An outdoor educator, horticulturalist and small holder with a vast experience of working with SEND. Co-founder of Root-and-Branch Out CIC a Rutland based not for profit social enterprise. I have supported the family centre through our activities and was delighted to be invited to be a Trustee in 2020.
I have been involved with the RRFSC from when it first begun.
I worked as a children’s physiotherapist for 25 years. I have also been a Riding for the Disabled coach for many years which is why I take the lead with the RRFSC riding activity.
The importance of giving children with special needs the chance to access activities which they ma
I have been involved with the RRFSC from when it first begun.
I worked as a children’s physiotherapist for 25 years. I have also been a Riding for the Disabled coach for many years which is why I take the lead with the RRFSC riding activity.
The importance of giving children with special needs the chance to access activities which they may not be able to do in a main stream setting and the achievements I have witnessed over the years is what has kept me involved with the charity.
I first came across the Family Centre through Sunflowers back in 2006, and from there we came across the wonderful support provided by the Family Centre. My middle son has very complex health and physical needs (PMLD), and is the middle child of my three.
I'm delighted to be a Trustee now to be able to share some of my experiences of the
I first came across the Family Centre through Sunflowers back in 2006, and from there we came across the wonderful support provided by the Family Centre. My middle son has very complex health and physical needs (PMLD), and is the middle child of my three.
I'm delighted to be a Trustee now to be able to share some of my experiences of the issues we've faced and hopefully use that to benefit others in similar situations, and carry on the hugely important work that the RRFSC has achieved over the years.
I have a long history with the Rutland Rotaract Family Support Centre going right back to its beginning when I was a member of the steering committee.
I have four adult children, the youngest two being twins, one of whom, has Down’s syndrome. After attending the Opportunity Group, for families with children under 5 with additional needs,
I have a long history with the Rutland Rotaract Family Support Centre going right back to its beginning when I was a member of the steering committee.
I have four adult children, the youngest two being twins, one of whom, has Down’s syndrome. After attending the Opportunity Group, for families with children under 5 with additional needs, I eventually took over the running of it with a friend and former Treasurer of the Family Centre. This group is still going strong under new leadership and is now known as Sunflowers.
I and another parent went on to start a youth club for young people with additional needs which was handed over to the Aiming High Team, now named Youth Chaos before moving on (initially with some financial support from the Family Centre) to create Rutland Conquerors Inclusive Basketball where I am the manager/chair.
I believe every opportunity should be given to those with additional needs and their families to achieve their goals and this is exactly what we trustees of the Family Centre are all equally passionate about.
My involvement with the Family Centre goes back to the beginning when, as a member of Rutland Rotaract, I was part of the group who fundraised to set it up. Little did I know that many years later I would have a daughter that would benefit hugely from the services it and The Parks School provided.
Having seen the work RRFSC does first han
My involvement with the Family Centre goes back to the beginning when, as a member of Rutland Rotaract, I was part of the group who fundraised to set it up. Little did I know that many years later I would have a daughter that would benefit hugely from the services it and The Parks School provided.
Having seen the work RRFSC does first hand I was honoured to be offered the position of Treasurer where, using the skills and experience of 30 ‘years in banking and managing various charities’ finances, I can help to ensure that the Family Centre is still here in many years time supporting children and families when required.
Committee Member
I am a father to three children. My middle child has autism with moderate learning difficulties and goes to an out of county school. I work at the Leicester Royal Infirmary as a consultant and Honorary Professor in familial cancer.
I aim to work with the Aiming High team and the County Council and the Family Centre to impr
Committee Member
I am a father to three children. My middle child has autism with moderate learning difficulties and goes to an out of county school. I work at the Leicester Royal Infirmary as a consultant and Honorary Professor in familial cancer.
I aim to work with the Aiming High team and the County Council and the Family Centre to improve access to services.
I love singing and will sing at every opportunity I get!
I came across RRFSC in 2021 whilst looking for leisure activities for my daughter (now aged 9 years) who has a rare chromosome disorder. The charity were so friendly and supportive, with an all family approach. Two years on, horse riding lessons are still going strong, and it’s incredible to see how my daughter’s confidence has grown, as
I came across RRFSC in 2021 whilst looking for leisure activities for my daughter (now aged 9 years) who has a rare chromosome disorder. The charity were so friendly and supportive, with an all family approach. Two years on, horse riding lessons are still going strong, and it’s incredible to see how my daughter’s confidence has grown, as well as her ability to communicate with friends and new people.
I joined the committee a year ago and feel honoured to now be appointed a trustee. As a parent of a child with complex needs I hope to be able to share experiences that might help others, whilst continuing the fantastic work of RRFSC, striving to provide access to these vital social and leisure activities.
I have had a connection with RRFSC since 2018. I have two children with special educational needs and the charity was the first SEN related organisation I reached out to. I came to a drop in coffee morning which I was anxious about and was made to feel very welcomed and instantly felt eased and relieved in being in a safe space were other
I have had a connection with RRFSC since 2018. I have two children with special educational needs and the charity was the first SEN related organisation I reached out to. I came to a drop in coffee morning which I was anxious about and was made to feel very welcomed and instantly felt eased and relieved in being in a safe space were other parents/carers understood the process and emotions that I was experiencing. This then led to attending social activities with the families and my children accessing activities all of which has been very beneficial on many levels to us all as a family.
I then became a member of the committee and would volunteer my time when I could. Since the first time I reached out the charity it has always held a special place in my heart, so when the opportunity arose to become involved with the social aspects of the charity and become administrator I was very pleased to accept the opportunity and become even more involved in the organisation.
Ben is an experienced Level 2 qualified swimming instructor who joined RRFSC in 2017 to teach both beginners and more experienced swimmers.
Ben is also a qualified fitness instructors at Catmose Sports Centre and works along support staff helping members to achieve their goals and fully benefit from their membership.
Debbie runs Chestnut Farm Riding Stables near Hallaton, Leicestershire, where lessons take place.