Meet the Team

Vacancies

Swindon SEND Families Voice currently have no vacancies.

Our Team Roles and Functions

We have 3 voluntary unpaid Directors who take the overall responsibility for the Company. Alongside the Directors we have a Steering Group who make the every day decisions for the Company and are led by the Chair and Deputy Chairs. The Steering Group are unpaid volunteers, and meet termly to review our activities.

We have 2 part-time members of staff who are paid to do operational tasks in order to run the forum: The Forum Manager and Administrator.

We have a team of Parent Representatives who attend meetings with the Local Authority, Health and other providers. It is important to us that our team members feel valued and appreciated for the time they spend supporting the work of the forum, so where possible we remunerate them for their time.

We have a recruitment process for any positions that become available. We will advertise via our website, mailing list and social media accounts in the event of any roles becoming available, and invite suitable candidates to an informal interview.

Our Team Members

Chair & Forum Manager

Nausheen Ali

I am Chair of the Steering Group and the Forum Manager, which means I lead the team and manage the day to day tasks of running the forum. My own 3 boys have separate SEN needs. With my experience, I would like to help the SEND community, especially those families whose children need such support, so they don’t feel alone.

Steering Group

Amina Amawi (Deputy)

I have triplets that were born at 23 weeks. This has left two of them as registered disabled, Zayn who has complex needs and Tara who’s diagnosis is ASD, and Layla who is “mainstream“.

I joined Swindon SEND Families Voice as I have seen so many families go through the same hardships and discrimination that I have and so I want to do my bit to support and help where ever I can. SEN is something I am very passionate about, and will always be.

Lyndsay Walters

Hi I’m Lyndsay, a single mum to 3 boys, 2 of which have SEND needs.  I also run my own business. I have been through many  difficult situations with my boys and now due to this role I’m able to help others who are in similar positions. 

Stephanie Benstead

(Administrator & Finance Co ordinator)

I have an amazing husband called Mark, and a beautiful son and daughter, both with additional needs. When I’m not being mummy, wife or working with Swindon SEND Families Voice, I enjoy dancing, reading and cross stitching. 

Parent Representatives

Alison Fielden

I joined Swindon SEND Families Voice in November 2018 and have 2 teenage children, one with special needs. I have an involvement in the Learning Disability meetings, Local Offer and Post 16 Pathways. In my spare time, I enjoy doing outdoor sports, pub quizzes and eating!

Toni Foot (Safeguarding Lead)

I am Mum to 3 fantastic children. My two youngest have SEND. As a disabled person I understand some of the challenges disability can bring and I insist on living a full life. My goal is to help my own children, and the families supported by Swindon SEND Families Voice to do the same. Being a parent carer can be rewarding but also isolating; I hope that I can help other families to feel informed and part of a supportive community.

Bushra Butt

Hi, my name is Bushra. I am a mother of 2 children and a Carer for my nephews. I have a teaching background and have worked in various teaching roles and employment services supporting SEND adults and young people. I am looking forward to working with the parents and carers in Swindon.

Colette Evans-James

My name is Colette and I am mum to my 8 children and Nanna to my beautiful granddaughter. My SEND journey began 19 years ago with my son who has ADHD and dyslexia.

I have a degree in Early childhood and education. Knowing how difficult the journey can be as a parent, I am so happy that I am now in a position I can offer support and hopefully help to make the processes faced better.

Jennifer Evans

I’m mum to my beautiful daughter, who is home educated, we are both currently going through an ADHD diagnosis. Making memories is something I feel strongly about and spending time with family and friends. It’s important for me to see the needs of others met, especially anyone not able to advocate for themselves. In more recent years I have seen a big need for change within certain communities and look forward to being able to be a part of that.

Khamsin Deller

I’m Kam, and I am Mum to my 3 wonderful children. My eldest is diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. I have found the journey to support my child with SEN needs both challenging and rewarding. I also work in Early Years and I am really passionate about making a difference to the lives of families and children in Swindon.

Dawn Sabat

I have two neurodiverse children both with an EHCP. My eldest is Autistic with ADHD and severe dyslexia, my youngest has hypermobility with social communication difficulties and ADHD. I have worked in early years for 17 years and for the past 5 years in adult social care. I want to support other families like my own and would like to continue to grow and improve the services for SEND families across Swindon.

Kat Callaby

My name is Kat, I am a single parent to four SEND children. I feel my experience in navigating through the process of getting my own children’s needs met has now given me the tools to support other families on their own journeys. I’m really proud and excited to be able to do this through my role within Swindon SEND families voice. Away from my caring role, I enjoy spending time with friends and a bit of retail therapy!

Kelli Parker

My husband and I have two amazing boys, the youngest of whom was diagnosed with ASC and ADHD as a teenager after many years of struggling. I joined SSFV in order to try to help others who are navigating the SEND journey and hope I can use my experience as both a Mum and a teacher of children with SEND to do this. When I’m not busy being Mum or teacher I love to travel, explore new places, visit historical sites and go walking in nature.

Sharon Mallett

I am a parent carer to three SEN children with varying needs and I take each day as it comes. I understand how important it is that families feel seen, understood and supported, so their voices may be heard. I am looking forward to being able to share all the knowledge I have learnt along my own family’s SEND journey.

I’ve had many different job roles in my life but none so as important as this one and I am hoping to help as many families as possible.

Tausina Elahi

I’m a proud mum of three. My eldest is a child with SEND, so I’ve experienced first-hand the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to navigating support systems as a SEND mum. I’m a paediatric nurse.

I’m passionate about using both my personal and professional experience to support other families in Swindon. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s working to improve services and make sure SEND families across our community feel informed, supported, and heard.