My working life has centred on supporting people with Disabilities, primarily those with learning disabilities and those with autism. Formerly a Chief Executive of a London based charity providing support in the community, I also undertook Director positions in national charities before focussing on the Transforming Care programme, leading programmes in East London and latterly across the South East to prevent harmful admissions, improve inpatient care and prevent the institutionalisation of children and adults with learning disabilities through prolonged admissions to mental health inpatient units.I believe that everyone has a part to play in life; most of us are capable of far more than we often think, and for many the only thing that holds us back is ourselves. But for many, opportunities are thwarted by discrimination, lack of opportunity, practical factors and a lack of effective support. I consider it my responsibility to do what I can to redress that.
