Team Kayaks have jobs, families, are Carers, and have SEND themselves. They are SEND experts through their own lived eexperiences and this is what makes Team Kayaks so special.

The Kayaks Charity is a non-profit organisation and we rely solely on charitable donations. This means none of our Trustees, Committee Members or Volunteers are paid for what they do. Our volunteers give their time, skills, knowledge and expertise to benefit kayaks members and receive nothing in return.

Alison Bland

Trustee and Chair. My first year as chair has passed so quickly. Since starting my volunteering at KAYAKS I have been able to see the potential, the promise and the commitment of our volunteers to our members, local community and to each other. KAYAKS has so much to offer the community for all positive reasons. We are expanding all the time as and when we see the need in the borough. I want to be part of that growth and see us achieve and reach our ultimate goal. I am also a school governor for a special needs school and hold a full time job within Childrens Services. I have experience of running a youth football team with my partner and engaging young people in sport. I have ran a voluntary Youth Club. I have also a few years experience with the Youth Justice Service. For KAYAKS I use all of my learned skills to help and support all of our members. I have four children and five grandchildren. Three of my children have additional needs so life at home can be very tiring and demanding but also so very rewarding. Since joining KAYAKS and making new friendships in similar circumstances in a safe environment that welcomes the whole family our life has improved. We all adapt a can do attitude.

Jill Osborne

My role in Kayaks is twofold, in the first instance, I am a Trustee , which means that I am responsible for managing and maintaining the Charity Commissions rules and regulations on running a Charity. Secondly, I am a committee member and treasurer. I am responsible for ensuring our funding is spent appropriately according to our funders requirements.

In my personal life I am a wife of a neurodiverse man and mother to two neurodiverse daughters. I am have always been a strong advocate for people with diverse needs.

I have been a Governor of a Special needs School for the last 10 years.

During my time as both a Governor and Committee member I have undertaken training is several areas including, Safe Guarding, Safer recruitment, Health and safety, Budgeting, First aid in the workplace, GDPR and many more.

I am also a Mental Health first aider.

Richard Johns

Three of my children have additional needs. I am a qualified youth worker who has done outreach and detached. I have run a youth club on a voluntary basis, and I am keen to use my skills in KAYAKS.

KAYAKS for me is a place where children and young people can relax and have fun whilst learning. I have done my level 2 mental health whilst being a volunteer. I have also gained an ITC certificate and a qualification in emergency indoor and outdoor first aid level 6.

Martin Fisher

I am a grandfather of four girls one of which has additional needs which can be very demanding for my daughter on a daily basis. It is always a pleasure to be able to be of help or assist others as a KAYAKS member. Since joining kayaks about 6 years ago it has been rewarding to be part of the KAYAKS team and getting involved with the children and their families knowing that they find me approachable and helpful in all the activities that they do with me knowing that they are in a safe environment with others who have similar needs. KAYAKS is a very interesting group and offers different kinds of support on so many levels, and the families are very friendly. I like to build a rapport with the children to help them achieve their goals. I am qualified to support members on the climbing wall. If this was employment, I would definitely say it was job satisfaction. I have also gained an ITC certificate qualification in emergency indoor and outdoor first aid level 6.

Susan Burgess

I have been attending KAYAKS with my family for the last five years, following my eldest son’s Autism diagnosis. We have enjoyed many fantastic opportunities provided from The KAYAKS in this time such as amazing outdoor residential trips, fun days out to lots of exciting places, great weekly social activity sessions, the most expert advice when needed and lots more. The non-judgemental, friendly and supportive ethos of The KAYAKS makes all of these times an absolute pleasure to be part of. Every membe is thoroughly valued and supported.

I have also been involved in fundraising for The KAYAKS too: taking part in the The Great North Run, Kielder, Rotterdam and London matharons plus many more races sometimes with my children to help support the fabulous work that is already in place. I have joined the committee as I want to help other famliies in the exact same way my family has been supported. Being a Special Needs Teacher/leader for the past twelve years, I have a lot of knowledge that will support children, young people and their families if they need help from an educational perspective. I am passionate that everyone can achieve their potential, have fantastic opportunities and get the right support, regardless of the barriers that are in the way.

Donna Wallace

I have two children, the youngest has ADHD and I have three grandchildren. I have worked with children since I was 18 years old. I have my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and I look forward to helping the young people achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Award and see them grow.

Louise Carruthers-Henderson

Louise Henderson – Vice Chair and KOPE outreach support.
I am a qualified BACP Integrated Counsellor and I work therapeutically with children, young people and adults.
I have 2 Autistic children; my eldest is educated at home. My youngest attends a main stream school.
I recieved my Autism diagnosis at the age of 42!
I first came to KAYAKS seeking support whilst my son was still going through the diagnostic process. We were finding securing support to meet his needs in school very challenging and we were supported by Malcolm through KOPE Outreach service.
I now volunteer alongside Malcolm in the KOPE Outreach Service where we support Parents and Carers, newly diagnosed Autistic adults, run monthly EHCP Q&A’s, and online mental health programmes for families
I lead the Home Ed group, Warhammer Club, Cooking Club and have recently been appointed as Vice Chair of The KAYAKS Charity

Martin Munro

I am a fully qualified chef and have worked in many high level professional kitchens.
I have known about kayaks for many years through family members and have kept a keen eye on the great work they have down and continue to do. I come on board as a volunteer and helped out where it was needed.
i have now moved on to the committee and very much look forward to continuing to help and support kayaks and it’s members.
the kayaks is a fantastic place to come along to and with great facilities to help and support you along the way.
the progression in members from the start and until the present day is a real credit to themselves and to kayaks for the help and support which is given.

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