Steering Group Profiles

During my career I worked as an adviser to small businesses, helping them to access the help and support that needed especially during their early stages. Following my son's diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder I felt compelled to use those skills to help to improve the outcomes for children with disabilities and their families and soon found myself totally immersed in this new world!

I am married to David and we have 3 boys. Our youngest boy has Down's Syndrome, associated behavioural and hearing difficulties that impact on all of our lives. I live in the West so I understand the difficulties of people who live in more isolated areas.

I am the mother of a young man with 'Complex Health Needs' who has outlived so far, a degenerative life-limiting condition. I am a Trustee of the Hamlet Centre, The Association of Children's Palliative Care and was invited by the Dept Health to be the parent rep on both the Ministerial Implementation Group for Aiming High and the Children's Palliative Care National Oversight Group. I work nationally, as a freelance trainer of both parents and professionals.

My young son has no diagnosis but has epilepsy and global environmental delay. As a new member I found it really helpful being involved in Family Voice and I am looking forward to getting more involved with the steering group and the issues as my son settles into full-time school.

I am married to Sarah and have three children, all of whom are great fun and hard work, but especially my eldest who has tons of energy, enthusiasm and determination. She also has a severe learning difficulty with particular struggles with speech, however she is continuing to astound us with what she achieves such as learning to ride a bike and swim.

I am married to Jenny and I am the main carer for our son who is just starting his "transition" and our daughter. Together we are overcoming our son's severe learning disabilities and the anxiety that relates to autism. I am involved in Family Voice Norfolk as I appreciate the work needed to keep services listening to parents and want to contribute to making services better.