242 Educators providing Courses

The Family Foraging Kitchen C.I.C.

the family foraging kitchen c.i.c.

Millbrook

Foraging walks and heritage craft courses.FORAGING IS ABOUT MORE THAN SOURCING FOOD AND NOURISHMENT. The Family Foraging Kitchen is a social enterprise dedicated to tackling local food poverty by providing quality and affordable wild food education to the people of Cornwall. As a C.I.C, a percentage of the profit made from our ticketed courses allows us to provide the same educational opportunities to those experiencing food poverty and/or social isolation for free. We believe that all people should have access to wild food education, as well as the confidence to access nutritious, sustainable, local, fresh food. For every walk or course you purchase from The Family Foraging Kitchen – you help to provide a local family the skills to find free food forever. Modern agricultural methods have meant that foraging, once a part of our ancestral daily life, has faded away, replaced by regular family trips to the supermarket. We are becoming more disconnected from the food that we eat. Given the ecological, social, and environmental crises that we now face globally, humanity needs to – rather urgently and radically – examine its relationship with food and how we acquire it. Additionally, we also feel that traditional skills and crafts are in danger of being lost, especially to our children, which is why we also work with a team of local artisans to offer courses that preserve ancestral heritage and traditional skills. Foraging is about more than sourcing food and nourishment. As an activity, it encourages us to get out into the countryside, helping us to cultivate an intimate appreciation of nature, while letting us better understand local history, science, and folklore. It has the potential to bond families, strengthen communities, and re-establish ecological connections severed by modern life. There is also a good deal of fear and misinformation surrounding the use and consumption of wild plants, and we believe that the best way to combat this is to share knowledge, helping communities to understand how their wild environments can be used for good. While our foraging walks, talks, and courses primarily take place across southeast Cornwall and Plymouth, we also have a fixed outdoor education centre for our skilled craft courses, which is based upon the Antony Estate in Sheviock. Here we have an outdoor classroom, covered outdoor work and cookery area, apiary, woodland, orchard, reservoir, and facilities, such a compost toilet – each established in line with our environmental and ethical policies. The facilities on site have been designed and built to accommodate for disabled accessibility. If you are interested in better understanding the environment, come to Cornwall and explore what we have on offer!

Raj Khanna Associates

raj khanna associates

London

Raj Khanna Associates Limited (RKA Ltd) is an independent programme and project management training and consultancy company. RKA Ltd is a limited company solely owned by Rajiv Khanna. RKA Ltd has over twenty years of experience in managing programmes, projects, risks; providing consultancy and facilitating accredited training in both public and private sector organisations in the United Kingdom and abroad. The company is fully conversant with the programme and project needs of public sector organisations and is aware of the various challenges currently taking place within them. The lead trainer within RKA Ltd is PeopleCert approved MSP® & PRINCE2® trainer and is also accredited by AMPG-International in the provision of Agile Project Management, Change Management and Praxis training courses. RKA Ltd is registered as an accredited training organisation with both PeopleCert on behalf of AXELOS Ltd and APMG-International. APM Group Ltd and PeopleCert, on behalf of AXELOS Limited and in partnership with it, has developed and managed the accreditation of PRINCE2®, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®), P3O®, Managing Benefits, Change Management, ITIL®, PRINCE2-Agile®, Agile Project Management and the Management of Risk (M_o_R®). This accreditation system covers training organisations, trainers, consultants and practitioners. RKA Ltd Mission Statement The purpose of RKA Ltd is to be a well-known, respected and first choice supplier of Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®), PRINCE2®, Change Management, ITIL® and Agile Project Management training and consultancy in the UK, through applying our extensive experience and commitment to quality, we aim to meet the complex needs of our prospective clients. Company Objectives The mission of RKA Ltd will be met by the following objectives:- The creation of a client centred, responsive PRINCE2®, MSP®, P3O®, Managing Benefits, Change Management, ITIL®, PRINCE2-Agile®, Agile Project Management training and consultancy service that will differentiate RKA Ltd from other providers. To enable clients to realise the benefits of MSP® and PRINCE2® methodology within the context of their practice. To work in partnership with clients, ensuring that training solutions are receptive to individual requirements. To provide access to dependable, quality products at a reasonable price. To ensure that Associates, providing services on behalf of the Company will do so in a proficient manner based on the current requirements and standards of RKA Ltd. RKA Ltd Equal Opportunities Policy Statement RKA Ltd is committed to promote and uphold equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery. RKA Ltd will make sure all stakeholders are aware and abide by this policy. Under no circumstances will RKA Ltd discriminate because of religious or political belief, marital status, employment status, disability, class, age, ethnic or national origins, gender, race, colour, belief or sexuality or any other unjustified grounds. RKA Ltd will monitor its employment and service delivery and where necessary, make changes to promote good practice and value diversity. RKA Ltd will do all it can to make sure that disabled people attending our courses will get any reasonable adjustments they need.

