Kelly - Small Voices Forum Co-Driver return to About Us
Intoduction
Hello, my name is Kelly Darbyshire. I’m a mother of two and I’m celebrating my 5th wedding anniversary this month and I am a Christian We moved to Australia June 2008 and we’re absolutely loving it.
Motivation
Why have I got together with Tanya to set up the Small Voices Forum? I’m a mum seeking quality childcare for my eldest daughter; which in time will be my two daughters. I have a genuine passion for high standards and I seek no less for the care and education of my children.
Working Life
Previously I started off my working life in Adult Psychiatric Wards in the UK. This paid for education and as is the case for many of us the salary became more important than the qualifications.
I moved onto case working in the community with people that had severe and enduring mental health problems, Schizophrenia predominantly – and I have to say I absolutely loved my job but, circumstance led me to establishing a pre-employment service within Lancashire County Council (UK) again for people with severe and enduring mental health problems. This position really gave me my first experience of networking and pushing forward unpopular causes.
From there I established a Day Service again for people with severe and enduring mental health problems. This I married in with an Open University course I commenced in Psychology. I researched with validity and reliability the needs of the community and ran (along with the service users) a very successful service across rural and suburban areas. I linked with HealthCare professionals, colleges, voluntary organisations, art galleries, churches, and community halls, basically anyone that could accommodate our needs. Once again I thoroughly loved this job and was extremely sad to leave it but, a real challenge called and I took it.
My last position was for Supporting People, a Government driven service situated within local government. I reviewed the standards of quality within services that operated with Government funding. This included teen parents, domestic violence, learning disability, older people and mental health accommodation services. I was responsible for reporting on their quality, their relevance to the County and their future funding requirements. Prior to leaving I became extensively involved in the contracting and commissioning of new and existing services. I had responsibility for a £1.2 million contract and writing up its service specifications. I wrote a young peoples review that gave recommendations on a £6 million spend. Importantly I worked closely with senior professionals, service users and their carers.
Signature
I love seeing change for the better and I’m passionate about giving a voice to those that are too vulnerable or unable to speak up for themselves. I look forward to working and sharing Small Voices with you!