The Sibling Group was founded by our CEO, Grace, who was born and raised in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Grace grew up with her older sister and younger brother, Oscar, who was diagnosed with severe learning disabilities and autism at the age of two.
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Like many families, Grace’s family faced uncertainty following Oscar’s diagnosis and were unsure what the future would look like. Growing up, Grace and her sister experienced many of the emotional challenges that can come with having a sibling with additional needs. They often felt isolated and misunderstood by the world around them.
Although they were grateful to have each other for support, they wished they had known other young people in similar situations. They often avoided sharing their worries and emotions with their parents, not wanting to add further pressure to family life. Through their experiences, Grace and her sister recognised that siblings of children with special educational needs are often overlooked because they are not viewed as the child with the primary needs. As a result, siblings can carry significant emotional worries and responsibilities, which may impact their own wellbeing and mental health.
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Grace went on to achieve a First-Class degree in Special Education, followed by a Distinction in her PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status. She later worked as a SEN teacher in London and is now a trained sensory inclusion facilitator.
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During her studies, Grace focused her dissertation on the impact that having a sibling with special educational needs can have on children and young people. Through this research, she interviewed her sister and revisited their shared experiences growing up alongside Oscar and the emotional effects this had on them both. Grace has since gone on to publish research relating to siblings of individuals with additional needs, reinforcing the importance of support for sibling wellbeing.
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These experiences inspired Grace to create The Sibling Group Charity, providing support, connection, and understanding for siblings of children with additional needs.
Following the success of the sibling groups, Grace continued to recognise the lack of provision and opportunities available for young people and adults with complex needs in Harrogate. This led to the creation of our day centre, Oscar’s Pathway, named in honour of her brother.
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Joshua
Chair of trustees
Joshua is our chair of trustees. He is a qualified special needs teacher with previous experience chairing charities as well as being a chair of governors of a primary school. In addition Josh holds an undergraduate degree in special education and is currently perusing a master’s in autism and inclusion. Josh has a seat on the National Autistic society independent safeguarding board. Josh has experience of family members with complex Special Educational Needs. Josh is also studying for his Doctorate!
Luke
Trustee and Group leader
Luke is one of our trustees. He is a qualified primary school teacher and has worked in special schools and mainstream schools for an extensive period of time. Luke has experience as a play worker with special needs children and young people. Luke has a degree in special education. Luke helps to plan and lead our sibling groups and trips in the London borough of Havering.
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Lauren
Trustee and Support Worker
Lauren is one of our trustees. She began working in early years in 2015, she gained her foundation degree in early childhood studies and is currently studying for her top-up degree to get her full BA (Hons) in early childhood. She has lots of experience in early years and primary, most recently being a teaching assistant and managed a wrap around care/holiday club scheme for a school in North Leeds before moving onto teaching education, social work and childhood psychology for access to higher education courses. Lauren helps to run and plan our sibling groups and trips in Harrogate.
Grace
CEO and Founder
Grace is the CEO and founder of The Sibling Group. Grace has a younger brother Oscar who has a diagnosis of autism, a severe learning disability, epilepsy and he is non-verbal. Grace decided to set up the charity as growing up there was no support for siblings. Grace is a qualified special needs teacher with extensive experience working with young autistic people with complex needs who are non-verbal. Grace has an undergrad degree in special education and is undertaking a masters degree in autism and inclusion.
Hannah
Office Manager and Support Worker
Hannah is our Office Manager and Support worker. Hannah is the eldest sister of Grace and Oscar, so has a lot of experience growing up with a sibling with a severe learning disability, autism and epilepsy. She is passionate about supporting siblings of children with additional needs and providing provisions for adults with additional needs to help create a world which is more accepting of them. Hannah works closely with the CEO and trustees to ensure we deliver a top tier service to all we support. She also manages the day to day running of the charity.