Student Partners

student partners

London

s one of the most respected aspects of an individual, education is an essential step that we work to provide you with. We operate based on delivering Higher Education to individuals who may have found difficulty in accessing it through conventional organizations. Founded in 2020, we focus on ensuring that your application to Universities across the UK are prioritized by entering it through a fast-track service. We work closely with students and the institution they are part of to offer the support they need. We trust both the institutions and the students who attend them to take full advantage of our services. We have an extensive array of experienced professionals to assist you in any requirement you may have; this gives us a broad knowledge of the education system and how we can make it work for you. Our commitment is to ensure that UK and EU students have a more outstanding quality of life while studying. Discretion is our highest priority; we ensure that all inquiries will be handled with utmost privacy and confidentiality. Day or night – sun or rain, our qualified recruiters are always available to handle your concerns. So, feel free to give us a call to see what we can do for you. Fastrack Your Application We will fastrack your application through one of our many partner universities, with a range of courses to suit you. Whether you are taking the traditional route via your qualifications or gaining access through your work experience you can be rest assured that your transition into your chosen university will be seamless. CV Writing Universities always ask for a Curriculum Vitae (CV) it is an essential part of the application process. The term ‘curriculum vitae’ is Latin for ‘the story of your life’, so your CV, or resume, should be a fundamental document in your professional arsenal. When applying for university , it can literally be the difference between your life going one way or another. It’s a story that stars you alone, so needs to be shown in the best possible light. Our team is on standby to help you get your CV up to the best standard. Student Finance Support You may be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs. You might get extra help on top of this, for example if you’re on a low income, are disabled or have children. Let our experience admission consultants guide you through the full process. Ongoing Support Typically, a bachelor's degree takes three to four years depending on whether you are doing a foundation year. We are here to offer our support and services to you throughout the full duration of your course, however long that may be. Interview Preparation Trust us to guide in the right direction. Our skilled advisors know exactly how to bring out your confidence, so that you may pass you interview with ease.

Kids In Kathmandu Nepal

kids in kathmandu nepal

Kent

Kids in Kathmandu Nepal (KIKN) charity has been set up to provide help and support to orphans and disadvantaged children and young people, mainly living in and around the Kalimati area in Kathmandu. The Objects of the Charity are: To relieve the poverty of orphaned and disadvantaged children and young people in Kathmandu Nepal by the provision of clothing, equipment and other goods for daily living, and To advance in life and relieve the needs of orphaned and disadvantaged children and young people in Kathmandu Nepal by providing support, facilities and activities which assist in advancing their education and developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible adults. The Charity has two main strands of work: The first is the sponsorship of individual children from both the Save Lives Foundation Orphanage and from local schools. In December 2018, our sponsors are supporting 31 children and young adults. The second is to enhance educational opportunities by improving infrastructure and facilities at two local schools, and a home for disabled children. The Charity’s income comes from the sponsors of individual children, from fund raising events, from grants for specific projects, and one-off and regular donations from its supporters. Sponsorship pays for the school fees, all the educational materials and school uniforms required for the sponsored children’s schooling. In addition, those sponsored children who are living at home are each given an emergency lamp and a specially made table to enable them to continue studying during the regular power cuts in the long winter evenings. We purchased a small generator for the orphanage, where eight of the sponsored children live. We now have sponsored children entering higher education, and the Charity is committed to fund the additional fees and maintenance, whilst studying for degrees or other vocational courses. To date KIKN has two graduates, four undergraduates and fifteen doing A-level equivalent. Schools: We fund infrastructure and equipment projects and breakfast clubs at The Shree Neel Barahi School, Lubhoo School, Ishwor School, Shree Buddha School, Saraswati School and the Adarsha School. We also fund 0.5 salary of a computer teacher and a karate teacher at Shree Neel Barahi School, following the purchase of 35 computers and the installation of solar panels (due to daily power cuts). We were greatly assisted by grants from Futures for Kids, a UK charity. Extra-curricular Activities: All sponsored children are offered the opportunity to attend English tuition classes. At the Shree Neel Barahi School, we fund karate and Nepalese dancing classes, open to all pupils at the school. Chief Officer/Founder, Lai See Chew, visits Kathmandu each year to ensure that the Charity’s funds have been distributed and utilised according to the Charity’s Objects, as approved by the Trustees. If you would like to know more, please visit our projects page.

