Karen Longstaff
Karen gave up her career with HMRC, to become a full time carer for her three children and has never looked back or found anything in her life that has been more rewarding or satisfying. She feels privileged to have been able to watch and be involved in all aspects of her children’s development, negotiating positive and difficult aspects of their lives, through many difficult times, and through many services, professionals, processes, and organisations involved in their care. As a family unit they have experienced pretty much every negative and positive challenge that a ‘SEND’ family could face.
Karen is currently involved in the ‘Pull Up A Chair’ project with Sarah Martin-Denham, and now provides honest support among other parents and families that require assistance, or just someone to listen without judgement. The aim is to get people and professionals to communicate together and raise awareness of the hardships families and children face daily due to the education system failing, while providing support to rebuild the much needed links to help children thrive.