My name is Kirsty Timming I have autism and a learning disability. I started working for Inclusion North in 2017, I was recommended by Julia Lyford at the Splinter group in Northumberland.

At that time, the Manager for the hub was Rebecca Cole, and Sandy Marshall was the Care Education and Treatment Review (CETR) Coordinator.

I started off doing CETRs, which is Care Education and Treatment Review, which came about after the Winterbourne View and Whorlton Hall abuse scandals.

I always remember doing my very first Care Education and Treatment review, and was shadowed by Gary Stark, who had a great sense of humour.

I love being a voice for others and being able to help others where I can, but also love the fact that when I suggest to someone, “I can see you doing you this one day” their face lights up because the love that they need to hear it from an expert like themselves, who has been through similar scenarios.

Early in my role with Inclusion North, I started to take part in other work, such as prison work with Rebecca and maternity cover for Take The Lead.

The work I did for prison staff focused on autism awareness.  I will always remember them saying they have learnt something from it. They never thought about why the people were struggling, but once they had training, they could see why it was.

I’ve also delivered the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, and I’m looking forward to delivering more training with Inclusion North, as I’m very passionate about it.

I have also delivered Human Rights Training with Inclusion North, as well as lots of other training.

I am currently a Co-Researcher for Swept Under The Carpet with East Anglia University, ACE Anglia and Inclusion North.

This work came from the Reprofest 2022 in Preston. Sandy, Gary and Denise and I did a bit of role play in Preston to explain the need for this to go ahead and what was missing and where the gaps were around sex, reproduction and relationships for people with a learning disability.

In early 2025, we were funded to do more research about sex, relationships and reproduction. I worked alongside Sandy ( who has now retired) and Denise ( who has now left their role).

In my spare time outside of Inclusion North, I have completed levels 3, 4, and 5 in healthcare, then went on to my master’s, which is levels 6 and 7. This has been fun and great learning, but it has not been without its challenges.

I’m hoping that after completing level 7, I can go on to do my doctorate. Next year, which will take me 4 years.