My Kind Of Thinking

my kind of thinking

Westbourne

Vicki is a qualified teacher with over 20 years’ experience in schools, colleges and universities. She worked as a secondary school teacher for a number of years before working with students with additional needs. After several years running programmes for young people and adults in the FE sector, Vicki undertook a Masters in Education, specialising in Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), along with additional training to assess for dyslexia. She is also a qualified SENCO and worked for several years as an Advisory Teacher for the local authority. Vicki currently works part-time in a HE setting assessing and tutoring individuals with specific learning difficulties. Each year she assesses over 80 students for Disabled Students Allowance and continues to offer advice and assessments to a number of local schools. Vicki is the current Chair of the Dorset PATOSS group. Vicki lives in Swanage and relaxes by walking in the Purbeck hills with her dog Poppy, pottering in her tiny garden and acting as roadie to her musical teenage sons. She helps out in the family bookshops whenever she can and has provided training on dyslexia to booksellers from across the UK. MEd. Equality and Diversity Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) Assessment Practicing Certificate BDA (APC 17/ APC09011) OCN L4 Workplace Assessor National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) PGCE Geography and SEN BSc. (Hons) Geography Alice Humpheson fullsizeoutput_461d Alice has significant experience of helping adults and young people realise their potential, having worked in a range of educational settings including universities, colleges and adult community learning for nearly 20 years. Initially teaching IT, maths and English to a wide range of learners, Alice later trained to specialise in specific learning difficulties where she gained a Masters from the University of Southampton and qualified to both teach and assess individuals with dyslexia and other SpLDs. Alice is a keen advocate of assistive technology and strongly believes that individuals are far more likely to achieve when they are provided with the right tools, enabling them to use existing strengths to overcome challenges. As a current SpLD practitioner and study skills tutor for university students, Alice has plenty of opportunity to develop and maintain her understanding of the challenges that individuals with a SpLD face, and this insight helps inform her work as an assessor. Alice has 2 children and lives in Mudeford. When she’s not working, Alice enjoys paddle boarding and exploring the New Forest either by foot or on her bicycle. MSc Education (SpLD) Member of the Dyslexia Guild (MDG) Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA FE/HE) Assessment Practicing Certificate BDA (APC 500002643-OF7999) BA (Hons) Post Compulsory Education and Training Certificate in Education JEB Teacher Trainer Diploma in ICT Skills We also work with a team of other fully qualified teachers and assessors who are quality assured by a range of professional bodies including the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific learning difficulties (PATOSS) and The Dyslexia Guild. All our assessors hold full DBS certificates, indemnity insurance and belong to a professional body. All information is stored in line with GDPR recommendations.

Roundwood Park School

roundwood park school

Hertfordshire

With Grammar schools in nearby St Albans, that meant that it was in reality a secondary modern school although as its pupils reached school leaving age (15 in those days) it soon became apparent that many wanted to stay on into the fifth year and take ‘O’ levels so that facility was provided. The school opened with three teaching blocks – still recognizable as ‘B’ block, ‘C’ block and the hall, gym etc. where the staff room and offices were. There were three forms, one in each of the second, third and fourth years and three first year forms, making a total of 179 pupils. There were ten teachers including the first head teacher – Mr Arthur Foxwell. The school was organised into four houses – Braille, Campbell, Grenfell and Nightingale – thus providing a competitive element for the popular Sports Day and, from 1961 when the town’s pool was opened, the Swimming Gala. After three years, the school had reached its planned maximum size but often exceeded that over subsequent years due to its increasing popularity with local residents as well as those in Wheathampstead and Redbourn. Now we receive many pupils from the other villages – Markyate, Flamstead and Kimpton. This is partly due to the closure of smaller secondary schools in Redbourn and Wheathampstead so that the ‘economies of scale’ can be taken advantage of, full comprehensive provision within Hertfordshire and also due to parental preference. Mr Foxwell retired in 1976 after 20 years as Headteacher and Mr Turnbull took over for 2 years, being followed by Mr Haydon Luke who stayed for 17 years. Andy Cunningham stayed for 6 years and was replaced by Mr Nick Daymond who also stayed for 6 years until he was succeeded by the current Headteacher, Mr Alan Henshall. At various times in between, the Deputy Heads have held the fort – Mr Lucas, Mr Surtees and Ms Linda Graham – all contributing to the continuity and stability that have been part of the Roundwood ethos. Roundwood21There have been many changes over the past 60 years resulting in upheaval and disruption – increasingly frequent times when the site appeared more like a building site as a new Sixth Form/Modern Foreign Languages block was constructed, soon to be followed by a new Maths/Music building and a Sports Centre. The school is also now an Academy. The changes have not affected the ethos of the school and Roundwood Park remains the same, continuing to educate local children in a caring and supportive way that encourages them to develop their best talents through a broad and balanced curriculum. This article is adapted from the original produced for the 50th celebrations by Ruth Martin & Christine Hood. UPDATE On 13 September 2018 Roundwood Park was proud to officially open a state of the art 3G artificial pitch on the school site. A joint venture with Harpenden Colts FC, and with a £500,000 grant from the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund, it allowed us to replace the existing grass pitch, which was unsuitable for football during the winter months. The new pitch is used by all students and players from the school as well as Harpenden Colts FC, who operate around 60 teams across eight different training venues. Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust also use the pitch to deliver sessions for female and disabled football, as well as its use for regular summer holiday camps and coach education workshops.

