Hayley Harrison Email and Phone Number

In 2019, I gave birth to a beautiful boy named George. It soon became obvious to us that he wasn’t like other babies. As he grew, these differences only became more pronounced and soon his health visitor was referring him to a paediatrician. At two and a half years of age, George was given a diagnosis of Autism. I was given this diagnosis over the phone followed by a leaflet in the post and then that was it, I heard nothing more. This was where the panic set in for me. I had heard of Autism but had no real knowledge of what it was or what this meant for my child.So began my journey into the world of SEND. It’s a long journey of frustration, exhaustion and dragging yourself through by the absolute skin of your teeth. But, I have learned so many valuable lessons and gained so much knowledge too. I have learned how to advocate for my child without costing myself my sanity. I have learned that it’s okay to have a bad day and to start over again the next day. I have learned it’s okay to question practitioners if you’re unsure what they’re suggesting is right for your child. But most of all, I have learned that this particular journey has led me on the biggest journey of self discovery I have ever been on. Through this self discovery I know that this is where my passion lies. I want to help people who have been in the same position I was, struggling and not sure where to go or what to do after being given their child’s diagnosis. I want to ensure they are listened to and most of all, supported. So I joined Choice Wellbeing Service so that I had the opportunity to achieve this. I now co-manage the service and am also a counsellor, training at Sunderland University, providing mental health support to parent carers through our holistic support service. From SEND signposting, financial advice, wholesome family support, counselling or a friendly listening ear, the service is tailored to each individual who comes through our doors to ensure they get exactly what they need.