Mr. Gavin Cross
Early Support Project Manager; and Chairperson of the Alder Hey Parents and Carers Council
Salford
I live in Liverpool with my wife Cathy, my son Tom and my daughter Libby.
I started my career as a full-time secondary school teacher of Drama and Theatre Studies. I would still love to be teaching today, if it were not for my son's disability and additional needs. However the gifts he brings to our lives far outweighs the necessary changes we had to make.
Tom was born in February 2000. When he was six months old he rapidly developed a progressive neurological condition; in 2004 as SMARD1. (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress.) This is a genetic and progressive, life-limiting condition, that means Tom has been permanently
ventilated since he was 6 months old.
After 15 months living within the grounds of Alder Hey Children's Hospital our family moved back out into what we thought would be the real world again. We did not realise
that having a boy with complex health needs would move us into the parallel world of disability. A world that, I am ashamed to say, I had no experience
or concept of. He requires 24-hour support. We live at home with the assistance of carers, managed by Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Now five, Tom goes to school full time and we are currently in the middle of a PCT led review and re-evaluation of his and our family's service needs.
Hopefully this will help facilitate the ordinary life aspirations we have as a family.
In 2002 I was fortunate enough to gain a place on a Partners in Policymaking course in Liverpool. This is a training opportunity for the parents of children with disabilities and adult self-advocates. The content of the course is designed to empower people with up to date information and leadership skills. The intention is to help people work closely and constructively with the policymakers and service designers, in a person and family centred way.
In 2004, I was elected as the first Chairperson of the Alder Hey Parents and Carers Council. I see this as a genuine and positive opportunity for parents and carers to be in at the root of change, modernisation and the development of the Trust.
Currently I am the Early Support Project Manager, for Salford Primary Care Trust. Early Support is a government sponsored programme that intends to give the parents and carers of children with disabilities under 3, appropriate support and the service that the family needs.
I am delighted to be invited to be part of your conference and I am happy to answer any questions, throughout the day.
Seminars & Talks
- The parent/professional relationship
Friday May 13th 2005 11:00am — 11:30am
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