Who We Are

Friends and Families of Special Children is made up of a team of individuals experienced in working with disabled children and their parents or carers. We are able to provide information and support to families who have experienced the joys and the difficulties of living with a disability within the family.

We are a Plymouth based service, covering the city of Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area.

The Charity is run by a team of professionals that come from a range of professional backgrounds including Social Work, Nursing, Counselling, Law, Finance and Corporate Hospitality. Alongside the Trustees are partners from Health, Education, Social Care and the Voluntary sector who help to ensure that we offer a multidisciplinary approach and a broad range of services.

Friends and Families of Special Children was founded in 2002 by a small group of parents who identified a huge gap in service provision for Children with disabilities and their famlies within Plymouth and its surrounding area. The group gained Charitable Status in 2005 (Registered charity No 1114692) and is now one of the main providers of integrated leisure services within the City.

The Team

Friends and Families of Special Children is run by six Trustees, one of whom is one of the original founders. They are responsible for overseeing the charity and ensuring it is operating correctly. They also, if they are able, provide training, facilitate the group programmes and attend fundraising events. All the support and energy they commit to the charity, they do so in a voluntary capacity.

Kay O'Shaughnessy - Chair of Trustees Much of my working life has been spent in Social Care, Training and Employment and running my own businesses. I gained a Post Graduate Business Degree at Plymouth University. I am married to Michael and have four children, one of who is profoundly disabled and requires full care. I am a founder member of Friends and Families of Special Children and have been involved in campaigning, developing and shaping national and locally stratagy and provision for families with disabled children. I am Chair of Trustees and  a Governor of Woodlands Special School.
Lesley Gross - Trustee I began my working life as a trained nurse specialising in caring for people with Alzhiemers and Dementia and their families. I have four children, including my 25year old son, Ryan who has mild cerebral palsy. We had a long fight with our Local Education Authority and the D F Education to ensure that Ryan had his legal entitlement.to reach his full educational potential. During the 1990's we played a lead role in two national campaigns to rid parents of the loopholes, used by Education Authorities, so they did not have to fulfil their legal duties to meet the needs of disabled children. I have spent the last 20 years, campaigning and supporting other families who are facing similar battles. I am passionate about promoting the interests of all families, friends and carers to ensure that they receive the services and support to make their lives as happy and fullfilled as possible.
Jonathon Morcom - Treasurer I was born and educated in Plymouth and am currently Treasurer of Friends and Families of Special Children, I am Director of The Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth, previously having had lots of experience in the hospitality industry in Plymouth and Somerset. I was instrumental in setting up a 24 bed-roomed hotel in Wells, was Food and Beverages Manager at Plymouth Pavillions and The Royal Western Yacht Club before the Management Buy Out at the DOC in 2001. I have one son and a step son who has Cerebral Palsy. I have been involved with the charity since its launch and engage with fundraising and organising social events as much as possible. I am also training to take part in the London Marathon to raise funds for the charity.
Adrian Stroud - Trustee I was born in Plymouth in 1962, and educated at Devonport High School for Boys before attending University College Cardiff to study Law. I am now Senior Partner at local solicitors Thompson and Jackson specialising in Property Law. I am married to Caroline and have three children Katie, Sam and Ben. In between being a taxi service for the kids I enjoys a variety of sports and watching Plymouth Argyle and Albion.
Malcolm Harrison - Trustee I have extensive accounting experience, managing substantial budgets and launching hugely successful strategic plans. With a background as a management accountant in large public sector organisations, I have gained skills in increasing turnover, optimising inventories, implementing computerised accounting, and managing multimillion pound budgets. I have been in Accountancy for over two decades. I have been a senior teacher, business consultant, and worked for many years as a successful Area Materials Manager and Logistics Manager for Great Western Trains. I have worked as treasurer or auditor of many not for profit organisations. I am married to Annette and have three children.
Heather Woods - Trustee I have worked for the NHS for a number of years and currently manage the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) for the Plymouth teaching Primary Care Trust. My role is to deliver a confidential NHS service providing help, information and support to patients, their carers and relatives. As a new Trustee for Friends & Families of Special Children I am looking forward to supporting the many carers who access this important service and will undertake to play a significant part to the wellbeing and growth of this worthwhile organisation.