About Jayne

Jayne Kelly and Phill Fairhurst founded Connect Community Groups CIC in 2023, after collaborating and delivering creative community groups for over six years.

Jayne worked for over ten years as a service user consultant and support worker in NHS community mental health teams before setting up the new CIC with Phill. They met six years ago when Jayne was looking for an inspirational Musical Director to join her in setting up a new fully inclusive community choir for people who want to experience the joy of singing together in a safe and supportive creative environment. Together they originally set up Connect Community Choir, the first of the five choirs they currently run between them.  

Jayne has helped develop and support community groups for over thirty years from community gardening to ancient history and is passionate about breaking down barriers to enable people to be part of a creative community and develop the confidence and skills in their chosen activities and interests.

“Sometimes it’s a struggle to come, it’s much easier to stay in bed, not go out and not see anyone. It’s much easier to do that. But I give myself a good talking to and every time I come I know it was the right choice because it makes me feel so much better. THANK YOU. Thank you for being there and doing this every week, it’s so much more than a choir isn’t it? “ W, Connect Choir member

After gaining a degree in Modern History and postgraduate qualifications, Jayne’s career has spanned countryside management, heritage tourism, marketing, criminology, mental health and lecturing and she is the author and designer of several educational guides and publications with clients ranging from Blackburn Rovers Football Club to English Nature.

Jayne is affectionately known for her love of lists and welcoming smile and ability to put people at their ease, and she utilises her experience and organisational skills to try and ensure the groups run smoothly, with each member‘s needs being taken into account and everyone’s voice listened to and valued.  If you would like further information, to volunteer, help us raise funds or to come along to any of the connect community groups, please just turn up or contact Jayne on 07927 257464 or via email at connectcommunityuk@gmail.com and she will arrange to meet you at the group and introduce you to fellow members.