Meet The Team
Wendy Pfeiffer
I have worked in befriending for over 12 years, all with older people. I spent six years with Age UK Maidstone before redundancy in 2020 and then went on to manage a community friendship service for older people with Inspired Villages until redundancy struck again in May 2025. My heart would not let me walk away from the wonderful older people who had become friends and relied on us, so in
September 2025, together with our friend and long term supporter, Jamie Bunce, we rose again, rather like a phoenix, and formed Circle of Friends CIC. This allowed us to continue our work in a more sustainable way through funding applications.
On a personal note, I am a mum of two amazing ‘children’ and a very proud Nana to my first beautiful grandson. He lives with my daughter and her husband who live and work at Care for Wild, a rhino sanctuary in South Africa. I love visiting and getting my hands dirty helping wherever I can. My son is a Captain in the British Army and is often deployed overseas, but thanks to technology we
all manage to stay in touch through video calls.
I count myself blessed to have a wonderful extended family and a number of close friends and I love spending time with them. I do not have much time for hobbies, but I enjoy walking and reading. I am an early bird and do my best work at 4am! However, I have to remind myself not to send messages to our ‘lovely oldies’ at that hour of the day! I am very fortunate to work alongside one of my very best
friends, Di. Together we keep each other going with a combination of love, friendship, and lots of laughter, which mirrors exactly what Circle of Friends is all about.
Diane Bromley
Before moving into the world of befriending, I spent many years working as a dental nurse and receptionist. That role taught me the value of care, compassion, and taking the time to really listen to people. Those skills have stayed with me and remain key to the way I work today. I am fortunate to work alongside one of my best friends, Wendy, who recruited me around nine years ago when I was
one of her volunteers. I am so grateful she did. We both love what we do and share a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives.
The journey has not always been straightforward. Being made redundant twice tested us both, but walking away was never something either of us could consider. We believed too strongly in the importance of the work and in the people we support. From those challenges, Circle of Friends was created, built on never giving up, friendship, and a determination to ensure our ‘lovely oldies’ always
feel valued, loved, and supported. What began as a job has grown into something much deeper. It has become a vocation, and despite the ups and downs, I would not change the path that has led me to where I am today.
At home, I am happily married, a proud parent to two wonderful children, and a very lucky Nanny to three grandchildren, with another little one on the way. Home life is busy and full of love, helped along by our springer spaniel, who makes sure there is never a quiet moment and always something to smile about.
Being part of Circle of Friends allows me to do work that truly matters, supporting people, building friendships, and helping create a community where no one feels forgotten. It feels like a privilege to be part of something that brings such warmth and meaning into everyday lives.
Jamie Bunce
I have spent most of my working life involved in later living, and what has always mattered to me most is how people live their everyday lives, not just where they live. I believe that feeling connected, valued, and part of a community is fundamental to wellbeing. Friendship and shared experiences are not nice extras; they are essential to living a life that feels full and meaningful.
Circle of Friends matters because it focuses on what truly makes a difference day to day. It is about bringing people together, sharing laughter, creating connections, and making sure no one feels alone. From the first time I met Wendy and Di in 2018, I could see the passion they had for supporting older people and the depth of care they brought to their work. I admire how they place kindness,
understanding, and genuine warmth at the heart of everything they do, and I am very proud to have been able to support them. Being part of Circle of Friends has always felt like the right thing to do, both professionally and personally.
Outside of work, I am married with three children. Family and friendships are at the centre of my life. I also enjoy cycling and take every chance I can to get out on the bike, even if that means finding a tough route while on holiday. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of the simple joy of being active and outdoors. Joining Wendy and Di in supporting Circle of Friends reflects what really matters to me: people, connection, and doing what is right for local communities.
Jamie’s Experience in Later Living
Jamie Bunce has built over 35 years’ experience across construction, property development and operations, with an emphasis on creating environments that support people’s quality of life. In 2008, Jamie and Neal Dale formed TPS Development & Project Management, helping to shape development and project management services across sectors, especially in later living. He was
central to forming the early foundations of Inspired Villages, guiding the business through its 2017 acquisition by Legal & General and later co-investment from NatWest Group Pensions, before stepping away in 2024. His leadership helped grow a strong operating and development platform focused on later living and challenging what that can mean in practice. Jamie has always been passionate about using his knowledge and experience to support older people, and in 2025, alongside Wendy Pfeiffer and Diane Bromley, he helped form Circle of Friends CIC to bring people in Kent together in social and fun settings, building community and connection.