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The absolute best part about my job is knowing that I get to make a real difference in people’s lives and what makes our work truly special is that the impact goes both ways.

Not only do we help uplift and empower those we support, but we also have the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life who leave a positive mark on us! I am inspired by the work we do and I get to go home at the end of the day and feel like I have made a difference.

I feel privileged that we are able to give back to the community by encouraging an inclusive and uplifting environment!

Being part of the Community Connect team means supporting individuals and their families by helping to empower and support them in ways that truly matter!

Most importantly it is about fostering an environment where everyone is seen, valued and respected.

Our team feels it is key to focus on all the things people can do instead of the challenges they may face and I love that about us!

It is important to our team to celebrate different abilities, strengths and every journey we get to be a part of inspires us more!

I’m genuinely passionate about celebrating diversity and helping people see the value in who they are. Every person brings something unique to the table, and all qualities should be celebrated!

I am proud to be part of a charity that creates meaningful change and to be a part of that journey!

Jessica's Top 3 things

Favourite movie – Moulin Rouge

Favourite music artist – Harry Styles

Favourite meal – A spicy curry!

Clare Auty
Community Liaison

The best thing about the work I do is seeing the relief on people’s faces when they realise they are talking to someone who understands what they are going through.

Providing a safe space for parents to express their feelings, share experiences and validate their journey is so important for their wellbeing.

To feel heard rather than just listened to can make all the difference to a family.

Well, I think it’s exactly as it says! Connecting the community together in the best possible way we can to meet the needs of the families we support.

Hopefully, this then leads to those families spreading the word about us and expanding our service to others in need who may not have heard of us.

Spreading the support, the advice, and the space families may need to not feel so alone and overwhelmed with their everyday life.

I love all aspects of my job, but I am particularly passionate about supporting families with children in education.

It is such a crucial time in a child’s life to feel safe and supported during their time there.

Just by making some small adjustments in the settings can make all the difference to the children and young people’s lives. All children and young people should feel valued and respected no matter their age or ability.

Clare's Top 3 things

Favourite movie – Beauty & The Beast

Favourite music artist – Take That

Favourite meal – My own roast dinner!

Shirley Funnell
Community Liaison

The most fulfilling part of my role is supporting individuals and families as they navigate their unique SEND journeys.

I’m passionate about creating personalised support packages that give people the tools, strategies, and confidence to take control and move forward with independence.

Being part of the Community Connect Team means being rooted in our local area – reaching out to anyone who needs support, no matter their background, and helping them discover the groups, resources, and opportunities available.

We’re truly committed to our community and love getting involved in projects both big and small.

My areas of special interest include early years development, DLA (Disability Living Allowance) applications, and early communication skills.

I also bring knowledge and insight from my previous work within the local authority, especially around the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) process.

I thrive on a challenge and am dedicated to breaking down barriers so families and individuals can access the best possible support.

Shirley's Top 3 things

Favourite movie – I can’t choose! Either Annie or Singin’ in the Rain

Favourite music artist – Coldplay or Ed Sheeran

Favourite meal – A classic beef roast dinner!

Louise Manning-Arnold
Administrator

Joining the Community Connect Team has been both a delight and a privilege.

A delight to be able to play a small part in supporting such an amazing local charity as Autism Anglia and a privilege to work alongside and support such a passionate, knowledgeable and caring team.

Although my role is an administrative one, it still allows me to fulfil a wish that I have had for a very long time – to be able to be actively involved in hopefully helping autistic individuals, their families and friends in any aspect of their daily lives.

My personal journey with Autism began some 18 years ago when my son was diagnosed and, during that time, we have as a family navigated our way through the highs and lows of this pathway together.

Whilst we did so however, I do remember the isolation, apprehension and sometimes fear that we faced and how speaking with other families in the same situation helped so much.

I am no expert however I sincerely hope that I can bring an element of empathy and kindness to my role here at Autism Anglia.

Louise's Top 3 things

Favourite movie – Either The Sound of Music (such a good love story!) or Truly, Madly, Deeply – all because of Alan Rickman 🙂

Favourite music artist – I tend to have favourite songs rather than any favourite bands however the Alexa Playlist which is the soundtrack to my life includes tracks from Queen, Pink Floyd, Genesis, The Longest Johns, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and even a little Engelbert Humperdinck!

Favourite meal –

Meet Our Teams

Norwich & Mid-Norfolk

Hannah Illidge
Community Liaison

One of the best things about my role is the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s everyday lives. We allow young people and their families to feel heard, included and empowered.

Whether listening to their lived experiences, providing support or celebrating their strengths, I value the meaningful relationships that we build. The best part of my job is being able to help create a more inclusive community that promotes people to live fulfilled lives where they can thrive.

Community Connect to me is about facilitating inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals, families and professionals to connect with one another within their local community.

Our approach is to walk alongside the people we support to understand their needs, strengths and goals. We support by empowering individuals and families to make informed choices about their lives that are best suited for them.

My passion stems from my belief that everyone deserves to feel understood, supported and included. I am passionate about raising awareness and promoting understanding and acceptance of the neurodiverse community by listening, advocating, and offering support for all.

This passion further drove my academic journey of obtaining a Master’s degree in Autism, enabling me to have a theoretical foundation in autism research, inclusive practice, and evidence-based support strategies. This role allows me to make a positive difference within the community, and I am thrilled to work for a charity that creates inclusive spaces where everyone is valued and respected.

Hannah's Top 3 things

Favourite movie – Greatest Showman (any musical singalong really!)

Favourite music artist – Sam Fender

Favourite meal – Lasagna

Gabrielle Hampton
Community Liaison

It is a privilege to be able to support people living with neurodivergence. I am particularly grateful to be in a position to offer a safe space and a listening ear to families and young people who may be otherwise struggling to get their voices heard. To recognise and validate their experience and support them in navigating their own particular set of challenges.

Community Connect does exactly what it says on the tin! We connect families and individuals with services that can provide the recognition, support and community that they so need.

Our team also has a wealth of experience of our own, both learned and lived, that enable us to offer a wide range of tools and strategies that provide practical solutions to everyday problems.