Clive Potter

Acting Chair

I have been a member of SAFE since 1999 and on the Executive since 2004. My wife Fern and I live in Leigh on Sea with our son.

Our son born in 1989 was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at nine years of age and is now at university.

I run my own company and try to bring practical support and direction to the Executive.

Phil Thurlow

Treasurer

I have been a member of SAFE since 2006.

In 2010 I had the Honour of being elected as Treasurer. Since 2007 I have been the Treasurer for the Chelmsford and Mid Essex branch of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).                                     

I have been employed at Bradwell Power Station in various jobs since 1980. My current position is Head of Work Control and Delivery, were I am responsible for the Site infrastructure. One of my duties is to manage the £5 million budget for the operations and maintenance of the site.

I have a daughter born in 1990 and a son born in 1993, who was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome when he was 12.

Paula McNaughton-Muir

My background is in mental health / challenging behaviour and I worked as a senior nurse practitioner for many years in Essex, More recently with my two boys difficulties taking more time, I retrained as a teacher and now work tirelessly for SAFE members along with my colleague Nikki Kendall to ensure their needs are met both representing families at Education and Social care tribunals, attending meetings with parents, advocacy and family support and liaison.

I also host the weekly drop in sessions at my home from 8 - 10pm on Wednesday evenings during term time, the SAFE North Youth Group which meet bi-weekly at weekends and the SAFE North monthly meetings with Nikki Kendall which meet on the first Tuesday of each month.

Nikki Kendall

I am a parent of three children and have been a SAFE Executive officer since 2007. Prior to this I was on the SAFE North Committee. My eldest daughter, Mariah, has Asperger Syndrome and co-morbid's. Mariah was unsupported throughout her primary school years and when she transferred to secondary school had a breakdown due to bullying and lack of support. It was at this time that I sourced SAFE. With the help from Paula McNaughton-Muir, I tackled the education system and secured a Statement of Educational Needs.

The experiential learning that I have gleaned through this experience has placed me in a position of enabling other families as both an Educational Advisor alongside Paula McNaughton-Muir and a co-facilitator of the SAFE North Youth Group along with her husband Dave, Paula and Bob McNaughton-Muir.

I also facilitate the SAFE North Monthly meeting as well as the weekly drop in sessions with Paula and I administrate the CRB disclosures and the SAFE Essex email helpline.

Chris Sorrell

I have a son with Asperger Syndrome and sit on the SAFE South Committee. I am heavily involved in SAFE Stuff on a Saturday morning.

I work in London as an Advertising Manager, selling space and sponsorship online, offline in magazines and on TV. Before this I was a financial adviser for 12 years.

I also manage to drag my aching limbs round the football pitch once a week and also still play cricket. I have been an Executive member of SAFE since 2007.

Robert (Bob) McNaughton-Muir

Paula and I are parents of two boys both diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and have been a trustee for SAFE since 2008

My background is in hospitality, teaching and HM Forces for 13 years.

I currently work as a freelance management and training consultant at Whipps Cross University Hospital.

I co-facilitate the SAFE North Youth Group alongside Paula, Nikki and Dave Kendall, maintain the website and co-facilitate the ASIF courses financed by Essex County Council.

I am very involved with the social skills activities and am very hands on.

As step father to Alex and David, I have a unique insight into the boys, and in my own relationship with the boys.

Emma Coulson

I have been a member of SAFE since 2008 and was honoured to be elected to the EXEC this year.

We are regular members of SAFE Stuff and it is a fantastic club to help children make friends.

I am a full time mum of two, Jonathan who has Aspergers and Lucy (who also enjoys SAFE Stuff).

Prior to having the children I worked in Commodity Trade Finance for a bank in the City and I am currently Treasurer of the school PTA and have helped organise 10 nearly new sales for the National Childbirth Trust organising about 120 people.

I am passionate about SAFE Stuff and want to be more involved in SAFE to help other parents realise that there is help out there with people that understand the difficulties of having a child with Aspergers.

I feel SAFE is not only for the children but a lifeline to parents. A problem shared is definitely halved if not solved.