Adam is a self-advocate at Sunderland People First, with lived experience of Autism. He delivers Oliver McGowan tier 1 mandatory training, and is trained in tier 2.

Adam enjoy spending time with his family and his dog, Charlie. He also enjoys volunteering at Sunderland Home Grown, and helping his Grandad with his garden. He likes going on walks to parks, specifically Roker Park and The Marina.

Andrew has worked at Sunderland People First for over 15 years. He currently delivers Be Cancer Aware and Be Epilepsy Aware training with the team, and is trained in Oliver McGowan tier 2 mandatory training. He likes watching motor racing and golf. 

Ashley delivers Oliver McGowan tier 1 mandatory training, and is trained in tier 2. He has delivered Learning Disability Training, Junior Doctor Training and currently delivers Be Cancer Aware and Be Epilepsy Aware Training. Ashley enjoys playing football and swimming.

Bryony started with Sunderland People First in 2024 as a self-advocate. So far, she has delivered Be Screening Aware and Oliver McGowan tier 1 mandatory training, and is trained in tier 2. During her studies in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre, she angled her focus towards disability when, as an autistic person with a chronic illness, she encountered obstacles. Bryony fills her time with all the hobbies she thought she would have to give up to be an actor. She’s happy, and she wants that chance for her friends and other neurodivergent folk.

Erin delivers Oliver McGowan tier 1 and 2 mandatory training. She has previously delivered Learning Disability Training, and was involved in the What About Me? Project. Erin is a big fan of watching Doctor Who and going for walks in the park.

Gavin is involved in Stop People Dying Too Young and delivers Be Cancer Aware Training. He has previously been involved in the What About Me? Project and the We are Human Too Campaign. Gavin likes to listen to music and play on his computer.

Ian is a Director for Sunderland People First. He delivers Oliver McGowan tier 1 mandatory training, and is trained in tier 2. He is part of our Be Cancer Aware and Be Epilepsy Aware team, as well as being involved in the Humanising Healthcare partnership work. He has previously delivered learning disability training. He is a runner, a member of three choirs and is currently learning to play the keyboard.

Karen is a lived experience family carer and supports Phil, her brother. Karen has previously contributed to Learning Disability Training, We Are Human Too, and Junior Doctor Training with Phil. She is a member of Stop People Dying Too Young, providing the invaluable perspective of a close family carer.

Lauren is a self-advocate and really enjoys working at Sunderland People First.  She enjoys watching musicals at the theatre and going out for meals with friends and family.

Matthew is a director for Sunderland People First. He delivers Oliver McGowan tier 1 and 2 Mandatory Training and Be Cancer Aware Training. He is also part of our Humanising Healthcare team. Matthew is a massive film buff and watches at least 50 to 100 new films every year.

Matty is a Director for Sunderland People First and has worked with us for over 15 years. He has worked on a number of different projects, such as Hate and Mate Crime training, Medication and My Mental Health with the University of Manchester, the University of Bristol’s ‘Belonging’ project, and Disability Awareness training. He is also involved with the Humanising Healthcare partnership work. He likes football and fishing in his spare time. 

Phil is trained in Oliver McGowan tier 2 mandatory training and delivers Be Cancer Aware training. He has previously delivered Learning Disability Awareness Training and Junior Doctor Training. Phil is a member of Stop People Dying Too Young and the We are Human Too Campaign.

Nathan started volunteering as an Autism Advocate in 2019, which is how he met Sunderland People First. Nathan delivers Oliver McGowan tier 1 and 2 mandatory training. Nathan wants to use his own life experience to help other autistic people navigate their lives on an easier, happier and more fulfilling course than his. In his own time, he enjoys making art and learning about local history.

Toni Ann delivers Oliver McGowan tier 1 and 2 mandatory training, Be Cancer Aware training and is part of the Humanising Health Care project. Toni Ann enjoys playing on her PlayStation, going to the theatre, watching movies and going out for family meals.

Engagement and Campaigns Facilitator

Catheryne is a politics graduate, with a background in diversity and inclusion. She has worked on a residential special needs programme in America, as well as providing specialist support in schools and colleges. She is a trained facilitator for Oliver McGowan tier 2 mandatory training.

Catheryne is an organiser for Girls Who Walk Sunderland, an avid reader and a big women’s football fan. She has 4 cats, but hopes to get another Weimaraner dog some day soon.

Co-production and Advocacy Facilitator

Lucy started at Sunderland People First as a Development Worker in January 2025. She has nearly 25 years’ experience working in educational settings with autistic adults. She is a trained facilitator for Oliver McGowan tier 2 mandatory training.

Outside of work, Lucy loves eating out, going to her book club, planning holidays, watching horror films and spending time with her family.

CEO

Lisa has over 30 years experience in different job roles of working with and supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic adults. She is also a family carer. She has a passion for indoor and wild swimming. 

Operations Facilitator

Amber has worked alongside the advocates with the University of Sunderland students on their Adaptive Activity Module, to ensure inclusion for people with a learning disability and autistic people in sporting activities. Amber is a trained facilitator for Oliver McGowan tier 1 and 2 mandatory training. She also develops Be Cancer/Be Screening Aware training and has previously delivered Learning Disability Awareness training.

Amber has a degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance. In her spare time, she likes to run and go for a drink at the pub.

CEO - Sunderland Carers Centre

Learning Disability and Autism Adviser -NHS England and NHS Improvement