About us

New Beginnings Foundation CIO is a charity with registration number: 1198338

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 the way in which social work services were provided in Flanders (North Belgium) and England, found that in Flanders community projects which focused on supporting parents to understand how their past experiences were affecting their children, were far more effective than parenting programmes.

 Dr Leigh's research showed that once parents were provided with the time and space to meet other parents in similar situations, and together reflect on the current issues they faced, they were able to see their situations differently and effect positive change for their family. 

An intrinsic part of New Beginnings is to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma by deepening the parents' understanding of who they are and why they parent in the way that they do. This method is rooted in the recognition that if children are to feel safe at home, then parents need to be provided with the space to learn how their past has affected their lives through the telling and sharing of their personal histories.

Our Team

Dr Jadwiga Leigh

Founder and 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.

Lisa Wyche

Project Lead

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

Group 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.

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

Sarah Smith

Drug and Alcohol Support 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.

Debi Warner

Volunteer

A treasured supporter and volunteer, Debi 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.

Dr Ann Potter

Chair of the Board 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

Trustee

Secretary

Cordie Gwilym

Trustee

Chair of Governance Committee

Rachel Burton

Trustee

Trustee

Aisha Momodu

Trustee

Secretary of Governance Committee