Vickie - Managing Director - Trustee
I am the lead coordinator for Signpost Inclusion, I started as volunteer fundraiser for 12 months before becoming project coordinator, Director and now Trustee. I enjoy both planning and delivering activities for both young people and families to enjoy together. Being a parent of a young person with autism and high levels of anxiety means I understand how difficult it is accessing appropriate activities and venues. It is this personal experience and the links I have with our families that helps to steer the direction signpost inclusion takes. I have especially enjoyed our swimming journey. It started off as an idea but ended up being a special needs swimming club within 18 months. Its projects like this that mean I enjoy every aspect of my work within signpost and I'm very excited about what the future holds for us all!
Anne - Volunteer & Trustee
My name is Anne Ward and I have the privilege to be part of Signpost Inclusion. I got involved with Signpost Inclusion a number of years ago when I was looking for fun and meaningful social activities for our son James to access in a safe environment with staff that understood his needs. James has ASD and I wanted somewhere where he could fit in, make friends, have fun and not be judged. Signpost Inclusion ticked all the boxes. I am now giving back some of the support and fun we as a family had in those early days and still receive today. I am able to do this with in my role of Signpost Inclusion Volunteer. It’s an honour meeting the families we work with and watching their young people develop through the activities that Signpost Inclusion run.
Rachel - Administration & Finance Manager
My name is Rachel, I originally started volunteering with Signpost Inclusion as a parent of children with additional needs who accessed the activities provided. I now work in the office as the administration and finance manager, oversee Thursday after school club sessions, staff and support clubs and PA. Having worked in schools for many years I completed level 2 training in teaching and learning, although my family life halted my pursuit of level 3. I have previously worked as a child-minder and school Governor for a number of years, where I also played a senior role in the PTFA. I am happy and excited to be part of the Signpost family and love to see the families we work with having such positive interactions with our sessions and seeing the growth in young people who join us.
Tony - PA Support Worker
Having been involved in many different aspects of Signpost Inclusion from background things like administration and organisation to working directly with families and youth work with our successful Ackers project and youth groups. My favourite part of my job has always been working with young people and seeing them progress through our activities and clubs. We work with some truly inspirational families and young people and have seen lots of them grow in confidence, improve self esteem, learn new skills and make new friends. Due to this I have taken a step back from the office and activity work and now focus on my role as a personal assistant. As well as my work with Signpost Inclusion, I am also a support worker, assisting young people and adults who have additional needs to access activities in the community and supporting them to learn life skills.
Jamie - PA Support Worker
My name is Jamie Rawson, I work as a PA Support Worker for Signpost Inclusion and previously in assisting with football and gaming groups. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2007, aged 5 and I started working for Signpost in February 2019. I find working with children who have the same condition allows for me to gain a better understanding of ASD. I work well and enjoy being able to help children with similar needs develop and come out of their shells, this is wonderful to watch. I also volunteer assisting on other sessions Signpost offer.
Rob - Session Staff
My name is Robert Clarke and I work with signpost inclusion, mostly within Youth Group and Gaming Club, however I do cover some activity sessions. I have gained experience as a youth worker whilst working for Solihull MBC where I started as a volunteer. My passion for working with young disabled people comes from seeing a family whom I know very well lose a child at a young age. My hope is to pass on my enthusiasm to children and young people who do not always get the same opportunities as others. At the end of the working day, knowing that I have contributed to a child's happiness, enjoyment and development puts a smile on my face.