Who we are
Jo Gilliland - Strategic Director
Jo Gilliland - Strategic Director
Jo Gilliland - Strategic Director
First and foremost, I am mum to an amazing autistic young man, he inspired me to retrain & learn more about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
I have a strong commitment to be part of making real and meaningful change for those with SEND and their families, I have worked in and around SEND in a number of roles since 2009
First and foremost, I am mum to an amazing autistic young man, he inspired me to retrain & learn more about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
I have a strong commitment to be part of making real and meaningful change for those with SEND and their families, I have worked in and around SEND in a number of roles since 2009, including Independent Support, leading the forum with a co-chair from 2017 - 2020, and after later incorporating the forum as a CIC, have led the forum as a Director since 2020 to date.
I have experience in SEND national work, having served as a Director and Steering group member for the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) and also have significant experience of regional work across the North East and North Cumbria, within strategic management roles for the NHS in the North East and North Cumbria.
Sarah Douglas - Operations Director
Jo Gilliland - Strategic Director
Jo Gilliland - Strategic Director
I come from a legal background and, towards the end of my legal career, I headed a team in a national law firm specialising in serious injuries following accidents, including supporting people who had sustained traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
More importantly, I am a Mum to three children, one of whom has complex Special Educat
I come from a legal background and, towards the end of my legal career, I headed a team in a national law firm specialising in serious injuries following accidents, including supporting people who had sustained traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
More importantly, I am a Mum to three children, one of whom has complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Due to the needs of my family, I decided to have a change of career and I joined NTCPF in 2021 as a Peer Engagement Officer.
I have been in the role as Operational Director for the forum since May 2023.
Patsy McNally - Engagement Manager
Jo Gilliland - Strategic Director
Deborah Mordain- Peer Engagement Officer
Deborah Mordain- Peer Engagement Officer
Deborah Mordain- Peer Engagement Officer
Deborah Mordain- Peer Engagement Officer
I am a proud mum to three amazing girls, two of whom have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Before diving into full-time caregiving, I had a career in the design industry for many years. My personal journey has inspired me to utilise my experiences to support other families dealing with SEND challenges and has ignited my passion for creating meaningful change.
Hannah Patterson - Peer Engagement Officer
Deborah Mordain- Peer Engagement Officer
Helen Bailey - Peer Engagement Officer
I am Mum to a lovely 14 year old boy with a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD and a Learning Disability. Before I became a parent carer I worked for many years in HR / administration. I now hope to use my experience and knowledge of SEND to help families going through similar as it can be a very daunting place to be, especially in the early days.
Helen Bailey - Peer Engagement Officer
Deborah Mordain- Peer Engagement Officer
Helen Bailey - Peer Engagement Officer
I am parent carer to a young lady with Prader-Willi Syndrome and a young person with Autism and ADHD, my work background started with delivering Early Support Workshops to families who had young children with disabilities. I then moved on to volunteering as an Independent Supporter in North Tyneside to help families with parents views for
I am parent carer to a young lady with Prader-Willi Syndrome and a young person with Autism and ADHD, my work background started with delivering Early Support Workshops to families who had young children with disabilities. I then moved on to volunteering as an Independent Supporter in North Tyneside to help families with parents views for their Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) I then moved on to work with Contact- for families with disabled children for 3 years delivering Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) workshops, then when my contract came to an end, I worked for Special Education Needs Information Advice and Support in Newcastle (SENDIASS) I spent two years in the privileged position providing family support to parent carers in North Tyneside.