The Nest Southwest Community Interest Company

the nest southwest community interest company

London

The Nest Southwest is a not-for-profit, social enterprise, community interest company. It was set up in Devon by local women to support other women and girls through the major life transitions of menstruation, pregnancy, birth and menopause by providing social, emotional and informational support. From left to right: Nancy, Jodie & Hazel are The Nest’s 3 co-directors. Scroll down the page to read more about them and The Nest team. Our Vision & Mission Our vision is to live in a world where women and girls feel empowered and fulfilled at each stage of their life. We want to be part of creating a cohesive society where these rites of passage are honoured as gateways of personal development as well as biological milestones. Our mission is to provide social, emotional and educational support, to improve well-being and self-esteem. We support women, girls and people who menstruate through menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. We believe in intersectional feminism by promoting gender justice and racial justice. We are anti-racist and pro-trans rights. We believe in equality for all genders. We offer compassionate peer support, and provide a safe, nurturing environment to explore emotional and physical literacy as we pass through these rites of passage. There is no right or wrong way to go through these gateways, they are as individual as we are. But we don’t have to do it alone. What a different place our world will be if we felt belonging, supported, and respected as we welcomed ourselves to the next stage of life! Our History The seeds of this dream had been swirling for some years before finding a place to land. The Nest was officially registered as Community Interest Company in October 2019 by Hazel Acland, Jodie Wilkerson and Nancy Osborne. Together they launched their first project in March 2020 just as the covid-19 pandemic was sweeping the world. Plans quickly adapted to this new reality and became a weekly online wellbeing group to bring together pregnant and birthing people in the Exeter and East Devon area. The group has evolved to create a perinatal peer support network, training mums to support other mums through matrescence from pregnancy to parenting. The Nest has grown in other areas as well – starting to deliver services around menstruation and menopause support, with much more in the pipeline! Equality We aim to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere. We want to challenge all forms of oppression including those based on race, ethnicity, nationality, faith, gender, sexuality, learning ability, physical impairment, mental illness, age, occupation, income, or wealth. We aim to design our activities, services and decision making processes specifically to encourage and support participation from people who face disadvantage in society, including women, girls, BME people, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and people on low incomes. Safeguarding The Nest Southwest CIC is fully committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults. We believe that safeguarding is of paramount importance and that everyone has the right to be safe. We work hard to ensure that The Nest protects and promotes the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults we work with. All our team members are trained in safeguarding and child protection and have valid DBS checks. The Nest has a designated safeguarding lead who oversees and regularly reviews our training requirements and safeguarding policies. The Nest’s Safeguarding Lead is Jodie Wilkerson (jodie.thenestsw@gmail.com).

