Mandy is a retired Senior Children’s Social worker in Tendring Essex with 34 years qualified social work experience. Mandy specialised with children who have additional needs. Mandy joined the board as she was so enthusiastic about the work of Lads Need Dads, having referred her own son onto the programme and witnessing such positive changes in him; such as raised self-esteem, confidence, motivation, emotional resilience and improved attitude towards school. Having a parent of a service user the board feel will prove invaluable when shaping its services to meet the needs of its young men.

Mandy also works for Lads Need Dads part-time as a Family Support worker, supporting mums and carers, remotely, providing moral support, advice, guidance and signposting to other services. Mandy’s professional experience and personal involvement as a service user, makes her perfectly suited to this role.