Jennifer Steps Down After 10 Years of Dedication

Thank You, Jennifer – A Decade of Dedication

This spring, we said a fond farewell to Jennifer Anthony, who stepped down as a trustee of Includes Us Too after ten years of extraordinary service.

Over the last decade, Jennifer has not only been a trustee but has stepped up to serve as Chair and Treasurer at various times. She has volunteered at events, supported staff, and helped steer the charity through two incredibly challenging periods. Her resilience and commitment have held Includes Us Too together when it was needed most.

Jennifer has balanced all this alongside being a dedicated carer and advocate for her own family. Her insight, compassion, and calm leadership have been instrumental in shaping the charity’s direction and values. She has always been willing to roll up her sleeves, whether behind the scenes or front and centre at events.

Here are a few photos of Jennifer during her time with us – from last year’s family crazy golf event with Nicola, to her with Father Christmas at one of our festive sessions. There’s also a moment captured outside John Lewis, where Includes Us Too was selected for their charity token scheme, and a photo of Jennifer holding a collection bucket – standing beside me before I had even joined the charity. – from last year’s family crazy golf event with Nicola, to her with Father Christmas at one of our festive sessions. There’s also a moment captured outside John Lewis, where Includes Us Too was selected for their charity token scheme, and a photo of Jennifer holding a collection bucket – standing beside me before I had even joined the charity.

Jennifer now steps back to pursue a new chapter, fulfilling her dream of building a home in the countryside. While she may no longer be at the table for trustee meetings, her influence and legacy will continue to be felt throughout the charity.

We’re pleased to be handing the reins to Bridget King, who joined the board as Chair in spring 2024. Bridget is a full-time Youth and Community Worker supporting military families across Kent. She first discovered Includes Us Too through her work delivering SEND family support groups. Bridget brings both professional knowledge and personal experience, as a grandmother to two neurodivergent children, and is committed to developing the charity and our team to provide the best possible support for families.

Alongside Bridget, our current board includes Millie Moore, a passionate fundraiser with lived experience of disability; Pat Perrot, who brings youth work knowledge and insight as a parent and grandparent to disabled children; and Shane Bishop, who brings his own lived experience of disability to the table.

Together, they will continue the work Jennifer helped to build – making sure Includes Us Too remains a vital, inclusive space for families across Kent.

Thank you, Jennifer, for everything.