A BIT ABOUT US...

 Annie has worked in welfare rights for over 30 years, and has seen many changes to the benefit system over the years. Annie also has 100% success at tribunals, and provides training on a number of benefits. Annie along with Mel, works closely with the DWP, Job Centre's and Stakeholders to highlight the difficulties claimants face with th

 Annie has worked in welfare rights for over 30 years, and has seen many changes to the benefit system over the years. Annie also has 100% success at tribunals, and provides training on a number of benefits. Annie along with Mel, works closely with the DWP, Job Centre's and Stakeholders to highlight the difficulties claimants face with the benefit system. Annie's passion is campaigning for change in legislation and is currently working on the use of the Mental State Examination (MSE) in PIP, UC and new style ESA assessments.

Annie is also neurodivergent, and has children who are autistic. Annie's hobbies are crocheting, reading and wildlife.

 Mel has worked in welfare rights for nearly 5 years, originally as a volunteer, training under Annie. Mel is highly experienced in tribunal work and has an excellent reputation for detailed benefit form completion. Mel has a 100% success at tribunals and her submissions often result in a positive outcome before the claimant has reached t

 Mel has worked in welfare rights for nearly 5 years, originally as a volunteer, training under Annie. Mel is highly experienced in tribunal work and has an excellent reputation for detailed benefit form completion. Mel has a 100% success at tribunals and her submissions often result in a positive outcome before the claimant has reached the appeal process.

Mel is neurodivergent, and also has children and step-children who are autistic. Mel understands the difficulties families face on a daily basis, she is caring, compassionate and approachable. Mel always goes over and above to support individuals, families and carers.

In her limited spare time Mel is an excellent baker and cake decorator.

Amy has been a volunteer advocate in the past. Currently working towards a degree in health and social care. She has a diploma in Special Educational Needs (SEN). Amy has 3 children, 2 of whom have disabilities and medical issues. Amy has experienced first-hand the struggle to fight for your child in a broken system and is dedicated to su

Amy has been a volunteer advocate in the past. Currently working towards a degree in health and social care. She has a diploma in Special Educational Needs (SEN). Amy has 3 children, 2 of whom have disabilities and medical issues. Amy has experienced first-hand the struggle to fight for your child in a broken system and is dedicated to supporting children and families to find the help and support they desperately need.

 Angela has worked with Special Educational Needs (SEN) children from year 3- 11 in mainstream schools. Angela is an author of poetry. She also has two SEN children; her daughter has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder. Angela's son has a combined diagnosis of ASD, and Global Delayed Development plus co-morbid c

 Angela has worked with Special Educational Needs (SEN) children from year 3- 11 in mainstream schools. Angela is an author of poetry. She also has two SEN children; her daughter has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder. Angela's son has a combined diagnosis of ASD, and Global Delayed Development plus co-morbid conditions associated with his ASD.  Angela loves helping children and families with SEN supporting them to get the best outcome 

 Millie has lived experience of mental health issues and ASD. She had a late diagnosis of autism in 2018 and she feels it explains the reasons why she is the way she is. If there are any problems that need to be solved, Millie is an excellent internet researcher and can find solutions quickly. Millie has an interest in social media, art, 

 Millie has lived experience of mental health issues and ASD. She had a late diagnosis of autism in 2018 and she feels it explains the reasons why she is the way she is. If there are any problems that need to be solved, Millie is an excellent internet researcher and can find solutions quickly. Millie has an interest in social media, art, trains and buses and learning how other cultures live. Millie also collects Japanese figurines of anime/cartoon characters. She is a great proofreader and has a good eye for detail.

 Meet Ty our new Associate Adviser, who I’ve known for a few years.

Ty is the manager of his own Community Interest Company  providing short breaks and beach hut days for people with additional support needs. He has won a Pride of Essex Award for his work.

Ty is autistic and has a learning disability. He has lived experience of fostering an

 Meet Ty our new Associate Adviser, who I’ve known for a few years.

Ty is the manager of his own Community Interest Company  providing short breaks and beach hut days for people with additional support needs. He has won a Pride of Essex Award for his work.

Ty is autistic and has a learning disability. He has lived experience of fostering and adoption, the SEND education, health and social care systems.

Ty wants to use his experiences to help inform and advise others.

He enjoys PC gaming, and is passionate about history, aircraft and cars.

Please say hello to Ty! 

It is truly humbling how people want to join and help DAWN. We have some incredible inspirational supporters, associates and a Patron. We announce with great pleasure three new associates, known as DAWN’s Angels. Please say hello to Kratu, Vega and Polo, and of course their owner Tess Eagle Swan. Tess has written a wonderful book “Incre

It is truly humbling how people want to join and help DAWN. We have some incredible inspirational supporters, associates and a Patron. We announce with great pleasure three new associates, known as DAWN’s Angels. Please say hello to Kratu, Vega and Polo, and of course their owner Tess Eagle Swan. Tess has written a wonderful book “Incredible Kratu” available on Amazon Incredible Kratu: The happy-go-lucky rescue dog who changed his owner's life.  Amazon.co.uk : incredible kratu book