I have worked in the not-for-profit sector for the last 19 years after retraining when my children were young. I am married with three children, and have lived experience of disability and mental health conditions.
I found a general lack of inclusivity and focus on well-being in the lives of disabled people and people who experience mental health challenges. These occur in most settings, including healthcare, education, and the workplace. People need the ability to develop their skills, talents, and life experiences, as well as their hopes and dreams, to have a good life and feel included. This can only be done if all parts of the organisation are equitable.
I knew that inclusion, using tailored strengths-based practices, and focusing on individualized well-being were priorities.
I was determined to make a difference in my workplace using the organisation’s core values.

• Rights – everyone has rights and we work hard to promote them

• Inclusion – we work hard to include everyone, to meet their needs and to make people feel welcome

• Respect – we respect ourselves and treat everyone else with respect

• Honesty – we are honest in everything we do

• Flexibility – we adapt what we do to find the best way of doing things

I developed my own skills by learning more about access to work, easy-to-read communications, and accessible information.
I attended training in level 2 counselling, menopause awareness, mental health first aid, leadership wellbeing, mindfulness, regenerative organisations, and safer recruitment.

Over the last nine years, I have used my own and other people’s experiences to develop an inclusive recruitment, retention, development, and well-being programme for everyone at Inclusion North alongside accessibility and flexibility for all people who work for or with Inclusion North.