will encourage deaf and hard of hearing people to get together to do it.
I also manage Bristol City Deaf Football Club. As a club, we take part in the England Deaf Football league and competitions, so please do get in touch with me if you are interested in playing football! We are proud to say that we have won the England Deaf Football Plate Cup four times, which is a joint record with Fulham Deaf FC.

Jason Parchment – Communication and Engagement Officer

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BSL Level 1

I’m a digital communicator and tech trainer with over 15 years of experience. I help make information easy to understand through online content, training materials, and creative design.

I’ve worked with councils, charities, and businesses to create simple, engaging learning resources like videos, graphics, and e-learning tools.

Steve Mullins – Technical Officer and Administrator

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I’m Steve and go out and visit clients to support them with their equipment. I also work as an administrator for the equipment service. I look after stock control for items of equipment such as doorbells and phone ringing aids. My role is to make sure that the correct level of stock is maintained to be able to meet demand while keeping the costs of holding stock to a minimum. Previously I worked as an IT developer in the banking and insurance industry for nearly 30 years.

Gemma Maggs – Technical Officer and Administrator

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Jo Jones – Community Outreach Worker

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BSL Level 1
Hello, I’m Jo, one of two part-time Community Outreach Workers for CfD.
My role involves talking to people in the community who are struggling with their hearing, which could be anything from occasionally missing a few words in a conversation to being profoundly deaf, and signposting them to activities, events or organisations that might be of interest to them. I hold regular drop-ins, along with my colleague Pembe,  at various audiology clinics across Bristol, and also hold drop-ins at a number of community centres and other public spaces in the Bristol area.
I originally trained as a professional musician, but sadly, when I started to lose my hearing in my 40s, I was unable to continue playing and teaching.  I have been wearing hearing aids for 8 years, and because of my experience with hearing loss, I am able to understand the issues and frustrations that come with losing your hearing in later life.
Outside of work I enjoy swimming, Tai Chi and spending time with my grown up children.

Pembe Alp – Community Outreach Worker

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I am the other CfD Community Outreach worker that Jo mentioned.
Our roles involve connecting people, reviving communities and encouraging the strength and growth of those communities. For people struggling with their hearing, we aim to do regular drops-ins across Bristol to provide support to those most in need.
I am profoundly deaf myself, born into a hearing family.  I moved to Bristol not long ago from London to study to become a counsellor. I play football, I love reading books and I enjoy the arts.

Natalie Sital-Singh – Administration officer

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Currently Learning BSL Level 1

My name is Natalie, and I joined CfD in 2024. I work primarily with the Equipment service, answering emails and calls to arrange home visits for our clients.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me hiding in a good book, going for walks with my husband, or pottering in the garden with our three children.

Daisy Williams – Charity Secretary – Administrator

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I’m Daisy and I’m the Charity Secretary. I work alongside the trustees to ensure the smooth running of the charity and provide support to the CEO and Community Development Officer. I joined CfD in 2019 and have a background working in the Private Medical sector.