Trustee (Parent Of Next Stepper)

As mum to Matthew, who has complex needs, I was one of a group of  parents and professionals who recognised the need for the provision of a service that would meet his, and other similar young peoples’ needs when they left Ravenscliffe, the excellent specialist secondary school here in Halifax.

It seems a long time since but bM (before Matthew) I worked for a large building society primarily responsible for the mortgage budget gaining investment management experience. I have also worked for the Calderdale Adult Education department and enjoyed teaching adults with disabilities such topics as basic skills, health and wellbeing and art and crafts.  I have also been a support assistant for cookery, literacy and numeracy as well as swimming.

I am a former trustee and past Chairperson for a national charity, the Tuberous Sclerosis Association and am married to Philip, without whose help and support I would not be able to manage my various volunteer roles.  We have been fortunate that we are able to enjoy a reasonably active life with Matthew, who despite the complexity of his learning difficulties and his epilepsy, is physically able and very eager to walk and cycle on his tandem (at the back!) with his dad.

Like many parents of children with special needs, I have represented, attended, spoken at, lobbied and been involved with numerous organisations and events, with the sole intention of improving the lives of our offspring.  It therefore gives me great pleasure to see the development of the Next Step Trust into the flagship provision that we originally envisaged at the start of our journey.