Meet the Team......
Stephen Whitehouse - Senior Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Senior Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Senior Family Support Worker
I founded Jigsaw Family Support in 2016, drawing on more than 20 years’ experience supporting children and young people with special educational needs and social, emotional and mental health challenges.
My career began in 2000 at a specialist residential school in Cumbria. Since then, I have worked with young people with a wide range of ne
I founded Jigsaw Family Support in 2016, drawing on more than 20 years’ experience supporting children and young people with special educational needs and social, emotional and mental health challenges.
My career began in 2000 at a specialist residential school in Cumbria. Since then, I have worked with young people with a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD, sensory differences and attachment difficulties. I believe that consistent, trusting relationships are the foundation for helping each young person feel understood, build confidence and move forward.
Richard Close -Senior Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Senior Family Support Worker
Stephen Whitehouse - Senior Family Support Worker
I bring over 30 years of leadership and management experience, including more than 20 years supporting children and young people with autism, ADHD and social, emotional and mental health needs. I have worked directly in specialist education settings and was previously the registered manager of an Outstanding-rated children’s home. My expe
I bring over 30 years of leadership and management experience, including more than 20 years supporting children and young people with autism, ADHD and social, emotional and mental health needs. I have worked directly in specialist education settings and was previously the registered manager of an Outstanding-rated children’s home. My experience also includes safeguarding, child protection and health and safety. As a qualified holistic therapist, I have supported people experiencing mental health challenges across the UK.
Laura FitzGerald - Operations Lead and DSL
Stephen Whitehouse - Senior Family Support Worker
Laura FitzGerald - Operations Lead and DSL
I have over 20 years’ experience in special educational needs and children’s services across the public, private and voluntary sectors. My work has ranged from frontline family support and multi-agency working to developing services for children and young people.
As Jigsaw’s Operations Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead, I support our
I have over 20 years’ experience in special educational needs and children’s services across the public, private and voluntary sectors. My work has ranged from frontline family support and multi-agency working to developing services for children and young people.
As Jigsaw’s Operations Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead, I support our team and oversee safeguarding across the service. I work closely with families and professionals to make sure each child or young person is heard, safe and supported to move forward.
Ruth Browny - Team Lead and Deputy DSL
Stephen Whitehouse - Senior Family Support Worker
Laura FitzGerald - Operations Lead and DSL
I have over 15 years’ experience working with young people in educational and community settings. Since leaving mainstream education, I have focused on personalised learning and tailored support for young people with complex needs, while working closely with their families.
I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE in Primary Education and QTS
I have over 15 years’ experience working with young people in educational and community settings. Since leaving mainstream education, I have focused on personalised learning and tailored support for young people with complex needs, while working closely with their families.
I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE in Primary Education and QTS. I also hold a Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice and a TESOL qualification, which has helped me support learners who speak English as an additional language. I’m passionate about finding ways for every young person to feel included and make progress.
Ryan Close - Family Support Worker
Cameron Khan - Family Support Worker
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
After studying in the United States and working in Manchester, I returned to the Lakes to pursue a career supporting children, young people and families.
As a Family Support Worker, I provide personalised, relationship-led outreach. I have experience supporting young people with autism and ADHD, and I often use sport to build trust, encourage engagement and help them grow in confidence. What matters most to me is helping each young person feel understood and supported.
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
Cameron Khan - Family Support Worker
Petra Bateman - Family Support Worker
I began supporting children and families in 2018 while studying social work. Since then, I have worked in family support, child protection and charitable services, helping young people and families facing a wide range of challenges.
At Jigsaw, I focus on building trusting relationships and helping children and young people grow in confidence. I want them to feel listened to, express what matters to them and feel more hopeful about their education and future.
Dee Flyn - Family Support Worker
Cameron Khan - Family Support Worker
Cameron Khan - Family Support Worker
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Cameron Khan - Family Support Worker
Cameron Khan - Family Support Worker
Cameron Khan - Family Support Worker
My career has been shaped by a passion for sport, fitness, teamwork and working with people. I began as a lifeguard and gym instructor, gaining my Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, before moving into construction, where I developed practical skills, resilience and a strong work ethic.
Football has always been a major part of my life. I hold Level 1 and Level 2 Football Coaching qualifications and currently play for Kendal County in the West Lancashire Premier Division.
At Jigsaw Family Support, I use sport, physical activity and shared interests to build positive relationships with children and young people, helping them develop confidence, motivation and positive engagement.
Trudi Dixon - Team Leader
Josie Foster - Senior Outreach Tutor
Trudi Dixon - Team Leader
I hold a degree in Education, Psychology and Counselling and am a qualified tutor. My approach centres on building positive relationships and creating a supportive environment where each child or young person feels valued and understood.
At Jigsaw, I adapt learning around individual needs and interests, helping learners grow in confidence and develop academically and personally. I believe that feeling supported and understood is an important foundation for positive engagement with learning.
Wendy Leck - Team Leader
Josie Foster - Senior Outreach Tutor
Trudi Dixon - Team Leader
After leaving school, I completed a chef apprenticeship and City & Guilds qualifications in Bakery and Confectionery. My career has included restaurants, cafés, contract catering, product development, quality assurance and management.
For nine years, I worked as an instructor supporting young offenders, where I saw how practical life skills and small achievements can positively affect a young person’s future. I later worked in brain injury rehabilitation, helping people relearn everyday skills while completing my Care Certificate and training in neurodiversity.
At Jigsaw, I use cooking and practical activities to build relationships, develop confidence and help young people gain valuable skills for daily living.
Josie Foster - Senior Outreach Tutor
Josie Foster - Senior Outreach Tutor
Josie Foster - Senior Outreach Tutor
I have over 12 years’ experience in education, beginning as a Teaching Assistant before progressing into teaching and supporting children with a wide range of needs.
Diagnosed with dyslexia while studying for my PGCE in Primary Education, and later with ADHD, I have personal insight into some of the challenges neurodivergent children face. I believe every child can learn, grow and succeed with the right environment, understanding and support.
At Jigsaw, I help children and young people reconnect with learning, recognising that progress goes beyond academic achievement. Outside work, I enjoy walking and climbing fells. I bring determination and a belief in small steps to helping young people build confidence and believe in themselves.