Exceed Worldwide

exceed worldwide

London

Exceed Worldwide, with partners, has established Schools of Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) in five countries in Southeast and South Asia – Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar. With the exception of the Philippines, our Schools train Prosthetist Orthotists to International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) Category 2 standards. The Philippines School trains students to ISPO Category 1 standard. In addition, our Cambodian School trains P&O technicians. This course has been recommended for ISPO Category 3 accreditation and is awaiting certification. Exceed works closely with ISPO to gain and maintain international accreditation standards and all of our P&O schools work closely with key partners, including government ministries, institutions of third-level education disabled persons’ organisations and other NGOs, to ensure that programme curricula comply with national standards and that graduates of P&O schools are recognised as health care professionals who can be integrated in national health systems. Places at our first, internationally-acclaimed school in Cambodia (established in 1994) are offered to students from other lower and middle income countries and this school will offer a course at ISPO Category 1 level from 2021. DEVELOPING CLINICAL SERVICES Courses at each P&O school focus on theory and practice, with a strong emphasis on practical training in teaching clinics which emphasise the importance of establishing and delivering care to national and international standards. Exceed P&O centres provide high quality, free or very low cost physical rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. ADVOCACY We work at grass roots level with teachers, community leaders and families to encourage understanding of the needs and abilities of children and adults with disabilities and promote their inclusion in local communities and society in general. We also collaborate with national and international resource holders and policy makers, including national governments, ISPO and WHO, to ensure that equal rights and the inclusion of persons with disability is high on the agenda. COMMISSIONING ACTION-BASED RESEARCH Lack of hard data and high quality research on the impact of disability, the needs of people with disabilities and the design, development and assessment of support services is a critical issue. To address this well-documented research and data deficit, Exceed has founded and co-ordinates the Exceed Research Network (ERN), an international research consortium involving universities, NGOs, P&O businesses and eminent social, P&O and engineering researchers and practitioners from these sectors. ERN is a young organisation, but Network partners are already carrying out applied research to address a range of P&O and disability issues. OFFERING COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION Exceed Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) activities reflect ISPO and WHO guidelines. Our community teams focus on the identification of people with disabilities who need support, referral for treatment at Exceed centres and follow-up support. This support enables children, young people and adults with disability to access education and training, gain employment or start small businesses. We also work with community projects that directly address poverty and the exclusion of people with disabilities from mainstream development assistance. DEVELOPING NEW APPROACHES TO SERVICE PROVISION 80% of those who need P&O services do not have access to them. Resources are scarce and Exceed believes that the future provision and expansion of P&O services to an adequate level will depend on creative co-operation between governments, the private sector, NGOs and donors to develop new service models. Exceed believes that social enterprise (a business that uses its profits for social impact) will play an important role in this mix and has launched Exceed Social Enterprises as a vehicle to access private wealth to support charitable services.

Focal Point Uk Ltd

focal point uk ltd

Visual Impairment training, Low Vision services and Vision Rehab training, consultancy, support Services and specialist equipment – over 25 years of experience working with people who have sight loss!! How to use this website For easier accessibility you can change the font size and choose the colour of text and backgrounds by using the buttons on the top banner of this site. Just click on the button of your preferred choice. Welcome to Focal Point UK if you are vision impaired and need a support service, or run a service for vision impaired people, we may be able to help!! Vision Impairment / Low Vision Training, Consultancy and Support Services About Focal Point UK Focal Point UK is a private sector company / agency providing high quality vision rehabilitation and low vision support and services to people with sight loss and professionals from all sectors at all levels, who work in the field of vision impairment throughout the UK and abroad. Focal Point UK employ qualified vision impairment professionals (Rehabilitation Workers/Officers – Visual Impairment) with many years of experience, they are fully insured and have enhanced level DBS clearance. Focal Point UK was formed in October 2005, is a registered limited company. Focal Point UK provides service contracts, consultancy days and training courses: Specialist vision rehabilitation assessments – full assessment identifying needs and goals Locum/spot contracts providing Vision Rehab Officers/Workers to service providers eg. Social Services Functional low vision assessments – specialist low vision assessments, recommending low vision aids/magnifiers Low Vision Therapy Training programmes – how to use low vision aids/magnifiers Orientation & mobility assessments & training – including use of mobility aids, and navigation and travel strategies Independent Living Skills (ILS) training programmes – activities of daily living activities/tasks Assessments & training in all aspects of communication – including use of IT / AT equipment Assessments & training in high tech low vision devices such as electronic video magnifies Supporting vision impaired students – undertaking full rehab, functional low vision and mobility assessments for education departments, further and higher education establishments (as part of the Disability Students Allowance), and provision of training programmes to meet individual needs. Supporting Vision Impaired people in work – employment work place assessments and training, provision of specialist equipment. Supplying assessments and training on behalf of the Access to Work scheme Lighting assessments – specialist ‘vision related’ lighting needs in the home/work place Vision awareness training packages – for all organisations, staff and professionals Training for professionals – a wide range of sight loss related training courses are available to meet all professional needs (see our training brochure for further details) Consultancy – service planning, delivery and evaluation of services, advice and support on rehab and low vision equipment Legal case work and ‘expert witness’ reports, and legal rehab therapy interventions Rehabilitation services contracts – locum provision to social services on long term or spot contract Professional Support Services – professional mentoring and supervision of rehab workers/Officers for vision impaired people, support staff, and other professionals in any sector Provide a wide range of magnifiers and optical and non-optical low vision aids Provision of a wide range of specialist high-tech equipment for vision impaired people Access consultancy and audits – provision of audits, advice and information on design of plans and adaptations for indoor and outdoor environments. Could be new build, or adaptations ie. under disabled facilities grant work. Focal Point UK staff are motivated and qualified professionals who fully understand the needs of people who are blind & partially sighted, and professionals in the field, Focal Point UK main aim is to improve the quality and standard of services available to d people with a visual impairment throughout the UK. At Focal Point UK we work with all sectors – Social Care, Education (schools, further and higher education), Employment, Voluntary, Employment, legal and private sector organisations – working on any project or service associated with visual impairment and with any professionals or staff, at any level. For further information and details about all of our services, use the main menu on the top left of this home page to navigate to the relevant page.

