UNIQUE WAYS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Family Voice Co - Ordinator
I have worked as the Family Voice Co-ordinator here at Unique Ways since May 2017. Before that I worked in the marketing sector for many years and then decided to have a change of career and trained as a counsellor. After some years bringing up my children I got a job as a counsellor in the NHS and this role made me appreciate the real importance of good emotional wellbeing and especially for parents. I have also volunteered for several Calderdale charities over the years including Samaritans and more recently Home Start where I enjoyed the practical aspect of helping families.
When I'm not at work I like reading, cooking and swimming for relaxation. I also love spending time with my two boys and husband and literally running around after them - we all do the Park Run on a weekend and I recently completed my first race, the Manchester 10K.
My career began in PR and public affairs but the corporate world wasn't for me and I found my passion in Education and family support, working directly with children in schools,nurseries, and the Portage Team before working for a local charity, writing and delivering programmes to support learning, development and communication through sensory play and training to parents and practitioners to raise awareness and boost inclusion and support child development.
I'm delighted to be joining the team at Unique Ways.
I've worked within the Voluntary and Community Sector in the North of England for nearly 30 years, mainly in income generation.
I'm a Scot, but no longer feel I live in a foreign land, as Yorkshire feels very much like home now after living here for 10 years. I moved to West Yorkshire in 2008 from South Manchester.
In my downtime, I love music (mainly 80's & 90's) and still enjoy going to gigs. I also enjoy travel (UK and overseas), weekend walks, the theatre and am very much a reader.
Job Titles:
- Form Filling Practitioner
Hi, I'm Stef and I am the Form Filling Practitioner here at Unique Ways. I can help you with any disability related forms, such as DLA, PIP, Carers Allowance and Short Breaks. This support normally takes place in a face to face appointment here in the office, but I can offer support over the phone and via email, depending on your needs.
My working background is in the Health and Social Care Sector, working mainly with both adults and children with disabilities and their families. I am also a parent carer myself so I can relate to some of the difficulties you may be facing, and understand the challenges for families with a disabled child, whilst also knowing all the wonderful things that come with being a parent carer and the amazing things we do.
I know from both professional and personal experience how difficult both practically and emotionally filling in forms about your child can be, so I am here to help you fill out the forms in a way that will produce the best outcomes for you, as well as supporting you through the difficult bits and relieving some of that stress from you.