Carolann Jackson

Following the diagnosis of my daughter Nita in 1997, I soon found that support for people with AS and their families was non-existent. This promted me to set up SAFE in 1997, to raise awareness of the condition and to bring together families who also needed support. My previous background was in the Music Business, but I later trained as a teacher and now work with students with special needs.

As Chair of SAFE, My role is to raise the profile of Asperger Syndrome in the wider community and highlight our childrens' unmet needs. This vital work has brought me into contact with statutory and other agencies at a senior level, including Government, to initiate and develop appropriate specialist Asperger services.

I also run monthly meetings for ASAP (Asperger Syndrome Adults and Parents), write their newsletter, organise social activities and specialist courses with the help of our hardworking ASAP committee.

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 Kendal

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.

Russell Noble

I am the father of two boys, both of which have been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

I have been a member of the SAFE Executive since 2009 and I am the Chairperson of the SAFE Fund-Raising Committee, as such I always welcome any ideas or suggestions to help raise much needed funds to help fund the day to day running of SAFE.

I have been working as the manager of Motex, a motor factor based in Romford since 1990. I am a big football fan and can often be seen on the terraces of Upton Park cheering on and more often than not, cursing, my beloved West Ham United.

Clive Potter

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.

Andy Champ

I have a son who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was 7 and am one of the founder members of SAFE, along with Carolann, which formed in 1997

I have been the Secretary and Treasurer of SAFE since that time and moved SAFE to registered Charity status in December 2002.

I ensure SAFE has a sound financial management strategy to enable it to continue to deliver support and training to its members.

I am a qualified Project and Programme Manager currently working in the Highways Department of Essex County Council. I have been married to Jackie since 1986 and have two children a son born 1990 and a daughter born 1992.

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.

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

I currently work as a freelance management and training consultant

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.