With over 40 years of experience in social care, including 25 years within Northwest local authorities, I have dedicated my career to supporting adults with learning disabilities. Since qualifying in 1980, my focus has been on day services and supported living.

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In 2003, I transitioned to the voluntary sector, where I developed and expanded supported living services for a charity in Manchester, eventually extending these services to North London and Hertfordshire.

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I began volunteering with Focus in 2021 and was honoured to join the team as Chief Executive in March 2024. It is a privilege to work with such an enthusiastic team, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together in the coming months and years.

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Contact Robert by email

After working in the Travel & Tourism industry for over 25 years, I decided to take a bold step and change my career direction. With a longstanding passion for volunteering and involvement in the Jewish community, I took a leap of faith and a decade ago, I transitioned to a new career path within the non profit sector.

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I love my role as Campaign Manager at The Focus Foundation and feel privileged to be part of such a dedicated team. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the charity's growth and see our members thrive.

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Contact Charlene by email

My journey into supporting families affected by Autism began with my own son’s diagnosis.

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This profound experience has guided my career choices and fuelled my dedication to helping others in similar situations.

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I have worked with various organisations, always eager to make a difference. Joining the Focus Foundation team as a professional was a natural and exciting next step for me.

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At the Focus Foundation, I am thrilled to combine my passion for advocacy with my administrative expertise.
 

I firmly believe that everyone deserves the best opportunities in life, and I am committed to making that a reality for individuals and families navigating autism & learning disabilities.

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Contact Sarah by email

After gaining my degree in English and Linguistics with the hope of entering the Speech and Language field, I began working for a charity in the community that empowered the independence of adults with Learning and Physical disabilities as a support worker. 

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I quickly realised that I had found the field of work for me. I continued to work at that charity for 7 years, I worked my way up to being a Service Manager for the organisation. 

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In April 2021 I was given an incredible opportunity to work at The Focus Foundation as the Registered Manager. I’ve been working alongside an amazing group of trustees and have the guidance and knowledge of Robert Mutch (Executive Lead) who continues to mentor and inspire the whole team at Focus. It is a great honour to work with such incredible people and continue to make a difference to our members lives.

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Contact Paige by email

After spending 10 years working in tax and accountancy, I spent a year travelling in Australia and South East Asia and decided upon a change in career on my return.

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I have since spent the last 15 years working with vulnerable children and now adults with learning and physical disabilities which is ultimately much more rewarding than the paperwork I used to deal with all the time!  I now have a split role supporting our members both in person and helping the office team to support the charity to grow and develop.  I thoroughly enjoy both sides of my role as I get to see all the positive changes that are being made in our members’ lives.  

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Contact James by email

After taking redundancy from Tesco, I seized the opportunity to explore a new career path, always knowing that my long-term future was not with Tesco. My journey in the care industry began with a role in a domiciliary service, providing care for elderly community members. I quickly discovered my passion for this work and transitioned from domiciliary care to supporting adults with learning difficulties, a role that better suited my skills.

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I joined Focus at the inception of their new service and have since experienced tremendous professional growth. Starting as a senior carer, I received invaluable support from my manager, which enabled me to complete my Level 5 qualification. I am now a Service Manager and I absolutely love my job!!!

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My job brings me immense satisfaction, particularly when I witness our members achieving their goals—something I had not experienced in previous roles. The dynamic nature of this work ensures that no two days are the same, keeping my role both interesting and fulfilling. I am truly passionate about my career in care and wouldn’t change it for the world.

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Contact Danny by email

After gaining an Honours Degree in Building Surveying from the University of Salford, I have embarked on a career in social housing as Housing Manager for Focus Housing NW. 

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I love my role as Housing Manager and gain real enjoyment and pride in helping adults with physical and/or learning disabilities. Since Focus’ inception, I have witnessed the Charity succeed in becoming a force to be reckoned with when helping vulnerable adults in the local community. 

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Our goal in providing high quality housing is being achieved.

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Contact Molly by email

My career in care began in 1997 as a volunteer at The Nicky Alliance Day Centre. Inspired by my own childhood and personal experiences, I knew I wanted to work in this industry.

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For the past 21 years, I have been working as a Support Worker. I love this job because it brings me great joy to know I have enhanced someone's life, whether by helping them live independently or simply bringing a smile to their face. My efforts have also helped members needing less support transition to their own homes and even move abroad.

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I now serve as a Senior Support Worker. This role has boosted my confidence in managing a team and allowed me to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the charity.

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Contact Nigel by email

I began my career in the care industry in 2010, working for a domiciliary care provider, supporting elderly individuals within the community. Over the years, I have gained experience in various settings, including care homes and supported living environments. I discovered my true passion in supporting adults with learning disabilities and have been dedicated to this field ever since.

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At The Focus Foundation, I started as a support worker and, through hard work and dedication, progressed to the role of Senior.

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I am deeply passionate about my job at Focus. The diversity of each day keeps my work engaging and exciting. I find great joy in witnessing our members grow, progress, and achieve their goals, striving to live their lives as independently as possible.

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Contact Laura by email

In September 2021, I became one of the first members of The Focus Foundation. As the organization grew, I felt a desire to find more purpose in my role and began organizing activities for all our members. Initially, I was very nervous, but with time, experience, and support from my colleagues, my skills improved significantly.

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In 2022, I was thrilled to be appointed as Activities Co-ordinator in a paid capacity. I have since organized a variety of activities, from a Coronation Street tour to Sukkot parties. As my confidence grew, I sought additional responsibilities and now create and manage The Focus Foundation Newsletter, which is sent quarterly to approximately 500 subscribers.

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My life at Focus has become more fulfilling, and I am proud of the contributions I make to our community.

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Contact Adam by email