Alison is a comforting voice when you most need it. After 30 years caring for a daughter with cerebral palsy, she can offer wisdom and reassurance gained from real life experience. If you have just met your first special needs family keen to join the Scouts, she can help you with practical support and a cool head.

For the county camp in May, Alison will be devoting a weekend at Gilwell to offer help and advice to any leaders who want it. The idea is to make the camp an enjoyable experience for everyone whatever their ability. If you have a special needs problem she will come to your Group to give hands-on help or she is always just a telephone call away.

For many years, Alison ran a Cub Pack in her home town of Linslade. She joined the county team in 2005 as advisor for special needs.

Alison has extensive Mencap and charity sector experience. After her daughter was born with cerebral palsy, Alison was inspired by the support she received from the Opportunity Playgroup when she went to them in 1982. Now, 30 years on, she is a keen supporter of organisations that help families cope with special needs youngsters.

In 2003 she set up the Junior Gateway (now called Hi5s). This club is for young people with learning difficulties and is involved with the Mencap ‘Get Together’ programme. She is a member of the management team for the local Mencap group and works for a Family Support Charity providing training and encouragement for volunteers.

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