Meet the Trustees

The Friends and Families Trustees are a team of professionals from a range of backgrounds including social work, youth Work, counselling, law, finance and corporate hospitality.

Currently, 50% of our trustees have lived experience of caring for a child with a disability - some of whom are now young adults.

Underpinning our board, we also have a steering group of parents/carers, and an action group of young people living with a disability or impairment. These groups help us with our priority setting and act as champions for the charity in a mix of social action projects and representative roles.

  • Kay O’Shaughnessy

    Chair of Trustees

    Much of my working life has been spent in Social Care, Training and Employment and running my own businesses. I gained a Post Graduate Business Degree at Plymouth University. I am married to Michael and have four children, one of who is profoundly disabled and requires full care. I am the founder member of Friends and Families and have been involved in campaigning, developing and shaping national and local strategy and provision for families with disabled children.

  • Ashleigh Phillips

    Trustee

    I am a Chartered Surveyor with over 23 years’ experience in commercial property. My career has encompassed roles in both private and public sectors in the south west and across southern England. I returned to my hometown of Plymouth in 2004 and after working for local practices, I am now the Manager of the Bruton Knowles Plymouth office.

  • Steve Parker

    Trustee

    My eldest son has cerebral palsy and he, and indeed the whole family, has benefited greatly from participating in the range of activities available through Friends and Families.

  • Dan stevens

    Trustee

    I am an NHS operational manager with over 29 years of experience in a variety of roles within local NHS organizations. I have a younger brother with cerebral palsy, and I was born in Plymouth, where I have lived for most of my life. Being a Trustee of Friends and Families provides me with a great way of applying my skills and experience into a local charity with a vision that aligns perfectly with my personal values.

  • Holly Bowditch

    I am a Partner of a local law firm in Plymouth and as part of my job I work very closely with families of children in the local area and nationally, who have profoundly disabled children. I have lived in Plymouth almost all of my life. I know from the many parents and carers that I have met, how many challenges families face, when raising a disabled child. I am both privileged and honoured to be a Trustee for F&F and to be able to support the amazing work that they do.