Training, Consultancy, Coaching & Supervision
Contact Number :01823 740030
We have been working across Somerset and beyond since 2011, committed to advancing education, awareness, and inclusivity for individuals on the autism spectrum, as we strive to create a world where every mind is understood, embraced, and empowered.
Our founder, Campbell Main, set up Autism Community Network CIC on 30th December 2011. Trading as Autism Somerset, the original website began life in response to the NICE Guidelines and the Autism Act. It was Campbell's vision that the Autism Somerset website would provide information and signposting to communities, families and individuals to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals.
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In January 2016 Allison Ward joined the team, after a 5 year apprenticeship with Campbell and a long background in training. Allison is first and foremost a parent and expert with lived experience, providing valuable knowledge and empathy within the team. Due to ill health, Campbell sadly resigned but continued to advise us and hold local authority to account.
In December 2018 Stephen Bradshaw joined us after a long and successful career setting up and running specialist schools and residential care for both children and adults. In 2020, Dianne Zaccheo joined as our third and final director, providing expert insight into family therapy and family dynamics with neurodiversity.
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Meet the Team
Allison Ward
Co-Director & 12 Step Anxiety Program Founder
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Allison is an NLP Master Practitioner and Health and Wellbeing Coach, bringing a wealth of knowledge using a person-centred approach to explore processes to facilitate change and inform bespoke support. Allison is highly experienced both professionally and from lived experience in Autism, ADHD, PDA and Anxiety, using this knowledge to create the 12 Step Anxiety Program, which has now been implemented across Somerset in a huge variety of settings.
Stephen Bradshaw
Co-Director
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Stephen brings his extensive knowledge on school and staff development and strategies for neurodivergent students and young adults to thrive. As a published author Stephen anecdotes from his extensive teaching experience to illustrate potential problem areas and put forward solutions. He provides useful strategies for dealing with issues relating to anxiety, communication, social rules, relationships and classroom behaviour.
Diane Zaccheo
Clinical Director
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Diane has a background in family therapy and behavioural psychology. She has a Masters degree in Social Work, and is an internationally recognised expert in the field of neurological disorders. Diane has been in private practice for 30 years, and has spent many years acting as a consultant for specialist schools, helping them to set up 38 Special Education programs in various settings for children and adults with disabilities.
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Aidan Young
Project manager
Certified Facilitator of Tier 1 and Tier 2 OMMT. Aidan has worked with people with Learning Disability and/or Autism in a SEN school in London.
12-step anxiety practitioner.
Korinna Eaton
Clinical Psychologist
Korinna is a BPS chartered clinical psychologist and provides invaluable clinical guidance to our team. She has a over 15 years of experience, working both in the NHS and independently.
Jai Ward
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Jai Ward has expertise in IT infrastructure, design, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Known for leading cross-functional teams and optimising system performance, Jai ensures seamless integration of new technologies to support organisational goals and community-focused missions.
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Bella Balian
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Bella first joined us on a placement year from the University of Bath, as a Psychology student. She is now a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and licensed 12 Step Anxiety Program Practitioner. Bella also supports us with admin and project management.
Odin Ward
Odin is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and delivers our 12 Step Anxiety Program in the community and online.
Alongside this, Odin offers 1-1 Coaching and creates bespoke training programmes for young people.
Debbie Sutcliffe
Certified facilitator
Debbie is a certified facilitator of Tier 2 OMMT, has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
Sassy Tipping
Certified Facilitator & NLP Practitioner
Sassy is a certified facilitator of Tier 2 OMMT with extensive experience. Additionally, she is a trained NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner
James Reid
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Expert with lived experience
James delivers Tier 1 and Tier 2 OMMT. Diagnosed in 2013 with Asperger’s and high-functioning autism, James is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience supporting education and healthcare for diverse populations.Featured in the Times Educational Magazine, James has served on the Somerset Board for the National Autistic Society, was a regional finalist in the 2017 Great British Care Awards for Creative and Innovative Approaches, was an IT Champion at Somerset County Council and in 2023, was a Top 10 in the Uk for the Shaw Trust Power 100 Digital Technology Award. His hobbies include playing multiple instruments, digital photography, strategic card games, and is currently building a home recording studio.
Michael Contreras (Mikey)
Expert with lived experience
Mikey is an expert with personal experience in learning disabilities and serves as a co-trainer for Tier 2. Additionally, he plays for the Somerset Visually Impaired Cricket Club. Mikey is actively involved with Achieve Day Support in Taunton, where he has acquired various new life skills, including cooking.
Matthew Letherby
Expert with lived experience
Matt brings valuable lived experience with learning disabilities to his role as an expert for Tier 2. He plays for the Wellington Disability Football Team and has a passion for watching Banger Racing.
Ollie Sells
Expert with lived experience
An expert by lived experience with autism, Ollie Co-trains Tier 2 OMMT. Having studied Electronic music production, now is a music producer and mastering engineer.
Belinda Bourne
Expert with lived experience
Belinda, an expert with lived experience of autism, is a certified co-facilitator of the Tier 2 Oliver McGowan training. She is also a qualified teacher with a Master’s in Transformative (Special Needs) Education
Gabrielle basson (Gabi)
Expert with lived experience
A Tier 2 OMMT autistic expert with lived experience in training, Gabi has an assistance dog named Cozmo.
Ben Hallows
Expert with lived experience
Ben applies his lived experience with learning disabilities in his role as an expert for Tier 2. He also plays cricket for the Somerset Disabled Cricket Club and hosts his own radio show on 10Radio.
We have previously hosted university undergraduate students for tailored placements around their needs.
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If you are a Psychology or Business student interested in a placement year, please contact applications@autismsomerset.org