AS Mentoring

as mentoring

Ealing Green,

Aeryn Priyanu , Employment Consultant Aeryn has always had an interest in language and communication. Starting her early career in teaching English as a foreign language, she went on to shadow a Speech and Language Therapist and this started her interest in working with people on the autism spectrum. She worked in primary schools as a Learning Support Assistant then moved on to work for the National Autistic Society in a day centre. Aeryn started off as a Support Worker, moving up to become Deputy Manager of the day service. She supported individuals in their daily life and helped them gain work experience and vocational skills. As well as working as a consultant with AS Mentoring, Aeryn works in a college for young people with autism, facilitating individuals with functional and social aspects of life, supporting students to meet their targets and maintain long life independent living skills. Photo of Alan Alan Castellaro, Employment Consultant Alan's interest in Autism began when he attended St Andrew's primary school in Chinnor, Oxfordshire, one of the first schools in the country to teach Autistic children one to one. In 2009 he volunteered on a project for Kith and Kids supporting a young man with Autism and they have remained in regular contact ever since. He then worked for 4 years with Dimensions as an Assistant Service Manager of a residential home for adults with severe physical disabilities and Autism. For the last 4 years he has worked for Ambitious About Autism starting off as a Learning Behaviour Specialist and moving up to become a Learning Support Co-ordinator, and was instrumental in helping set up Ambitious College, London's first College for young adults with Autism. He has a BA Hons in Writing and Publishing and has a rich and varied employment history to draw upon. Photo of Alice Alice Mitra-Hall, Employment Consultant Alice previously worked for The National Autistic Society where she ran a Day Centre and facilitated a weekly social group. During this time Alice supported adults on the spectrum to develop their independent living and social skills, as well as supporting service users to apply for and attend college and work schemes, CV writing and interview practice. Alice has a BA Hons degree in Psychology and has also worked in a number of schools supporting teenagers with autism and has provided specialist individualised support for a family for over 10 years. Photo of Amira Amira Hassan, Employment Consultant Amira has been a mentor at AS Mentoring for 4 years. Amira has a variety of clients for both workplace and job-seeking support. After completing her PhD in Neuroscience from Imperial College London, Amira decided to be involved with AS Mentoring full time and is currently managing the Workshops Programme, overseeing the development and online delivery of workshops and group events throughout the year. Amira is warm and friendly, providing individual, autism-specific support and advice. Photo of Anna Anna Roads, Employment Consultant Anna spent 24 years in the investment management sector, working in sales, marketing, product development and client relationships for a number of blue chip firms including Lazards, Fidelity and Goldman Sachs. She developed successful business relationships with large corporates, consultancies and public sector organisations. In her leadership roles, she also enjoyed coaching and developing careers for younger team members. These are skills and contacts she brings to ASM clients. Over the past 6 years she has developed a number of voluntary roles; relaunched the local NAS branch as Chair (2011-2015), served on a local parents special needs forum (2012-2014), been elected a parent governor at a special needs school and worked as a volunteer mentor on a Research Autism Project. Her focus has been on education and now employment, both as a parent of a young person with ASC and through the influence of autistic colleagues she has served with before. Before joining the City, she gained a law degree from Cambridge University, an MBA from Cranfield Business School and qualified as a solicitor. Photo of Charlotte Charlotte Leighton, Employment Consultant Charlotte specialises in providing workplace support for individuals as well as working with organisations to provide autism specific support and advice. This experience has been honed through her work at ASM and her previous role as an Employment Support worker and trainer at The National Autistic Society. Charlotte has subsequently worked for HAIL in Haringey for two years managing social enterprises staffed entirely of employees with autism and learning disabilities. She has also worked as an Appropriate Adult supporting vulnerable individuals whilst in police custody. For the past ten years Charlotte has confidently designed and delivered social skills groups and workshops for adults with autism. As well as working for ASM she is also employed part-time for Resources for Autism in Barnet managing their adult services. Charlotte is able to support individuals emotionally as well practically as she holds certificates in Person Centered counselling and a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. David Perkins, Director David was Head of Services at Prospects, the National Autistic Society's