I am a mother and carer of a young adult with learning disabilities,autism dyspraxia and severe communication difficulties, over the last twelve years I established and ran a charity Find A Voice, supporting people with severe communication difficulties.

I am currently Joint Chair of the Ashford District Partnership Group for Learning disabilities and a member of the Kent Partnership Board.

I am founder Director of the Ashford LD Community Interest Company.

I am a strong beleiver in personalisation.

I have a successful track record negotiating with statutory agencies, health trusts and other funding providers.

I have worked with a number of people with a learning disability and families to develop Person Centred Plans.

I have received training from the National Brokerage Network and the National Development Team as a Broker.

I have also received training as a Person Centered Planning Facilitator.

Self Directed Support

I have provided support for people to self direct the care and facilities they receive as a volunteer and as an employee, for over eighteen years.

I can work with you to find out what sort of life you want now.

I can help to find a path to achieve your dreams and goals for the future.

I can help you find the support you need when and where you want it.

I can help you find somewhere to live that will enable you to build the relationships and friendships that you choose.

I can support you to

• Write your support plan.
• Understand the options available
• Stay in control and buy the services that you want
• Arrange your support package and sort out contracts
• Try taster sessions and new activities.
• Live the life you choose.

Support Planning

• I can work with you, and any other people that you would like to help you to create a Person Centred Plan.
• I have worked with people with a learning disability their families and carers to develop support plans.
• I can liaise with car providers on your behalf to achieve the type and standard of care you would like.
• I can liaise with day activity providers

Community Knowledge

We have strong links with Ashford Volunteer Centre, Ashford Community Network, local Mencap, advocacy Partners Ashford Borough Council, and a number of other organisations.

I have lived in Ashford for 27 years and have been involved in community activities throughout this time.

We have a database of over 800 community organisations and through the Ashford LD Community Interest Company we continue to make links on a daily basis.

In my voluntary role of the Ashford LD Community Interest Company I participate in the organisation of social activities which help and support people to be involved in the community.

Through my involvement in the company we also work to create employment opportunities for people with a learning disability.

I have received training in Makaton signing and symbols software 'Communicate in Print.

Housing

• I can help you with shared ownership to live in your own property.
• Support you to find a place of your own to rent
• To arrange a joint tenancy with the person or people you would like to live with.

Recruit a Personal Assistant

• I can help you to write a job description to advertise and recruit a personal assistant.
• I can help you to write an advertisement.
• I can help to arrange an interview.
• I can help you set up induction training for your PA
• I can find someone to look after your payroll and make sure tax and national insurance is paid.

Finance

I can help you to open a bank account

I can organise support to help you pay bills and look after your day to day finances.

I can help arrange the management of your Direct Payment.

I can help arrange the management of your personal budget.

I can help you to find someone to assist you with your benefits.