Team Empathy
Come back soon to see photos and read the bios of all of our teams
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The Board of Trustees
Cherida Hughes - Chairman
Background: Youth worker/Care management/Mother of five three children with additional needs. I have been a member of Empathy for seven years.
Why I volunteer: I volunteer to give families a voice. As a mother of five and three of them with ASD I appreciate how hard it is to be a parent of a child with additional needs and the struggles we face on a daily basis. I like to think I have some valuable knowledge to pass on to families like mine and lesson the anxieties of other parents like me.
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The difference you would like to make: I would like to see Empathy thrive and grow and meet the expected goals. For families/children to have a safe space to be excepted and to be challenged to reach their full potential. For families to be able to reach out for support without judgment and fear.
Your favourite thing about Empathy: I love that their is no judgment and that families are in the same situation as myself and they understand. I love the different activities and that children are encouraged to try something new and make new friends and make memories.
Likes: Ironing, wine/Gin and lots of coffee.
Dislikes: Anything creepy crawly and MUD I really dislike MUD.
The tune that always get you on the dancefloor: Sweet Home Alabama
Rachel Groom - Secretary / Case Manager
Background: Professionally my background includes mostly administrative or customer service work. Since having children I have not worked but rather concentrated on them and completed many courses including working with special needs children, managing challenging behaviour, mental health and illness and mental health first aid. In my personal life I love learning and have a passion for hoarding information and stationery.
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Why I volunteer: I volunteer so that families can have their voices heard, have support through their struggles and young people can achieve the best they can be.
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The difference you would like to make: I would like to be able to lessen any struggle any family is having and if there are no struggles then just have fun!
Your favourite thing about Empathy: Every person, young or old can be included in your Empathy family.
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Likes: Coffee, rainbows, stationery
Dislikes: The way families struggle to be heard by services
The tune that always get you on the dancefloor: Hey Ya
Amie Watson - Trustee
Background: I am a qualified mechanical engineer and have also completed my level 3 in childcare. I have been a paid executive board member of a housing association. More recently since having children I have been a councillor for my local community and sit on numerous committees to enable the local community to thrive to be the best it can be.
I am a mum to 5 children and live where I grew up in south Shropshire, my favourite place to go is the Nordy ring, a walk on the way up to the brown clee.
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Why I volunteer: I volunteer to enable Empathy continue its amazing charity work with our very special children and their families and ensuring that this can happen to the best of Empathy’s ability.
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The difference you would like to make: I want to ensure that all children are giving the opportunity to let their colours shine and make a difference to their lives.
Your favourite thing about Empathy: The amazing friends I have made and the family feel between us.
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Likes: Spending time with family and friends.
Dislikes: Dishonest people
The tune that always get you on the dancefloor: Agadoo