specialist employment service, from 2007 – 2013; he left in June 2013 to set up AS Mentoring. He has extensive experience of supporting people with an ASC into employment across the UK and abroad, and of providing a wide range of training, assessment and consultancy services to employers and other organisations in the UK, Europe and the US. He has worked continuously with people with autism since the early 1980s. David has spent the bulk of his working life in the voluntary sector and prior to the NAS spent many years running a group of specialist adventure playgrounds in London for over 1200 disabled children, (some 30% of whom were autistic). He has a BSc (Hons) in Operational Research from Lancaster University. Photo of Emma Emma Hills, Employment Consultant Emma has been teaching psychology and health related subjects to adults since 2009 with the majority of her work focusing on providing social purpose education in the community to hard-to-reach groups, including those with disabilities. Much of her work focuses on supporting learners through transition and has led her to develop herself as a coach as well as an educator. More recently she has found herself key-working with learners with disabilities in a transition college as well as training and supervising the staff who support them. Emma mentors and tutors a diverse range of learners including learners on the autism spectrum in her continuing work in the community. Emma works part-time as an Employment Consultant with ASM and finds her knowledge and experience gained from facilitating community courses such as 'confidence building', 'communication skills' or 'interviewing skills' compliments the role well. She has a BSc Hons Psychology, PG-dip Social research, PGCE in post-compulsory education and is a registered health and social care trainer as well as a full member of the Association for Coaching. Emma is also currently studying for an MA in Education: Culture and Identity, at Goldsmith university. Photo of Eve Eve Riches, Employment Consultant Eve Riches is an employment consultant for AS Mentoring, where she provides one to one support and workshop creation and delivery. Eve has a background in teaching Psychology and has been involved in mentoring for her whole career. She has a lifetime of lived experience of neurodiversity. Outside of ASM, Eve works as a life coach and mentor. Photo of Gurleen Gené Wyrley-Birch, Employment Consultant Gené is committed to raising awareness and understanding of ASC to improve social inclusion, acceptance and understanding; to making a real difference to the lives of people on the autism spectrum and in broader society. Over the past 12 years, while caring for and advocating for her son, Gené has developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of autism as well as related challenges including ADHD, PDA, Social Communication Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder. She has a creative, positive and flexible approach and is determined to combined her personal and professional experiences to help clients into work and successfully retain their jobs. Throughout her previous roles in both Investment Banking at JP Morgan and UBS Warburg and Commercial Conferencing, Gené had an active role in recruiting, training and mentoring new team members. Gené has worked across many sectors, including Finance, Pharmaceuticals, Defence, Utilities, Aviation and Telecommunication. Gené Holds a BA degree in Industrial & Organisational Sociology and Industrial & Organisational Psychology from the University of Cape Town. Photo of Gurleen Georgia Thursting, Employment Consultant Georgia has worked with autistic adults and children in a variety of settings including education, play and social settings for the past year. As a support worker with Resources for Autism, she continues to support her clients in achieving their personal and work goals and loves to get creative with her approach. Georgia also works for Share Community in Battersea as a music tutor/ therapist, building the confidence of adults through music and artistic expression. She also enjoys planning and delivering online workshops for adults with Autism, focusing on well-being, physical health and emotional expression through music making. Outside of her work in Autism, is a trained musician, singer/ guitarist and enjoys performing at events across the UK. Photo of Gurleen Gurleen Manku, Regional Employment Consultant Gurleen has 18 years' experience of autism. She has a sibling on the spectrum, and has previously worked in primary education for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and has been a SEN Secondary School Govenor. In 2015 Gurleen volunteered at Autism West Midlands to support adults with autism to find employment. She then worked for Enable, Shropshire Council as a Job Coach in various workplaces supporting adults with autism and learning disabilities. Gurleen is highly experienced in delivering Pre-employment support, mentoring and Workplace support at AS Mentoring across the West Midlands since 2015. Gurleen holds a BSc in Business Psychology and is a member of the British Psychological Society, within the Division of Occupational Psychology. She has also completed her Masters in Occupational Psychology. Photo of Gurleen Mahlia Amatina, Employment