About Us
Opportunities & Activities for Young People with Additional Needs
TOPCATS is a small, local charity based in Pakefield, Lowestoft. We offer support for young people and adults with additional needs from the age of 0 to 30 years old.
We are partly grant-funded by Activities Unlimited, although we are always fundraising and applying for other grants to support our charity. We have a multi-purpose and ever-changing environment which is improving and growing every year with our continued fundraising efforts and support from our sponsors.
Our Mission
What We Aim to Achieve
Fun & Friendship
We offer fun, friendship and the chance to build transferable life skills in an engaging and welcoming environment for young people with additional needs.
Individual Attention
We take time to get to know each individual and make sure they are at ease with a key worker who will support them to make their own choices.
Independence & Growth
Our primary aim is to help each individual develop their own social independence and life skills in order to reach their potential in a supported environment.
Our Approach
A Safe, Welcoming Environment
TOPCATS takes safeguarding very seriously and have a dedicated registered person who maintains a high standard of service should any issues arise. If you are concerned about a child out of TOPCATS working hours please call customer first on 0808 800 4005.
We supply young people with a vast range of exciting sensory, art, sport and music equipment to help them build up their awareness of themselves and the world around them.
TOPCATS is proud of our dedicated support team which is led by specialised managers and overseen by a strong Board of Trustees. All staff hold a DBS check, have regular mandatory and specialised training.
Who’s Who
Meet Our Team
We have an amazing team at TOPCATS of staff who are enthusiastic and dedicated. TOPCATS is also supported by a Board of Trustees with a wealth of experience and skills.
Leadership Team
Anne-Marie Battrick
Service Manager
Lyndy King
Deputy Manager
Support Team
Sara Poppy
Fundraising Officer
Tammy Brinked
Lead Support Worker
Shannon Cushion
Lead Support Worker
Emma Hall
Lead Support Worker
Plus 20+ dedicated Support Workers who make TOPCATS special every day.
Governance
Board of Trustees
TOPCATS is overseen by a dedicated and experienced Board of Trustees who bring with them a wealth of knowledge to the running of the charity.
Stewart Battrick
Chairman
Linda Rushmere
Treasurer
Ronnie Rushmere
Trustee
Linsey Wright
Trustee
Sophie Gillett
Trustee
Stories
Hear From Our Members
James
TOPCATS Member
“Our wonderful son James sees the world around him in a completely different way to others. Although we try to learn from him every day to make life easier and enjoyable for him, this is not always easy and we have needed some help from outside our family environment to do this. TOPCATS listen to what individuals and their families need.”
Arthur
TOPCATS Member
“My name is Arthur and I am 3. I had a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome. I first went to Topcats when I was only 4 months old and both Mummy and I were greeted with such love and support that we instantly fell in love with the place and the staff. I enjoy Tiny Topcats on a Wednesday and love coming to the cafe on a Friday as I get cake as well!”
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re looking for support for a young person, want to volunteer, or would like to support our work, we’d love to hear from you.