Celebrity Ambassadors

Barbara Nice

Janice Connolly BEM, aka Barbara Nice – actress, comedian, and artistic director Janice Connolly is thrilled to be the newest Ambassador for Acorns. Janice has resided in Birmingham for 40 years, having moved from Stockport when she was younger. During this period, she has run the triple award-winning Women and Theatre organisation in Birmingham.

Janice is dedicated to bringing about social change and wants to give voices to people who aren’t often heard. Janice also ran a project called Laughing for a Change, which encourages comedians and audiences to talk about mental health. She is particularly passionate about raising awareness about the everyday struggles that individuals with mental health face and the fact that it should be a matter of open discussion to increase chance of getting support and help. Janice is delighted for the position she holds at Acorns, because it allows her to offer her voice up in support of all children and their families.

Nicholas Bailey

Nicholas Bailey, renowned for his role in Eastenders and his impressive theatre career, is delighted to join Acorns as our newest Ambassador. Since returning to his hometown of Birmingham, Nick has passionately dedicated his time to advocating for diversity, inclusive leadership, multicultural history, and improving the learning experience of disadvantaged children.

In 2024, Nick embraces his role as an advocate for the children and families here at Acorns, bringing his unwavering dedication and enthusiasm to the forefront. Beyond his advocacy work, Nick has been a research fellow at the University of Birmingham and has forged a second career as a leadership coach and consultant. Outside of these activities, Nicholas works as a life coach and enjoys biohacking, motivational speaking, fitness and spending quality time with his family and friends, both old and new.

Nick says “There is no community without communion and that requires meeting the needs of everyone within that community. I am truly honoured to be able to lend my energy to supporting Acorns and the families it serves, through unimaginable challenges. I’ve seen, first hand, the thoughtfulness, determination and dedication of Acorns stakeholders. It’s humbling and, as they face economic uncertainty, I’ll do all I can to help them provide even more vital and needed care to some of the most challenged among us.”

Kia Pegg

Kia Pegg, best known as a CBBC presenter and actress, captured hearts with her portrayal of Jody Jackson in the popular children’s drama The Dumping Ground. In 2022, she then took on the role of Scarlett Kiernan, a beloved receptionist in the BBC soap Doctors, filmed just round the corner from Acorns in Selly Oak. Kia is thrilled to join Acorns as its latest Ambassador, and she cannot wait to get stuck in.

Kia’s infectious energy can now be seen every weekend on CBBC Saturday Mash-Up Live, whether she’s hosting or getting slimed! Having begun her acting career at a young age, Kia’s determination and dedication to succeed are qualities she brings to her role at Acorns. With unwavering passion and commitment, she’s eager to make a meaningful impact.

John Scott

From regional theatre to the Hollywood Hills, John Scott’s diverse career as a costume supervisor saw him work on iconic films including Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Notting Hill and Tomb Raider. Today, he’s a beloved fashion guru and sewer, presenting on many TV platforms including Sewing Street but also keeping his loyal army of followers entertained at John Scott’s Sewing World. John has been an avid supporter of Acorns for many years, having first come through our doors over 20 years ago when his reporting career with the ITV show “This Morning” brought him to Acorns in Selly Oak also when he won Celebrity Weakest Link his winnings were donated to Acorns.

Now, as he returns to the West Midlands, John is overjoyed that he will be joining us as our newest Ambassador. For John, Acorns truly did transform his opinion of what a hospice is. Witnessing our work firsthand inspired him to support us and help us make a difference by boosting the love and laughter inside our walls.

John is determined to support Acorns in any way he can to educate and raise awareness to the public about the incredible work Acorns does throughout the West Midlands. When John isn’t bringing the sewing community together or rallying his loyal audience for a new sewing challenge, John can be spotted sporting his Acorns T-shirt around town – or even overseas!

Liberty Poole

Liberty Poole, who since her debut in 2021 on Love Island and later Dancing on Ice is embracing new challenges with confidence and passion. Today, Liberty focuses her energy on empowering women, promoting body positivity, and challenging societal norms through her latest venture in hosting, TV and radio. Liberty aims to inspire the public to think differently and embrace positive change.

In addition to her advocacy work, Liberty is now proud to take on an exciting new role as an Ambassador for Acorns, supporting children and families in her local community. This brings her back to her lifelong passion for helping children, and she is eager to channel her drive into supporting the hundreds of children and families we work with here at Acorns. Liberty has already hit the ground running, and we can’t wait to see the incredible impact she will make.