Hello from our new Directors

Matthew, Jess and Preddi recently joined our Board as Directors and Experts by Experience.

The people who use services like ours are at the heart of our organisation so we are delighted to welcome our new Directors to the Board – find out more about them below.

For more information about our Board, including how we make our Board meetings accessible for people with lived experience of learning disabilities, autism and mental ill health, visit Meet the Board.

Matthew - Co-Chair of the Board of Directors and Expert by Experience

"I’m Matthew and being a Director with Your Voice Counts is important to me because I believe in the things we stand for. Becoming the new Co-Chair at this time feels right for me and is an exciting opportunity.

I am a friendly and down to earth person. I like helping other people with learning disabilities and in the future I would like to do a qualification and be a support worker.

I like football and support Newcastle United; I also enjoy basketball and fishing.

I have raised money for charity by doing the Great North Run and a sponsored walk."

Jess - Director and Expert by Experience

"I wanted to join the Board because people like me ‘know what it is like’. It is important for us to have a say.

I would describe myself as ‘a bit of a hippy’, I enjoy writing and performing poetry, singing in a choir and photography.

I’m a free spirit and music is really important to me. I also enjoy attending concerts, I recently saw Sam Ryder at the City Hall, he was amazing.

Equality is really important to me and I am involved in supporting training and equality."

Preddi - Director and Expert by Experience

I’m Preddi and I’m proud to be a new Director with Your Voice Counts. I want to use my experience to support us to do the best we can for people we work with. I’m an Expert by Experience covering autism and mental ill health.

I enjoy listening to music and singing. I enjoy sports including playing football and pool. I also speak French.