F6IT [pronounced FIT] is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation
F6IT is a family-centred organisation in South West Surrey which seeks to model true inclusion - bringing all children and young people together rather than segregating on the basis of ability. We believe in the importance of participation, personal developmentand fulfilment; and meeting new people and having fun alongside family and friends within our local communities. F6IT is also a strong, active advocate of disability, inclusion and language in local government and all parts of the community.
This is inspired by the work done by, Dr. Rosenbaum and Dr. Gorter in a paper published in 2011 titled:
"The 'F-words' in Childhood Disability: I swear this is how we should think!" and is built upon the World Health Organizations (WHO's) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
‘I
nspired by over two decades of CanChild
research and continual discussion amongst members of the CanChild
family, the paper features six F-words that the authors state should be the focus in childhood disability - Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future. The F-words focus on six key areas of child development. Recognizing that no one factor is more important than another, we hope to encourage people in the childhood disability field to adopt this way of thinking and apply these concepts in their work with children with disabilities and their families.." [
https://www.canchild.ca/en/research-in-practice/f-words-in-childhood-disability]
F6IT aims to bring these 6 key areas to life through the projects it offers in the local community.
We are passionate to model true inclusion, by enabling all children with disabilities and additional needs to participate in community activities alongside their family and friends.
THERAPY is a link to therapies such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech, Language Therapy and Psychotherapy that are often helping children with disabilities and additional needs in the background to achieve optimal participation in their communities.
George worked in the financial and capital markets for more than 20 years, serving as CEO, COO, Board Director and Executive Officer of multiple companies operating within the global financial markets. An expert in regulatory compliance, operational risk and corporate governance, George has been responsible for developing and implementing business strategies and operational processes for some of the world’s leading financial institutions and currently undertakes board advisory roles for three early-stage companies. George has held numerous roles in the voluntary sector as a school governor and is currently a local parish councillor. George lives in Surrey with his wife and three children aged 11, 12 and 14 years old. In his spare time, George enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his son's rugby.
Anel is a children’s physiotherapist and has over 25 years’ experience of working with children with a wide variety of disabilities and additional needs.
Through her work as a physiotherapist, she became aware of the lack of availability and accessibility of activities and support for children with disabilities and additional needs and their families in the local community. In 2017-2018 Anel consulted various families that have children with disabilities and additional needs, this inspired her to create a project to address the wider need of this community. Anel is passionate in serving this community and is determined to make a change in the lives of families with children with disabilities and additional needs in our local community. Anel champions true inclusion and wants to ensure that children/young people of ALL abilities can access activities in the community alongside their family and friends. In her spare time, Anel loves spending time with her husband and two girls, exploring the beautiful countryside, paddle boarding and staying active.
Stu enjoyed a career in finance and spent 25 years working for Citibank, eventually become Chief Investment Officer. He has experience of governance, board interaction, financial strategy, risk management and the establishment of new businesses and teams. Since retiring he has been fortunate to volunteer and work with several charities and see the amazing impact on the beneficiaries, the community and the volunteers. Stu lives in Guildford with his family and their dog. He also spends way too much time outdoor swimming.
Julian has had a career in the food industry where he has held senior marketing and general management roles in multi-national companies working across the UK, Europe and Asia. He will bring a wealth of expertise to F6IT, particularly in marketing. Julian is retired and lives with his wife in Farnham. He enjoys spending time with his four children and two grandchildren. His many passions include cricket, rugby and history.
Marylou has had a successful career in HR. She has worked within complex global organisations as well as smaller companies, collaborating with leadership teams to meet business objectives. Her areas of expertise include: recruitment; employment law; performance and employee development; compensation planning; developing HR policies, procedures and employee handbooks. Marylou retired in 2023 and looks forward to using her HR skills and experiences to build F6IT and support the ambitious plans to deliver more support, fitness, clubs and leisure activities to more children and young people with disabilities and additional needs and their families. Marylou lives in Haslemere and enjoys skiing, mountain-biking and spending time with her family and friends.
Neill has spent his career supporting organisations in their governance structures. He was one of the founders of an Edtech company, providing governance and compliance support to companies, which grew to become one of the leading e-learning companies in the UK, before its acquisition. Since this time Neill has focused on a career in academia and is a lecturer and a doctoral researcher in governance at Henley Business School.
For many years, Neill has been involved with sport within the local community. He coaches frame football, for children with cerebral palsy. It is through this involvement that he was invited to join F6IT as a Trustee where he is now working across F6ITs sport activities. Neill has significant fundraising experience having led the project for the development of a 3G football pitch in Haslemere. Upon the closure of the Edge Leisure centre in Haslemere, where F6IT delivers many of its activities, Neill worked with the council and local community groups to re-open the facility for use by F6IT and local sports clubs. Neill lives in Haslemere with his wife, Sharon, and their four children.
Oliver worked in the oil industry for almost 40 years and travelled extensively. Since retiring he has worked for several charities including Citizens Advice, Probation Service, Victim Support and Sported. It was through Sported that he met Anel and the F6IT team and subsequently became a Trustee. Oliver is married with 3 grown up children.
Laura’s background is in project management within the voluntary sector, most notably charity fundraising events and marketing, She has worked with both large charities including NSPCC and The Children’s Society and smaller ones and, while bringing up her three children, has undertaken a wide variety of voluntary roles, from school Governor to PTA chair. Laura’s eldest child, now 19, has Prader-Willi Syndrome with associated learning disabilities and complex additional needs. Laura is acutely aware of the challenges around inclusion and is excited about working with F6IT to create positive change for families like her own. Laura loves open water swimming and running in the countryside with her dog.
Callum’s background is in charity grant management, with over 10 years experience in the charity sector. He has worked with organisations such as The London Community Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund as well as various direct delivery charities in England and overseas. Throughout his career, Callum has been dedicated to supporting grassroots organisations and has gained expertise in both fundraising and project delivery. Outside of work, Callum enjoys hiking, and playing squash, and he recently completed his first 10km race with plans to run a half marathon.
