Meet the Trustees

My youngest son Jack has Down syndrome and since we moved to Somerset in 2022 we have benefitted personally from the support and expertise of the incredibly dedicated team at Ups and Downs Southwest. I know first-hand the lifechanging impact of the work they do and the difference it makes to the lives of children and young people with Down syndrome, their families and carers.

 I am co-director at Special Needs Jungle, an organisation that provides information and strategic advocacy for the parents and carers of disabled children and young people. I am currently working with colleagues to develop our research and policy work, particularly relating to disabled children’s rights. I represent SNJ on the national SEND Strategic Oversight Board, at the Special Education Consortium and on the policy group of the Disabled Children’s Partnership. My previous professional background includes over fifteen years working in editorial, creative and project management roles in children’s publishing. 

 I am excited to join the board of trustees of Ups and Downs Southwest at a pivotal time, with exciting projects being developed to increase opportunities for children and young people with Down syndrome across the southwest of England. It’s a privilege to join this committed team and support such important work. 

Treasurer

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I am a Community Fundraising Manager, currently working for the NSPCC. Most of my career has been within the charity sector working in Income Generation with both stakeholders and volunteers. I love working together with others who show such care and passion for a cause and finding solutions through exciting and innovative ideas. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a team’s efforts come to fruition and knowing it is helping somebody have the future they deserve. 

I feel privileged to have been welcomed into the Ups and Downs Team and hope my fundraising and volunteer management experience will prove useful in this exciting stage of strategic development for the organisation. I hope this will allow me to learn more about children and young people who have Down Syndrome and the amazing work that Ups and Downs do to provide inclusion and opportunity.”

“I am a corporate account manager with over ten years of experience ensuring the sustainability and profitability of businesses of all sizes. After University, I worked at Downham Special School in Plympton (now Cann Bridge), where I supported children with additional needs on a 1-2-1 basis. This is my first role as a trustee, and I am honoured to be working with such a dedicated group of people. 

I am passionate about the work of Ups and Downs Southwest and helping to support families with children with Down Syndrome because I believe in fostering inclusive communities. Having witnessed these families’ challenges, I am committed to promoting awareness, advocacy, and resources that empower them.

“In my day job, I’m Operations Director at ASDAN, an education charity and awarding organisation on a mission to engage, elevate and empower young people in greatest need. Our vision is for the talents and achievements of all young people to be held in high esteem. Previously, I held various roles at The Fostering Network, the UK’s largest fostering charity, and before that, I have experience in the public sector. I’ve shaped a career in the public and charity sectors because of my values and a desire to make a positive difference to young people who may have had a difficult start in life and help them grow into confident adults.

Ups and Downs are a charity doing amazing things for young people with Down’s syndrome and their families across the southwest of England. I’m very much looking forward to helping the charity sustain its support and realise opportunities to grow as part of the new strategy. It feels an exciting time to be a part of that journey, and I’m grateful to have been welcomed so positively.

I am a Primary Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) in a local special school in North Somerset. I have worked at my school for over 12 years, and my passion for SEND has grown continuously. I am a qualified primary teacher, and I started my career teaching in their Primary department. I am now on their Middle leader team as their Primary SENCo and key stage one and two leader. I have also been very fortunate to be seconded to the North Somerset Council as an advisory teacher in the past, and I pride myself on having high standards and dedication to my profession.

I have known and worked with the Ups and Downs Southwest charity through my SENCo role and have always held them in very high regard. The charity provides valuable advice, support and opportunities to children and young people with Down Syndrome, their families and the professionals who support them. 

I am passionate about making change, and I feel privileged to be given an opportunity to work with Ups and Downs.  

I hope to use my educational and SEND expertise to support the charity to succeed and grow.