We’re welcoming two new(ish) starters to the Grapevine team – Herbie Cullip and Emma O’Brien!
They join us on our long-running project strengthening learning disabled and autistic people and enabling them to build the lives they want. Also known as Help and Connect.
Help and Connect is a small, friendly team supporting Coventry people to connect, be safe, be well, get work and achieve their dreams.
Herbie and Emma’s focus is working alongside a team of volunteer ‘experts by experience’ who train their peers as well as professionals on health matters – helping develop their understanding and shift their thinking and practice.
- Here is an example of how the Health Team, as they are called, train social work students at Coventry University, helping equip them with the tools and knowledge to deliver a first class service to disabled people in their future career.
- The Health Team also ran this important campaign to increase uptake of annual health checks for learning disabled people so health issues can be identified and treated effectively much earlier on. This is a free entitlement for learning disabled people aged 14 and over at their GP practice.
Without further ado, meet Herbie and Emma as they embark on some exciting work for Grapevine!
Herbie joined us towards the end of 2023 as a project worker supporting the Health Team on their mission for change.
Herbie says: “I’ve always found joy in supporting others in many ways. I love helping people.
“With my role, I’m able to create pathways to help people use their own voices to support others.
“I can’t wait to see how far people are going to be able to go just with that extra support.”
Listen to Herbie discuss the sentimental value of beach pebbles, scouting life, volunteering as a Buddy on our Teenvine Plus programme and Two Truths and a Lie.
Emma joins us with a strong creative background and a keen interest in people’s stories.
Both of which will be useful in her new role helping people live longer, healthier lives.
Grapevine’s power comes from the skilled and passionate team who live and breathe our mission everyday. They bring brilliance to our work.
What is our mission? We want people to join us in making our people and communities fairer, stronger and more connected!
More information
Find out more about our work #StrengtheningPeople across Coventry and Warwickshire here.
Help and Connect is funded by Coventry City Council for autistic and learning disabled people in the city to make a plan, get connections, get work, stay healthy and stay safe.
The Health Team is always looking for new members to bring diversity and knowledge to their group. Contact them here.