Our Team

The Forum Members

As a forum we bridge the gap between parents, carers and the relevant professionals whose services are used by children, young adults and their families with special educational needs and or disabilities in Halton. Our team includes both parents, carers and professionals who work within local services for children and young people. We are still building as a forum so check back soon.

Karen Lewis

Vice Chairperson

I have a son who is 19, has down syndrome and is going through transition at the moment . Over the years as a parent I’ve come across many obstacles regarding my sons future. From schools, reviews, clubs and doctors appointments to direct payments and personal assistants. I feel being part of the forum I will be able to help other parents to overcome the challenges they may face and point them in the right direction to finding their path .

Karen Wakefield

Chairperson

I have an 18 year old son with global delayed development and autistic traits although undiagnosed. For the first 13 years I struggled to access services available for my son and and only through word of mouth and involvement with Halton Speak Out did I find the help needed to benefit my son’s life. I decided to join The Halton Send Carers Forum to help Halton Borough Council in gathering the views of those most in need of the services and to support others to have their voices heard.

Lynne Hall

Parent Participation Co-ordinator

My role is to support the members of Halton SEND Carers Forum to be a voice and work alongside service providers, to facilitate a two-way communication between parent carers and services used by children with special educational needs and or disabilities, young people and their families in Halton

Claire Collins

Parent Carer Member

I am parent/carer who has two adopted children, who are 10 and 13 years old. They both have multiple complex needs in many areas.

Our family have struggled on a daily basis in accessing and gaining the support, care and the correct education for their specific needs.

I have joined Halton Send Carers forum to hopefully help and support other parents/carers find the correct support, education and care for their children.

I hopefully can work along different agencies and the local Authority to make a difference in the future for other families.

Debbie O'Conner

Professional Support

Complex Care Runcorn & Transition Team

My name is Debbie O’Connor and I have worked for Halton Borough Council since 1993, as a Social Worker and Manager in disability and safeguarding services throughout this time for both Adult and Children services. I am now managing, The Transition Team, which is for young people aged 14-25 who have a Disability & ECHP and Complex Care Service 18 plus.

Paula Edwards

Professional Support

Preparing for adulthood

Sharon Spruce

Professional Support

SENDIASS

Alison Sutch

Professional Support

Childrens Complex Care Nurse

NHS Halton CCG

Amanda Tedds

Forum member

I have an 18 year old daughter who has multiple complex needs. Over the years I have struggled with finding the right support for her and the right educational setting along with getting support for us as a family. I have joined Halton Carers Forum to help other parents as they try to find the best care, education and support