About Us
The Southend Sunflower Trust,
formerly know as the Sunflower Support Group, was first formed in 1996
by the Health Visiting service, supported by the Southend Community Care
Trust.
The support group based at Thorpedene Clinic, Maplin Way was developed
in response to local need in the area for children and families with
special needs.
The main aim of the group then was simply to provide support and
information with a sign posting service on to other agencies like social
care and education.
The group began with about 12 families and grew from strength to
strength, after only a short time the clinic was unable to cope with the
large numbers. Sir Teddy Taylor was approached to become a patron and
kindly agreed in addition to Miss Hermione Norris highly acclaimed
actress from Thorpe Bay.
Little Acorns was its next home where the parents became independent
another of the groups aims. Under the leadership of key parents the
group was re launched as Moments moving to the Shoebury area where it
remains well attended and very active.
It was decided as the Sunflower Support Group no longer had the same
function group; it would pursue a fund raising role.
Re launched under the new name of The Southend Sunflower Trust, we were
affiliated with the National charity
SCOPE
and became a registered charity.
Along the way we have raised thousands of pounds to help local children
and forged strong partnerships with local businesses and other local
charitable organisations.
The committee is small but highly successful and motivated to continue
to support local children with special needs.
Meet the Team ....
Imelda Callowhill | Chair
MSc,
RGN, RHV
Imelda Callowhill is a Registered General Nurse and Health Visitor by
profession.
She is the founder of the original Sunflower Support Group set up in
1996 during her role as a Health Visitor under the management of
Southend Community Care Trust.
Imelda is passionate about the development of services for children in
bringing together education, social and health issues.
She is now employed as the Locality Co-ordinator (Southend Trust) for
children services.
A resident of Southend for over 18 years she has 3 children and feels
very lucky on many levels "I like to have the opportunity to give
something back and my role is a very small contribution to big
picture...It has been a real privilege and a very humbling experience my
involvement with the trust.
Imelda firmly believes that our children are tomorrow world and that we
have to do every thing we can to maximise the quality of life for
children with special needs.
Martin Buckley | Secretary
BTh
Martin was introduced to the Southend Sunflower Trust in 2006 having had
a life time experience with a brother who is severely disabled.
Martin has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to food having achieved Masterchef status and heading the kitchens of the Ritz no less
Chris
Prior
|
Treasurer
Cliff
Young
|
Trustee
Sue
French
|
Trustee
Jan
Hooks
|
Trustee
Sue
Free
|
Trustee
Our Patrons ...
Hermione Norris| Actor
Hermione Norris, acclaimed actor, has been committed to the Southend
Sunflower Trust since 1996. Her mother, Mrs Helen Norris is a local
health visitor/practitioner.
Hermione has raised substantial funds through her work in television and
film contacts.
Through Helen's involvement with the local community she encouraged her
daughter to become one of our patrons.
Sir
Teddy Taylor |
retired member of parliament
Sir Teddy Taylor was first elected in 1964 representing Glasgow Cutrican
and became a Scottish office minister in Edward Health's Goverment.
We are delighted that Sir Teddy Taylor has been a patron of the trust
since 1997.