AWDS

About Us

We are a friendly group of volunteers that live in the London Borough of Hillingdon.  We are all parent carers of children and young people with Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

We are committed to getting the parental voice heard and listened to by working together with the Local Authority and their partner commissioning bodies to improve outcomes for children and young people 0-25 who have SEND. 

happy father with disability and mother sitting with kids on bed
Educational lessons with child

There are different ways that you can volunteer

Below is a list of ways to participate depending on what time you have available.

Level 6

Become a member of our Steering Committee, contributing to our monthly meetings

Level 5

Be a parent representative attending regular Hillingdon council workstream meetings

Level 4

Participate on adhoc council-led SEND projects

Level 3

Help us to host SEND coffee mornings at your child's/young person's school/college

Level 2

Help us to manage stalls to promote what we do, at events, fairs, parent's evenings etc.

Level 1

From home, review Hillingdon council processes, websites, provide ideas & feedback, respond to surveys etc.

Meet our team

Marion de Souza

I'm working with a great team of volunteer parents/carers who all want to help improve services and processes for our Hillingdon SEND children and young people.

Louise Harvey

Chair

Hi, I am Louise and I am a mother of 6 children, my youngest child is profoundly deaf and another of my children suffers from a serious mental health condition.

Georgie

Georgie Bhad

(SENDIASS Co-opted)

Hi, I am a mum to 3 grown children and have been involved with the forum since around 2013 after my youngest was diagnosed with special educational needs. I was the chairperson during the reforms and am now a co-opted member alongside my job as an IASS casework officer for SENDIASS.

Aisha Richardson-Long

My name is Aisha, I am a member of the steering committee. I have 3 children with ASD along with other complex needs and I am very passionate about helping parents have a voice for those who are unable to communicate their needs.

Leanne Hale

(SENDIASS Co-opted)

Hello, my name is Leanne Hale, I am a co-opted member of the HPCF committee. I manage the SEND Information, Advice and Support (SENDIASS) in Hillingdon.

Emma Hewlett

As well as being involved with the PCF, I am also a Hillingdon Champion. My child is a young adult with complex needs. I am involved with hosting coffee mornings, as well as helping and supporting others in a professional but also down to earth manner.

Marion de Souza

I'm working with a great team of volunteer parents/carers who all want to help improve services and processes for our Hillingdon SEND children and young people.

Carmel

Carmel Pickering

Co-Chair and Secretary

Hi, I have a son with Autism and other complex needs. I am passionate about SEND and am delighted to part of the ‘parent’s voice’ in the development and provision of services for SEND children and young people as well as their families.

Louise Harvey

Co-Chair

Hi, I am Louise and I am a mother of 6 children, my youngest child is profoundly deaf and another of my children suffers from a serious mental health condition.

Vanessa D'Souza

Treasurer

Hi, I am Vanessa and I am a member of the Steering Committee.

Georgie

Georgie Bhad

(SENDIASS Co-opted)

Hi, I am a mum to 3 grown children and have been involved with the forum since around 2013 after my youngest was diagnosed with special educational needs. I was the chairperson during the reforms and am now a co-opted member alongside my job as an IASS casework officer for SENDIASS.

Emma Hewlett

As well as being involved with the PCF, I am also a Hillingdon Champion. My child is a young adult with complex needs. I am involved with hosting coffee mornings, as well as helping and supporting others in a professional but also down to earth manner.

Gisela O'Neill

My name is Gisela. I have two boys who have Autism and other complex needs. Both boys go to main stream school. I have been involved with the PCF for a short time but have been a parent champion for over a year.

Aisha Richardson-Long

My name is Aisha, I am a member of the steering committee. I have 3 children with ASD along with other complex needs and I am very passionate about helping parents have a voice for those who are unable to communicate their needs.