Having spent over 30 years as a campaigner in the disabilities rights world, I have accrued a great deal of valuable experience and expertise on a diverse variety of issues that affect disabled people. As a disabled woman myself, I have lived experience of disability and the obstacles it can present. Having spent many of my childhood years in hospital, I missed out on formal schooling. When I left private Business School aged 15, receiving no support in finding employment, I learned to create my own opportunities in life and quickly found work which led to a 25 year career in all aspects of office administration. After later going on to complete an Hons Degree in Psychology. I worked in and chaired numerous Disabled Peoples User Led Groups locally, nationally and in Europe speaking in Brussels parliament and in Strasbourg, and also at a conference in South Africa as part of a delegation with Skills for Care. My key areas of specialism are disabled women and domestic violence, and all aspects of Independent Living, of which I am a strong advocate and supporter for disabled people employing their own staff. I run my own charity Being the Boss which supports people who employ their own Personal Assistants. I currently run a team of Personal Assistants who support me to live in a lifestyle I choose.
Projects
2021 – 2022 Research Project in conjunction with Bringing us Together on Social Care and how it affects our mental health
2022 – Shaping our Lives – How to Influence research through experts by Experience
2021 – Centre for Care
2016-2017 Guideline Committee Rewriting the Guidelines for NICE for adult social care
2006-2009> Represented Disabled Employers on Skills for Care Board as well as being on their various committees
2009 – Run my own charity Being the Boss www.beingtheboss.co.uk