My name is Eddie Leach and I have a son; Jon, who is a semi-professional artist and part-time care worker with SEN children. I also have a daughter; Jessica, 19 years, who has severe learning difficulties - although frankly at home we hardly notice them and Jessica, thinks we’re the ones who need looking after! My family’s ambition for Jessica is that she should live as independent a life as possible, which is something she agrees with totally. Ultimately my wife and I would like her to live in a supported environment in the community.
I have worked in the City, as H.M Customs and Excise officer and then retrained as a teacher. Since retiring I have become committed to voluntary work in areas connected to special educational needs and the care in the community of children with LD. I have been a governor of Special Schools for nearly 10 years and a Trustee of Southampton Mencap for 3 years. I am member of several groups and committees, which support families with children and young people who have varying degrees of LD. It was these interests that led me to sitting on the Partnership Board in the role of family carer.
I can be contacted via Hilary Linssen