My name is Samantha, and my Job role is a co-trainer for Shoutout Academy, where I tell health care workers about my lived experience when using NHS services. I am a villa fan. I like going out for meals with my friends.

My name is Jo, Research Worker for Dudley Voices for Choice, currently researching towards better inclusion of elderly people with Learning Disabilities. I feel privileged to have worked alongside people with Learning Disabilities, in various settings, for over thirty years and my passion is to empower individuals to live their best lives.

My name is Tom and I work for Dudley Voices for Choice. Since finishing school, I have been engaging with my community starting with my job in barbering. I began learning about the importance of understanding people with learning disabilities and autism and getting their voices heard.

My name is Lucy, I work at Dudley Voices for Choice as a community worker. I want to make sure individuals who have a learning disability or Autism are getting their voices heard, being listened too, and treated fairly. I am very passionate about my job.

I am Vince! I am a trainer of lived experience at Shout Out Academy, the home of lived experience and the new training branch of DVC. I am one of three people in our trio that works on the Oliver McGowan webinars delivering training to emergency and social care workers.

My name is Matty Yates, I am a Youth Engagement Worker and the Co- Chair of the LDA Board. I have lived experience using various services, some good some bad but all have helped me learn and grow. This has helped me with my job and wanting to make a change for others.

My name is Cameron, I have worked with Dudley voices for choice for 5 years and have volunteered with them longer than that. I have LD & ADHD, but with help these disabilities have been changed into abilities that I can use to help empower people around the West Midlands.

Charli Clement is a Lived Experience Expert & Consultant. As an autistic ex-CAMHS inpatient, they work on co-production projects that push for system change and admission avoidance, as well as sitting on C(E)TR panels as an Expert by Experience. Elsewhere, they work with other third sector organisations on human rights, sensory needs & CAMHS psychiatric care, and are a writer, speaker, and author.

I’m Sean, Manager at Shout Out Academy, with a passion for fighting inequalities, and increasing training opportunities for neurodivergent people with lived experience of using public services. A Learning Disability Nurse and ex University Senior Lecturer whose responsibility includes the rollout of tier 1 & 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.

My name is Kelly and I’m a community worker for Dudley Voices for Choice. I’m passionate about people knowing their rights and living the life they choose. I love spending time with people being creative – this could be talking, drawing, singing or dancing – whatever makes us smile.

My name is Joanne, I work as part of the team as a person with lived experience. I share my views and ideas for making things better with decision makers. I am a big Lord of the Rings fan. My favourite actor is Ian McKellan.

I’m Sarah, I am the chief officer of DVC. It is important to me that people have equitable opportunities in their communities and lives. I believe everyone has the right to their good life. I love to watch live music and going to the beach.

Born & raised in Dudley – Mom and Dad used to be the landlords at the Lamp Tavern – I now live up the road in Stafford. After a decade in the voluntary sector, I now work for the NHS in patient/public involvement, making sure people and communities are at the heart of decision making.

Steve has been involved with advocacy for 30 years. His passion is ensuring that the voice of people with learning disabilities are heard through campaigning, speaking at conferences, having a platform on social media and publishing. He is also a co-founder of ‘Peter and Friends’ a coproduced publisher.

Sally-Anne Richardson FPFS, experienced Financial Professional for 30 years. Act as DVC treasurer making sure Sarah balances the books and best uses the funds available to provide services for people in the community. My role as a trustee and enjoying it and pleased to be able to give something back

Hi, I’m Emma, one of the trustee’s at DVC. I love meeting new people, eating good food and am a huge dog lover! I grew up with my mom working with people with learning disabilities, so I’ve always felt a natural passion and connection to the work DVC does. I feel extremely lucky to even be a small part of what you do!