Consultant Diagnosed with autism as an adult, Mahlia has first-hand experience of the challenges that can arise from a range of workplace settings, but more importantly; how to overcome these. Outside of AS Mentoring, Mahlia works as a visual artist, where she raises awareness and understanding of neurodiversity through different art forms. With a special interest in autism and work, Mahlia is keen to combine lived workplace experience with her mentoring skills as an employment consultant to support clients. Photo of Helen Mark Blake, Employment Consultant Mark has a broad range of experience across social care with several client groups and in varied settings. Following an arts degree he spent a couple of years on voluntary projects with disabled adults living independently, and with homeless men in an emergency night shelter in central London with subsequent paid roles including community support work with disabled adults moving back into the community following long periods in residential hospitals. Mark has also spent time as a residential care worker in adolescent residential units. The last 30 years has seen a focus on Adults and Children with Disabilities in a both a Day Service and Residential Home setting. As a Manager of services in these fields Mark has increasingly focused his support to children and adults on the autistic spectrum and has become keenly aware of the challenges faced by them and their families in achieving independence and realizing their potential. It is this interest that has led to an involvement in a mentoring role with AS mentoring and employment. Photo of Helen Mike Leat, Employment Consultant Mike comes from a background in advocacy, design and communication. Through his own business he previously ran an Easy Read design service which employed people with a learning disability and autism. In 2015 he co-produced a DVD on Autism and Mental Health for the Autism Partnership Board in Surrey. Mike previously worked for The National Autistic Society Assist service providing one to one support/mentoring sessions, and facilitating social and support groups for autistic adults. After completing an undergraduate module in autism with The Open University, Mike went on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism and Asperger syndrome. Mike also works with a project called ‘Autism by Experience’ which is a team of mostly autistic adults providing Understanding Autism training to staff in a variety of roles including health and social care. Photo of Laura Lauren Moore, Employment Consultant Lauren has a number of years experience of supporting people with autism as well as additional needs. Her main influence for working with people on the spectrum is her younger sibling who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Over the past decade she has worked in a school specifically of young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, starting as a Teaching Assistant and then working as the Intervention Co-ordinator for the secondary department. Lauren also worked in a specialist autism college as a Learning and Behaviour Specialist, moving up to become a Learning Support Co-ordinator. She studied History at undergraduate level and has more recently graduated with a Masters in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in July 2018. Photo of Rachel Rachel Pearson, Senior Regional Employment Consultant Following a successful 13-year career in the City Rachel moved into HR and Business Consultancy specialising in organisation restructuring projects involving (often large scale) job review, recruitment and redundancy programmes. She has extensive experience of working with SME employers and large organisations in the public and private sectors around all aspects of the employment relationship. Rachel previously volunteered with the National Autistic Society's Prospects Team and she now works as an employment consultant specialising in supporting people with an ASC to find and retain work. She also works with the NAS's Employment Training and Adult Services Teams supporting students and employees, and providing advice and guidance to employers. With a close family member on the autistic spectrum, Rachel also volunteers with her local NAS branch in Surrey. She holds an MSc in Human Resource Management and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development. Photo of Siobhan Siobhan Pauley, Employment Consultant Siobhan has first-hand experience of supporting someone with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD as her son has moved through various life transitions, experiencing the hurdles faced by people on the autistic spectrum. She spent 30 years working within Human Resources of a large financial institution attaining her MCIPD status, where she became the company’s Reasonable Adjustment Officer. It was her responsibility to ensure that employees with disabilities were able to receive the right workplace accommodations to enable them to access various roles in the company. This has given her considerable insight to enable her to support our clients. Following a career move, Siobhan is setting up AS Mentoring services in and around Poole, Dorset- as well as working part time to support an individual with profound learning difficulties within an independent living service.