Access SUpport Work & Access Consultancy

I have worked 1-1 with chronically ill & disabled artists since 2017, & as a Access Support Worker in the arts since 2020. After a long term role at Zoo Co, an award winning theatre company who hold access at the core of their practice, I now work freelance with individual artists & as a company support worker on theatre projects. I also specialise in working with industry leaders including Directors, Production Managers, Sound Designers, Artistic Directors, and Board Members. I manage a team of support workers for two artistic leaders, from recruitment to scheduling.

Support work is deeply important to me on a gut level, & I love seeing disabled artists thrive when their access needs are finally met. I lead with empathy, understanding from lived experience, & subscribe to the social model of disability.

I've completed Mental Health First Aider (Level 2 WAES) and Level 2 Counselling and Psychotherapy (Learning Curve). I’ve been through Zoo Co’s Neurodiversity Awarenesses Training, Deaf Awareness Training, VI/Blind Awareness & Guide Training.

I’m happy to provide references on request (to protect individuals' privacy). I also regularly work with Zoo Co theatre.

I’m friendly person with relevant lived experience & a good sense of humour. I have experience working as a 1-1 support worker with neurodivergent artists (specifically ADHD & autism), chronically ill artists, artists living with cancer, & those living with depression & anxiety. I have experience working alongside blind/V.I artists as a Company Support Worker including informal audio describing in R&D.

I see support work as being a pal who prioritises your access needs, autonomy & wellbeing. Every individual is completely different & I always strive to find the best way to support that specific person, from practical admin management, to rehearsal rooms/tech, to audio describing in the room, to emotional support & decompression time.

If you or your theatre company would like advice about how to make your project more accessible to disabled creatives & audiences please get in touch. If I think an Access Consultant with specific lived experience will be a better fit for your project, I am happy to recommend a suitable Access Consultant.