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Mark Harris - Your Voice Development Officer |
The Committee is made up of 12 people who are registered ASBAH service users.
Members of the committee meet up to six times a year in a fully accessible venue.
In addition to the regular meetings, they also communicate individually or in small groups over the telephone between the main meetings.
The 12 members of the YV Advisory Committee were selected by YV members in December 2006 and will serve a three year term.
Meet the Committee members...
Carole Armour - Leicester
I have been involved with ASBAH in various ways for over 30 years, firstly through Sussex ASBAH, before moving north and joining the committee of Leicester ASBAH. I have arranged social outings and a two day 'Recreation and Partnership' event for Leicester ASBAH members.
I have been on the Steering Group of “Your Voice” since 1993. My hope for the future is to broaden the involvement of members of all abilities within 'Your Voice' and ASBAH.
Michael Bergin - Preston, East Yorkshire
Hello everybody. My name is Michael Bergin. I am 48 years of age. I have spina bifida. Originally I am from Dublin where I was brought up. I have 4 children aged 24, 22, 21 and 18. I have previously worked in the transport business where I was warehouse administrator planning all the routes and deliveries. I also worked in the licence trade where I was employed as a purchasing clerk.
I enjoy all types of sport and have travelled to many parts of England to watch my son play football. I bring to the Your Voice committee my honesty and enthusiasm, and my years of experience but most of all I want to do my best for everybody.
Jon Burke - Huddersfield
I have been involved in Your Voice since it began and am a previous Chairperson. I also represent ASBAH on the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. I have worked for various disability organisations throughout my career, including ASBAH. The majority of this has been supporting disabled people and their organisations in consultation and involvement projects.
As a YV committee member I will ensure the needs and wishes of people with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus are taken seriously within ASBAH and that the group provides the kind of support that people tell us is so important to them.
Lisa Cain - London (Redbridge)
A past YV chair, I am a member of Uphill Ski Club and Redbridge Employees Forum on Disability. I work part time and have my own flat. On Your Voice I have organised weekends, day events and run workshops. I have been an ASBAH Trustee for 3 years and lead Trustee for S E Region for a year.
I think its important for service users to have a say in how things are run, and influence policies. I think disabled people should lead by example, showing what can be achieved. I would like to help the group to influence ASBAH and broaden my horizons by meeting new people.
Geraint Caterall - Leicester
Since gaining employment in Leicester in 1997 I have been living independently. This has given me a wide experience of the problems that can be faced by a young adult with hydrocephalus, in gaining independence, being self sufficient and managing one’s affairs. Having been fortunate enough to go to university this has also given me an insight into the difficulties a young person with hydrocephalus can face in higher education.
As someone who works full time there are a number of difficulties that I have had to overcome due to my hydrocephalus. I feel that with the ‘life’ experiences I have had I could contribute to YV and share my experiences with others, and maybe be of help to others.
Amar Raj Singh Dugal - London (Edgware)
I am pleased to be a member of the Your Voice committee because I want to share my experiences, gained by living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus throughout my life, with others. I am keen to learn about other peoples experience and how they are managing having the same disabilities. I consider myself as being helpful and understanding, having patience to listen to others and to give my advice if required.
I would like to help and contribute towards decision making, planning of events, meetings and venue selection. I am in a position to attend meetings wherever they are held and also help in computer work if required.
Charles Harper - Paignton, Devon
I am 55, married, with spina bifida. My working connection with ASBAH spans about eighteen years to when I was first elected to the South Thames ASBAH committee. I soon took over as Secretary and held that position for a few years until becoming Chairman, a position I held until about 1996. In 2000 I moved to Devon and formed Devon ASBAH. I am currently the Association Chairman.
Even after many years working with local ASBAH Associations I still think I have a lot to learn and at the same time I believe I may have a lot to give.
Mary King - Manchester
I have been involved with the Your Voice Committee for some time. During that time I have gained many skills and experience and some lovely friendships. My role within the group was Chair of events and training. This included working with a group to organise and put on a variety of events and training days.
I am pleased to continue my work with the Your Voice Committee as I feel I still have a lot to offer but equally am still learning and would appreciate the chance to carry on improving the skills I’ve learned and possibly acquire new ones. I am passionate and dedicated to the future of Your Voice and its role within ASBAH.
Cathy Lunn - Sheffield
During the last 3 years on the YV comittee, I have learned a lot about the importance of helping people to become independent. Your Voice works hard to promote the interests of people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and it is satisfying when you meet new people through the group’s activities when an event is put on.
The people on Your Voice Committee have taught me so much. Although one of the quieter members of the group, I like to have my say at meetings and always attend an event if I can. I represented the committee this year at the International Federation Conference in Helsinki. Now that I work with adults with learning disabilities, I realise the importance of inclusion of all disabled people.
Paul Manning - Ceredigion, Mid Wales
I am a 37 year old, with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. I am not a regular wheelchair user but when things get bad I have to resort to the wheelchair. I work as Support Worker with people with learning disabilities in a community home, where we help them to live as independently as possible. I also do a lot of voluntary work with the local Mencap association where I organise quarterly events for up to 200 people.
I feel I will bring to the YV group, the Welsh perspective. There is no one else from Wales on the committee. I fought for the recent YV event in Cardiff.
Nick Woodward - Surrey / Hampshire Borders
Involved with ASBAH in the 1970s, attending a number of conferences. Attended an SEN school then went on to obtain a BSc in Government/Politics. Professional Purchaser for Social Care/SEN within a County Council, have a good knowledge of Social Policy issues in this arena. Have always been involved with disability organisations from PHAB to Dial -a-Ride and Access groups.
I am currently a Trustee with an innovative organisation providing day care for disabled adults. I bring to the group my experience/knowledge and I am also looking for a new challenge in my life and to meet new people.
Paul Zickel - London (Haringey)
I actively participate in YV (including chairing and vice-chairing), ASBAH’s Education Committe and Board of Trustees. I co-ordinated YV’s paper on the Social Model, working it up with other trustees to facilitate its adoption by the Board. I chair the Civil Service Disability Network which champions disability issues across government, working with colleagues across government departments and agencies, the cabinet office and trade unions to improve our conditions and opportunities.
I also chair a staff disability network at the Department for Education. Previously I worked in Disability Services including as an Employment Adviser and in psychometric testing. I enjoy working together in YV to advance our agenda and value the way this complements and informs my other work in disability.
