Linda's Story

Theo is Linda's youngest of four. He has a spiky profile, with significant strengths alongside significant challenges. As a toddler, he was excluded from playgroups and parties, and finding appropriate support was extremely difficult. The challenges experienced affected the whole family, particularly two of his siblings. Linda understands first-hand the impact that missed support and opportunities can have on children and families. Having experienced educational deprivation and support herself as a child, she knows how profoundly those experiences can shape lives. Nearly three decades later, while trying to access support for her own son, Linda was determined that Theo and other children should not miss out simply because the support or opportunities they needed were unavailable. After exhausting every avenue for support, Linda stepped away from the business she had built over 22 years and began creating some of the opportunities that families were struggling to find. Early Intervention grew from a simple belief: children should have opportunities to participate, develop and thrive - regardless of the challenges they face.

What began as a small speech and language therapy group grew into a community built and shaped by families, for families - a place where hundreds of children have been able to access inclusive experiences, build friendships and be themselves.

Over the past five years, Linda has volunteered thousands of hours creating affordable and inclusive opportunities for families and coordinating almost 900 events.

Theo has made remarkable progress since his diagnosis in 2019. He has developed confidence, built friendships and can now access many mainstream opportunities that once felt out of reach.

Today, Theo enjoys contributing ideas and helping to shape activities for other children. Although he doesn't always choose to take part himself, he takes pride in knowing that he has helped create experiences that other children can enjoy.

Linda shared:

“When Theo was younger, I spent every waking moment searching for opportunities to support his needs. Time and time again, we were told services didn't exist, activities weren't suitable or support wasn't available.

Watching Theo and his siblings miss out on opportunities was incredibly difficult.

What I never expected was how many other families were experiencing the same challenges.

What began as a search for opportunities for my own child became a community where hundreds of local children and families can feel accepted, understood and able to take part.

Seeing children build friendships, grow in confidence and access opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach has been the greatest reward.

The community that exists today has been built by families supporting families, and I am incredibly proud of what we have all achieved together.”

Theo says:

“It's crazy to think if I didn't exist then Early Intervention wouldn't exist, and then kids wouldn't get to do lots of cool fun stuff!”