Whether you need help finding support, contact details for an agency or information about any issues related to SEND, our information officers, Helen (below left) and Kate (below right) are on hand to help.
Helen Selway is our Senior SENDIS worker and has previously worked as a SEN teaching assistant within a mainstream primary school, supporting children with social and emotional needs. Other roles Helen has had in the past have included supply chain management, business administration and volunteering in her local community. She says: “As a parent myself, coupled with my experience as a SEN teaching assistant, I have some understanding of the challenges that parents face. I am delighted to be part of an organisation that supports all the parent carers of Wiltshire.”
Kate Martin is our SENDIS Officer and has previously worked as an Administrator for a disability charity and Drug & Alcohol Advice Service. She says: "I understand first-hand how challenging navigating life as a parent carer can be. I’m delighted to be able to work for the WPCC as I know how valuable the service they provide is in making sure Parent Carers are heard and supported.
As a result of additional funding from Wiltshire Council to grow and enhance our SENDIS service, we were able to expand our SENDIS team in 2018 to include two Outreach workers. Providing the same service as our SENDIS officers, our SENDIS Outreach workers will be able to work one to one and face to face with families who would normally find it difficult to access information, signposting and support by telephone or the internet.
 Gill Gray (left) joined the WPCC as an Outreach worker in April 2018; she has 3 grown up children and 4 grandsons.
Gill’s eldest son struggled with dyslexia during his time in education, this was diagnosed as he started college as a vehicle technician. This was an emotional time for all the family. He has done so well with lots of help & family support and is now working in a formula 1 racing team.
Gill has been married 40 years and has always lived in Westbury.
Gill’s previous roles have been in the NHS either as a receptionist or administrator in GP’s surgeries, and also at Royal United Hospital.
Gill also worked as an auxiliary nurse for a number of years.
For 14 years, Gill worked at Danone Nutricia Baby Careline and on the Quality Affairs Team, this included supporting parents, carers and health care professionals with advice and support.
Mentoring, training and counselling, and also emotional intelligence have also been a big part of Gill’s life.
Helping others always comes first for Gill in her work and also at home. Gill is enjoying supporting others and always goes that extra mile to succeed.
Ali Davis joined the WPCC as an Outreach worker in September 2018.
Ali (Right) is passionate about supporting both young people and their families with SEN. 
Previously to joining the WPCC, Ali worked for 17 years supporting adults with various disabilities to help them achieve their desired outcomes in life. During this time, Ali gained a wealth of knowledge in Social Care and gained her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young Peoples Services.
It was after a very long journey and several consultations later that Ali’s Son was diagnosed with Asperger’s, ADHD and SPD that Ali first became involved with the WPCC as a Parent Facilitator on the SWAPP Courses. Ali then applied for a post as an Outreach Worker and she is enjoying supporting families access the help and support that they need.
In 2021, thanks to a COVID response grant we were able to put our new Triage Service into action, with Elaine Reader (left) working as our Triage Worker 2 days per week. Elaine has a strong commitment to supporting all parent carers in their roles and says: “If I can provide people with any information, no matter how small or just be that friendly voice on the end of the phone helping to unpick the complicated web of services available, then I will be satisfied. Being a parent carer myself, I really appreciate how frustrating and confusing it can feel at times!”
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