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Why We Do, What We Do.
Our main aim is to support people who have learning disabilities, enabling them to live in their own homes.
​Our role is to support , not only the person with the learning disability, but also their family and friends who will all take on an altered set of responsibilities.
We work with each person, and with those who know them best, in order to identify where they wish to live, who with and what sort of support they require from staff.
We aim to build services around individuals which are flexible, responsive, and capable of of altering over time as peoples lives change. As a person and family led organisation, we respect the steps towards independence taken by each person who wishes to move into their own home, we also respect and support their continuing relationship with their family.
How it all started
​WILL started as a company in 1999, after a group of parents whose children all had learning disabilities began meeting, with support and encouragement from Irene Kennedy, the former headteacher of Foxfield Special School.
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This group shared a common concern: what did the future hold for their sons and daughters, once they left school and became adults? What were the chances of getting the support they needed to live “ordinary lives”, in ways that would enable them to live as independently as possible within their local community? And how could we make sure that they were treated and valued as individuals, rather than having to be part of traditional residential and day services which catered for groups of people with disabilities?
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Our thinking was shaped by the ideas and experiences of other groups and organisations in the North West who were seeking better services for people with disabilities. We found that these groups saw the need for true Person Centred Planning when trying to understand what is most important for each individual, in order to develop the right kind of support. They also helped us to see that people with disabilities can be tenants in ordinary housing and do not have to live in residential or “special” accommodation to meet their needs.
In the year 2000, WILL was successful in its bid for initial Lottery funding, so that we could appoint a Development Worker and set up a small office. Then in May 2001, WILL started supporting its first person – an “outreach” service for a few hours a week, funded by Independent Living Fund monies. Five years later, two people were supported by WILL to move into their own home. Since then, more adults with learning disabilities have been able to fund their own support by Direct Payments or Personal Budgets, so that WILL now provides services to people, either in supported tenancies or outreach support from their family homes.
MEET THE TEAM AND OUR TRUSTEES
Dave Large
CEO
Hi, I’m Dave, the Chief Executive of WILL. I have been with the company since 2004. My role is both challenging and rewarding, and I now work on a part-time basis. My journey in supporting people with learning disabilities began over thirty years ago.
Over the years, it has been a pleasure to witness the positive changes in people’s lives. Some individuals have transitioned from group homes into their own accommodation, while others have taken the significant step of moving from living with parents or family members to living independently in supported housing.
I have supported Liverpool Football Club all my life and fondly remember the days spent on the Kop during Kenny Dalglish’s era. I am a father to three daughters, and in my spare time, nothing brings me more joy than chasing after my grandchildren and keeping active.
Daune Phulbas
Registered Manager
Since joining W.I.L.L. in 2012, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles, each of which has deepened my understanding and commitment to the Health and Social Care sector.
Today, as the Registered Manager of W.I.L.L., I approach my role with pride and passion. My focus is not only on meeting the needs of our organisation but, more importantly, on ensuring that we provide the highest quality of care and support to those we are here to serve.
We are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can flourish, and I am honoured to be part of a team that shares this vision.
Pam Atherton
Manager
I have had the privilege of working for WILL in various roles within the organisation. As a parent of a son with autism, I deeply understand the challenges that families face. I am committed to ensuring that the individuals we support receive the same rights and freedoms as everyone else. This role brings me great pleasure and satisfaction, and I take pride in always doing my best to advocate for those in our care.
Ulku Keeley
Quality Assurance Manager
My journey with W.I.L.L began in 2012, when I took up the position of Support Worker. This initial role laid the foundation for my professional growth within the organisation and allowed me to gain invaluable hands-on experience supporting others. As I demonstrated my commitment and developed my abilities, I advanced to the role of Team Leader. In this capacity, I was able to take on greater responsibility, ensuring the delivery of high-quality support services.
Currently, I serve as the Quality Assurance Manager, where I continue to build on my previous experiences reinforcing my dedication to the organisation’s mission and values. Placing people at the heart of everything it does, championing best interest, integrity, and teamwork at every level.
Kemal Houghton
Chair
I Joined the Board of Trustees in 2009 after taking early retirement from Wirral Social Services. I have spent most of my time working with people with learning disabilities in one way or another. During a period of over 30 years I have been a care assistant, a day centre officer and a residential manager. In 2001 I became a Supported Living Officer and helped to set up numerous Supported Living Schemes including many of W.I.L.L.’s early developments. Doing this work gave me knowledge of housing issues, funding and benefits.
Apart from chairing the Trustees’ Meetings, I can be found at W.I.L.L.’s social events with my ancient disco equipment, exercising my skills as a bingo caller!
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John Engwall
Vice Chair
I am the Vice Chair of WILL and have been involved as a parent and a Trustee since 2001.
From 2005 to 2014, I was Chair of WILL. I was first drawn to WILL because of the vision and enthusiasm of those parents who founded the charity and their commitment to the principles of Person Centred Planning and their belief in Supported Living. I have previously been a social worker, staff training officer and a Health Commissioner for adults with learning disabilities in Liverpool, until my retirement in 2015. I enjoy music, gardening, walking, spending time with our young grand-daughter…and even shopping!
Cathy Hood
Trustee
As a qualified Chartered Accountant, I have always been passionate about giving back to the community, which is why I was delighted to volunteer as a Trustee with WILL in 2008 when they were seeking a Treasurer. I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with WILL, where my responsibilities encompass all aspects of finance, including monitoring financial performance, preparing year-end accounts and budgets, and supporting Committee decisions with relevant financial information whenever required.
My commitment to volunteering spans 18 years, a journey that has been both rewarding and meaningful.
Jade Armour
Trustee
Hi, I’m Jade, I am honoured to have been appointed as a trustee for W.I.L.L., a role that I hold with deep passion. As a mum to a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN), I have spent the past decade developing a strong understanding of the SEN Code of Practice. My background in Law and Criminal Justice allows me to merge legal expertise with advocacy work, ensuring that SEN families receive the support, clarity, and representation they require.
I am well-connected within my local community and lead a digital support group for SEN families. This group provides guidance, peer support, and a safe space for families who are navigating similar experiences. I am eager to apply my experience, commitment, and energy to my role as trustee.
My mission is straightforward: to ensure that every individual with additional needs is supported in ways that empower them to lead fulfilling, happy lives within our community. My values are closely aligned with those of W.I.L.L., and I am enthusiastic about working alongside the rest of the team.
My motto is: “Different, not less.”
Heather Solomon
Trustee
I started my career as a sales assistant in retail sector, I was then a PA for some 20 years, ending up developing properties.
Now, I do voluntary work at Claire House Children’s Hospice, and St John’s Adult Hospice. My daughter has been supported by WILL for over 10 years.
My hobbies are dancing, travelling and just spending time with friends and family.
Kerry Ashcroft
Trustee
I am a recently – appointed trustee for WILL. My background is in publishing, but in recent years I have taught in primary school and I still tutor mats up to GCSE.
My niece has learning disabilities so I know first hand the importance of services that WILL offers, enabling her to live a full and semi-independent life. I am looking forward to offering my skill to help WILL sustain its standards and continue to improve wherever possible. My motto for life: Always say yes! Life it too short
Clare Newton
Trustee
My relationship with WILL goes back many years as they supported my sister in independent supported living. I witnessed at first hand the care and professionalism of the organisation and was very pleased to be asked to join the board. It is very important to me that people with a learning disability are given the opportunity to live their best life and this, I believe is what WILL does.
Being a trustee does involve commitment, but it is both worthwhile and fulfilling.