The Suffolk County Council (SCC) Vegan Staff Network has seven co-chairs that form the network committee. We represent various directorates and have different roles within SCC. But we all have the same common goal: we want this staff network to thrive. Find out more about each of us below.
Sadie Jade Barber
By day I am the Partnership Manager for the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership, by any other free time I have I’m a passionate animal rights advocate. I love using my voice to make the world a better place for animals, and do so through school talks in high schools and universities, and through my writing. My favourite things to do are spend time with my dog and two cats, read, and go for walks in nature. Connect with me here.
Jack Barber
I went vegan in 2017 after high cholesterol and constant fatigue led me to explore plant-based health documentaries. Taking part in Veganuary changed everything—I felt better and never looked back. My veganism is rooted in health, animal welfare, and climate action. It’s a lifestyle that aligns with my values and love for animals. I now volunteer with the Captain Watson Foundation UK, helping protect marine life and end whaling in Iceland. Outside of activism, I support Ipswich Town FC, enjoy heavy metal and country music, and love being on the water—snorkelling is my happy place.
Andy Tipp
I’m Suffolk County Council’s Lead Content Designer. I co-ordinate the Vegan Staff Network website, newsletter and our growing Microsoft Teams community. I like curating curious and conscientious plant-based content, including articles, guides, recipes and more. I went vegan in January 2021 after being veggie for a few years. Outside of veganism I’m into science fiction films, books and TV series, creating writing and football. My special interests do vary, though, so it’s always worth checking in with me to see which rabbit hole I’ve gone down recently!
Janus van Helvert
With colleagues in Environment Strategy I encourage SCC to act re the environmental crisis; not easy but my grandchildren & Greta inspire me to continue. I’ve been an environmentalist for 23 years, including time at Friends of the Earth (before that I managed change programmes in The City & as an AD in local government). Humanity needs to rapidly shift from animal products as part of its struggle to survive. This, together with my Buddhist worldview, draws me to veganism. I’m mixed race (Dad’s from the Caribbean).
Brooke Cadwell
I’m a Content Designer at SCC. Since becoming vegan in 2017, I haven’t looked back. For me, living vegan feels as natural as breathing – my hope is to ensure that living a harm-free lifestyle can be as accessible for others as it is for me. I strongly believe that we are meant to live in harmony with animals and wildlife, and that the alternative can make us lonely, sick and divided. Outside of work, I am passionate about health, wellbeing, social advocacy and nature. My other hobbies include fashion, music, creating art, meditation and spiritual practice.
Matt Mason
I’m a project co-ordinator for Homes For Ukraine at Suffolk County Council. I’ve been vegan for nine years and sober for three and a half. For me, veganism is about the animals and having compassion for all living things – something I have to remind myself often when it comes to those with two legs! I sing in a punk/metal band called A.W.A.P. and present a weekly music radio show – this was my full time day job 20 years ago back in London. I inject animal rights into every gig alongside the band’s hummus-eating bear mascot Barry. As well as music, exercise has become another passion in recent years and my love of the gym has now been joined by a fledgling sojourn into the world of running.
Lauren Booth
I’m a Coroner’s Officer and I’ve been vegan since 2016. I grew up in a family that hunts and shoots animals for fun which shocked me into advocating for animals from a very young age. I’m passionate about all forms of animal welfare, but I’m particularly passionate about ending blood sports in this country and the global end of cetaceans in captivity. I’m committed to promoting compassionate, ethical living, and the joy that can be found in living a vegan life. Outside of work, I’m a creative spirit who loves drawing, sculpting, sewing — and I’m a proud metalhead and regular festival goer. I also enjoy gardening, gaming and collecting vintage clothing in my downtime.
Contact us
You can email vegannetwork@suffolk.gov.uk with any enquiries, or use our contact form.
Vegan Staff Network 