About us
About Us
🦋New Beginnings is a concept which has been inspired by the research carried out by Dr Jadwiga Leigh, the Founder of the organisation.
Comparative research carried out by Dr Leigh (2013; 2014; 2017) into how social work services were provided in Flanders (North Belgium) and England, found that in Flanders, community projects focusing on helping parents understand how their past experiences affected their children were far more effective than traditional parenting programmes.
Dr Leigh's research showed that once parents were given space to meet others in similar situations and reflect together on the challenges they faced, they were able to view their situations differently and initiate positive change for their family.
At the heart of New Beginnings is the aim to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma by deepening parents’ understanding of who they are and why they parent in the way that they do. True safety for children begins with giving parents the space to explore how their past has shaped their lives.
Our Team
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Dr Jadwiga Leigh Founder & CEO
As Founder and CEO of New Beginnings, Jadwiga oversees the foundation's work, guiding its growth and ensuring every area of the organisation thrives.
Disclaimer
New Beginnings Foundation CIO is an independent charity. We are not politically aligned and do not endorse any political party. While we occasionally contribute to discussions hosted by partner organisations such as the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), our involvement is limited to sharing our expertise and lived experience to improve outcomes for children and families.
Lisa Wyche Project Lead (Stockport)
As Project Lead, Lisa manages the day-to-day delivery of our 24-week Equal Offer programme, supporting parents across Stockport. She is also a group facilitator and keyworker
Clare Western Post-Programme Lead
As Post-Programme Lead, Clare guides a dedicated team supporting parents who continue their journey with New Beginnings after completing the 24-week programme. She is also a group facilitator.
Danni Thomas Project Coordinator
As Project Coordinator, Danni manages all referrals into New Beginnings, organising our waiting lists and ensuring cohorts run smoothly, start to finish. She is also a group facilitator and keyworker.
Eleanor King Programme Facilitator
Eleanor facilitates weekly group sessions for parents. She also provides one-to-one keywork as part of our Equal Offer 24-week trauma-informed programme, supporting parents through every stage of their journey.
Jodie Maxwell Keyworker
Jodie recently joined New Beginnings as a keyworker and group facilitator. She works alongside parents to help them navigate their trauma and the professional processes within the system.
Leanne Ellwood Keyworker
Leanne works with New Beginnings in a flexible role, using her expertise to support both parents and children and young people through keywork. She also helps to facilitate group sessions.
Louis Colclough Children and Young Person Worker
As a Children and Young Person Keyworker, Louis provides 1-to-1 support to children of parents who have completed the New Beginnings Programme. He also facilitates our weekly Men's Group sessions.
Hayley Gaskell Post-Programme Support Worker
As a Post Programme Support Worker, Hayley focuses on support for parents after they've completed our 24-week programme. Providing tailored guidance, flexible keywork, and engaging workshops at our centre.
Sarah Smith Drug and Alcohol Worker
Sarah helps parents with a history of addiction or those currently in recovery, focusing on the goal of achieving or maintaining abstinence. She is also a certified SMART Recovery facilitator.
Cheri Wilson Post-Programme Support Worker
Cheri uses a combination of lived experience and learned techniques to work with our parents in Post-Programme. She runs workshops and tailors support specifically around home conditions and hoarding behaviours
Debi Warner Volunteer
A treasured supporter and volunteer, Debi (a fully trained nursery manager) gives her time to provide childcare during our morning sessions and has gone above and beyond by donating gifts, Christmas hampers, and raffle prizes to support our families.
[Name] Project Lead
[Name] Project Coordinator
[Name] Project Facilitator
[Name] Project Facilitator
Dr Ann Potter Chair of Trustees
Ann leads the Board of Trustees in ensuring 'good governance', guiding the strategic development and growth of New Beginnings, and supporting the CEO and team to operate legally, ethically and effectively for parents and children.
Matt Hollingsworth Treasurer
As Treasurer, Matt is responsible for advising on New Beginnings' budgeting and strategic planning, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing financial oversight to the board of trustees.
Mick Bailey Secretary
Cordie Gwilym Chair of Governance Committee
Rachel Burton Trustee
Aisha Momodu Secretary of Governance Committee
Disclaimer
New Beginnings Foundation CIO is an independent charity. We are not politically aligned and do not endorse any political party. While we occasionally contribute to discussions hosted by partner organisations such as the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), our involvement is limited to sharing our expertise and lived experience to improve outcomes for children and families.