Who we are
SIGNAL employs one member of staff – our Manager, Candida Burrows – and some other workers on a freelance basis
Candida
Manager
Candida is the part-time Manager for SIGNAL and responsible for keeping us ticking over.
Candida says:
“I joined SIGNAL in 2005, soon after my two young children were identified as autistic. I started volunteering for the group – editing the newsletter, helping out at the summer party, at meetings and on trips etc – and eventually the Committee decided to centralise the various roles. At this point I became the part-time Administrator for the group and later the Manager.
I still get an enormous amount from SIGNAL as a parent – not least the friendship and support of the other members – but I also really enjoy my official role, knowing that SIGNAL makes a real difference to local families with autistic children and young people.”
June
Activities Co-ordinator
June is our Activities Co-ordinator and is responsible for managing our trampolining and swimming classes.
June says:
"I joined SIGNAL in 2022 after my then 10-year-old son was diagnosed as Autistic. He also has ADHD. Since then, I have been waiting on an official assessment myself. However, I self-identify as Autistic and have been diagnosed with ADHD. SIGNAL has been a HUGE help in terms of support and advice. Just being a part of the Facebook group has allowed me to see that we are not alone and there are many other families out there dealing with the same things as us. The opportunities that SIGNAL provides are priceless: the clubs, the trips and get togethers etc. These events bring people together and provide a real sense of community and support that is very much needed for Autistic children and families. Having the opportunity to join the team and be a part of something so meaningful is a pleasure."
Our Committee is made up of volunteer members, all of whom are parents of autistic children…
Yolanda
Trustee
Yolanda joined SIGNAL in 2017. She says:
"Over the years, I found value in the SIGNAL community and benefited from many opportunities that were available to me as a member. As a result of this, I have always recommended SIGNAL as both a charity to support / donate to and as a fantastic community for Lewisham parents of young, autistic people.
Now I have survived advocating for my child through his educational years, I wanted to do more within the community, so was very pleased to join SIGNAL as a trustee.
I am a life-long Lewisham resident and have worked in schools for 9 years. I am also Autistic.”
Helen
Fundraiser
Helen says:
“I became a member of SIGNAL in 2013, not long after my son was diagnosed with autism at the age of eight. I discovered an incredible community, full of engaged and inspiring people.
The networks it creates between people are invaluable; I have forged amazing friendships and the mutual support has been like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.
In 2015 I joined the Committee and became a trustee, contributing to the many events and activities that SIGNAL provides for its members. I stepped down as a trustee in January 2019 in order to take on the role of SIGNAL’s grants and trusts fundraiser.”
Tal
Trustee
Tal says:
“Hi, I’m Tal (Meaning “Dew” in Hebrew)
I have an autistic son and a neurodivergent, queer family all round, including myself :)
I joined SIGNAL for all of us to meet new friends and for us, the parents, to get advice on specific questions we had.
I met some beautiful people and am very happy with this move :)
I’m also an actress and now running a business which is teaching acting to adults.
I joined the SIGNAL Committee to be able to contribute and help with new events and adventures for our members.”
Our logo & website
Our logo was designed by Andy Tuohy, who is autistic. It combines our name with the idea of a signal beaming out to our families, offering a welcome. It uses a dyslexia-friendly font. Andy can be contacted at andy@andytuohy.co.uk
This website is designed by Tania Joyce, a SIGNAL member. Please contact her at www.wildwood.design
Find out more
If you have a question about SIGNAL, please take a look at our FAQs page