Welcome to the (late) autumn edition of the Karten Network’s newsletter. We are nearly in December and hurtling towards the end of the calendar year, and if you’re anything like me you could well be questioning how that could possibly have happened. Well, they say time flies when you’re having fun!
I am delighted that we have such super contributions from our Karten Centres in this issue, thank you to everyone who has so kindly made the effort to provide an article. Our winter newsletter will be published in February 2025, hopefully you have been motivated to write something for next time. If you want to discuss any ideas please email me dawn@karten-network.org.uk and we’ll agree a time to have a chat.
Important information about funding for additional equipment
We have currently paused the application process to enable the Karten Network and Ian Karten Charitable Trust to work together on a new model of support for Karten Centres. We will share the detail of the new funding model as soon as we are able to do so. Please note that Karten Centres who have had planning calls with Dawn and are currently working on applications for March 2025 should continue to develop these as discussed.
Welcome to the Karten Network’s newest Trustees
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to three new Trustees who have recently joined the Karten Network Board. We are very fortunate to have secured the expertise and support of Alison, Kayleigh and Miriam, you can read about their backgrounds below. It is appropriate at this point to say a huge thank you to the rest of our board members who do such a fabulous job, generously giving their time and expertise in voluntary board roles.
Alison Keeley
Alison is currently the CEO at The Grange Centre for People with Disabilities in Surrey. Education and Special Educational Needs have been aspects of Alison’s work throughout her working life. She started her career in teaching, ascending to managerial positions in primary education. Early in her teaching career she spent over two years training primary school teachers in Nigeria with Voluntary Services Overseas. She made the move to the charity sector in 2013 and has worked in local and national charities.
Outside of work Alison is a supported lodgings carer and volunteers as a driver for her local community fridge as well as sitting on the Boards of two other charities.
Kayleigh Hunt
Kayleigh has been a dedicated member of National Star since 2009, bringing over fifteen years of experience in Education, Health, and Social Care. She is passionate about Assistive Technologies and Sport, with a strong commitment to improving lives through her work. One of Kayleigh’s most notable achievements was completing her Chartered Teacher Status (ATS), reflecting her dedication to professional development and high standards in teaching.
In her role as Technology Innovation Manager at National Star, Kayleigh is responsible for leading the integration of innovative technology in education. She works closely with IT Services and learning programmes departments to ensure classrooms are equipped with Assistive technologies and tools that create an inclusive learning environment, empowering students with disabilities and personalising their learning experiences.
Previously, Kayleigh led National Star’s participation in the Department for Education’s EdTech Demonstrator Programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing the use of digital technology to support better educational outcomes.
A lifelong learner herself, Kayleigh continues to invest in her own development. She is currently pursuing a BA (Hons) degree as a Chartered Manager through an apprenticeship programme, supported by National Star. This commitment to both her personal growth and the advancement of her field underscores her passion for creating lasting, positive impact.
Kayleigh’s work demonstrates her deep commitment to the integration of technology in education, ensuring that National Star continues to lead in providing exceptional, inclusive educational experiences.
Miriam Hendry
I have 38 years of experience within the Health and Social Care Sector, including over 20 years of management experience. I joined Cantraybridge, as their fundraiser mainly due to my enthusiasm for the organisation, and the success my son achieved, as one of their students with a learning disability.
Cantraybridge supports young adults both within a residential setting, supporting independent living and housing support. We also have a day centre offering skills in horticulture, agriculture, art and crafts, café skills, wood skills, general maintenance and digital skills. Cantraybridge also offers housing support for people in the community. Cantraybridge also hosts a Karten Centre.
In 2019, I became Cantraybridge’s Independent Living Manager and was responsible for the care and support of our residents at Cantray Square. In May 2021, I secured the role of Operations Manager at Cantraybridge. I have introduced a new training programme for all staff, and also a new electronic auditing and data base system. I also manage the HR side of the business, amongst other responsibilities.
I am delighted to be a Karten Network Trustee, I am very conscious of the benefits of the Karten Network for Cantraybridge, and I am excited to play an active part in developing and progressing the Network for the benefit of adults with additional needs across the Network.
In my spare time, I am a keen musician, enjoy playing golf and spending time with my grandchildren. I am also involved in the children’s work in our local Church of Scotland.
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- Featured in the Karten Autumn 2024 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Network Development Co-ordinator's Update