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
Forum Board Member
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
Cindy Seiler
Professional Support
I am the Business Manager at Cheshire Autism Practical Support, working with over 500 families across 4 counties. I have worked with disabled children and adults for 17 years across three very different charities. I am also a busy Mum of three young adults, one of whom has autism, and one with executive functioning disorder.
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