Access Henfield

Cllr. Gill Perry 

I support Access Henfield, having had direct experience of local accessibility challenges in for those in wheelchairs when I cared for my mother who had Alzheimer’s and mobility issues. My working life also gave me valuable insights into this area,  most recently as Headteacher of our local special educational needs and disability school,  Woodlands Meed School and College. I was privileged to help with design specifications for the new building,  making sure we catered for mobility and sensory needs,  as well as hidden disabilities and medical conditions. I am now a local District and Parish Councillor,  which I hope will help with our new Access Henfield initiatives. 

Sean Preston

At 17 I was diagnosed with a muscle wasting disease affecting my mobility. In 2019 I could no longer walk unaided. Despite having a support network of friends and family plus my own resources and having lived with my condition for 30 years, the transition to wheelchair use was both profound and traumatic. 

Ruth Robotham

My background is Nursing in the NHS for 30 years and always trying to help people to be as independent as possible.  I then worked in Health and Safety mainly within healthcare settings which included carrying out Access Assessments of buildings, and learning how simple things can help people.  So hope to be able to put my knowledge to work in Henfield to get more inclusion.

Steve Robotham

My background is in mechanical engineering.  I then worked for the local Ambulance service as Risk, Health, Safety and Security manager, and part of this included patient safety and carrying out risk and access assessments of buildings.  My mother was disabled in her 20's and I saw how difficult access was for her, and would like to help others.

Jo O'Dwyer

Medical practitioner, now retired. Moved to Henfield in 2018. Experience of working with disabled persons through volunteering with Arundel & Brighton Lourdes pilgrimage since 1997 and volunteering with Jumbulance Trust since 2019.  Trustee of Jumbulance Trust since 2020.

Justine Johnston

Retired academic, moved to Henfield only in 2024 but know the village well as my mum lived here. I have a special interest in visual impairment after seeing what my mum went through with macular degeneration.

Eric Williams

I have been involved with many different voluntary groups in Henfield over the years: BP Guild, HART, The Henfield Haven, Clarkes Mead Trust, Henfield Guides HQ Trust, and local food bank deliveries.

My spinal injury in 2022 has left me tetraplegic and a full-time wheelchair user. 

I have had amazing support from our wonderful community and would like to help improve accessibility for different disabilities in Henfield.

Sara Williams

We have lived in Henfield since 1986 and I have taken an active part in the community as a Girlguiding volunteer, Trefoil Guild member, and a Henfield Haven volunteer.

With my husband now being a fulltime wheelchair user I am aware of accessibility issues which affect different disabilities in our community.

Chris Simmonds

Mary and I have lived in the village for over 50 years and I have been involved with the scouts and BP Guild for most of that time. I was a London firefighter until I retired and started a fire safety business which still operates and has grown considerably I am now fully retired. I served as parish councillor in the 80s and am now on my second term serving on the childrens and youth committee and the recreation and open spaces committee. I was the first chairman of Hart and a responder for 15 years until my knee problems prevented from continuing . I use a buggie in the village to get around. I am also a member of the Repair Cafe team.

Milly Rudling

Hello! My name is Milly, I am autistic and have ADHD. I currently work as a software engineer and am passionate about design and accessibility within technology. I spend my free time doing crafts, gaming, and getting involved in anything related to nature that I can.

Adrian Carver

I grew up with a brother who had Down Syndrome, severe learning difficulties and autism which gave me a clear insight into all the services which support or indeed fail to support families in challenging circumstances.

I have had the privilege of spending my working life in special education and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND).  I have worked in every role right through to that of headteacher for over 25 years before retiring (latterly at Downs View School in Brighton).  I have worked tirelessly to ensure that those with the most complex needs in our society are treated with dignity and respect and to enable them to live and thrive locally, leading fulfilling lives.

I now run my own educational consultancy company focusing on SEND support and development, am a volunteer for two charities, a trustee and also a BP Guild member.

I have lived in Henfield since 2021 with my partner Amanda.