Jenny's daughter lives with Down Syndrome and used to come to our Conductive Education sessions. Jenny wanted to give something back by first being a Trustee and then a Trustee Advisor, and to make sure other parents were supported in the same way they were.
What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
Our daughter Molly has Down Syndrome, and we were lucky enough to find out about Footprints when she was a baby. They supported us right through those early years, when everything was really difficult. We didn't know Molly had downs before she was born, and I was worried about her health and her future. I desperately wanted to be doing all that I possibly could to help and support her, but I didn't really know what I should be doing.
Then along came Footprints. Once a week I used to take Molly, and we would feel safe and supported - walking through the door was like coming home after a long difficult journey. I made friends who understood exactly how I felt, because they were in the same situation, and I now knew how to best help Molly at home because of the work we were doing at Footprints.
It's hard to put the love and support Footprints gave us into words, it was like a great big hug, it meant so much, and was a lifeline at a really difficult time. I wanted to give something back by being a trustee, and I wanted to make sure that other parents were able to be supported in the way that we were.
How long you have been a Trustee?
I've been a trustee for about 12 years now, and I've seen Footprints go through lots of changes, but the love and support that is given to the children and their families has never changed - that always remains at the heart of Footprints.
What’s the most inspiring part of being a Trustee?
The children. Meeting some of the new children, and following their achievements is without question the best bit!
What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I work as a Family Senco - this means I work with secondary schools and their feeder primaries to support inclusion and develop provision for their children with special needs. It's obviously something very close to my heart, and despite all the problems with funding and the system, it's a job that I really enjoy.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I'm tempted to say sleeping, but I'll probably go for drawing or painting. I find it really calming and I always feel happy if I've been painting.