North East & Cumbria Learning Disability Network
Our Vision
“The North East and Cumbria will be the best place in England for people with a learning disability to live.”
Our Values
- People with a learning disability and families are at the centre of all our work
- To work in partnership with our stakeholders
- To care about what we do and ensure we do a good job
- Build and maintain positive relationships
- Be transparent
- Share and cascade our work
- Share our good practice and learn from others
- Be pragmatic and solution focused
Our Mission
To tackle health and social care inequalities faced by people with a learning disability in the North East and Cumbria so they have equal and equitable access to health and social care support to enable good quality of life for them and their families.
Meet the team
Judith Thompson
Network Manager
Judith has been part of the Network since it very first began in 2010. She came from Sunderland Local Authority having worked her entire career trying to improve the lives of people with learning disability. Judith manages the Network providing leadership and forward thinking, solution focused, pragmatic initiatives across a huge breadth of projects that make up the Network’s work plan. A particular highlight achievement is working with Kirsty to establish The Opportunity Café Community Interest Company that employs 10 people with learning disability. She feels very humble and honoured to work alongside some brilliant and inspiring leaders including experts with lived experience, family carers and professionals from across a wide range of organisations including the community and voluntary sector. Outside of work Judith is a huge fan of musical theatre and all things Strictly! She enjoys tap dancing and heading to the coast with her family and dog!
Julie Tucker
Macmillan Cancer Project Manager
Julie has been a part of the North East and Cumbria Learning Disability Network since 2015. Julie manages the Macmillan funded cancer project, working on the whole cancer pathway, improving cancer services and experiences for people with a learning disability. This has included; co-producing training and accessible resources, developing pathways improving access to services and flagging systems for screening. Outside of work Julie is a member of the People’s Theatre in Newcastle, supporting their wardrobe department, Julie also enjoys rock climbing, walking, swimming and cycling.
Kirsty Greenwell
Network Facilitator
Kirsty joined the team in November 2013. She supports the team in delivering on all of our work programmes and plans. She provides the co-ordination between the core team and its stakeholders through maintaining and building positive relationships and being the main point of contact. Kirsty is passionate about the vision, values and mission of the network. Outside of work Kirsty enjoys spending time with family and friends, long dog walks and cooking