Local community champion Andrea Lloyd has joined First Steps Together to support as Chair of Governors and oversee the board.
Autistic and living with ADHD, Andrea is a parent of a neurodivergent child with an EHCP. She has extensive experience navigating the specialist education system, including multi‑agency reviews, appeals, and securing appropriate provision.
She is the founder of Denton Autism ADHD Family Support (DAAFS), a community organisation that supports neurodivergent families through a whole‑family approach, ensuring parents and carers receive guidance and connection alongside their children.
Andrea also serves as Chair of Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum, where she gathers and presents the experiences of parents and carers to the Local Authority, the NHS Integrated Care Board and the Department for Education. This work ensures that family perspectives inform service planning and policy development.
Andrea says: “When First Steps Together approached me about taking on this role, it was clear that they genuinely want to be the best they can be for young people and families. That matters to me.”
“I want to support that vision by being a strong, confident Chair, someone who is not afraid to challenge when needed, but who is always focused on finding solutions and building positive, lasting change.”
Chief Executive Officer Matthew Higham said of Andrea’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrea as our new Chair of Governors.”
He continued: “Andrea brings valuable lived experience and extensive expertise in specialist education, and her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our collaboration with school teams to ensure every student receives exceptional support, care and opportunity.”