Hello! I'm Mary-Ellen

I have almost 30 years experience in the Independent Advocacy Field providing services to a range of people including Vulnerable Adults and/or their families. I have also acted in a McKenzie Friend capacity in numerous Family, Civil and Criminal matters for many years.

I have initiated, developed and managed several specialist Charitable organisations providing Counselling for Victims of Abuse, Advocacy for people who have Mental Health issues and Somerset Advocacy for people who have Learning Disabilities. I was CEO of Somerset Advocacy from 1996 – 2016 when the organisation closed.

I am also an experienced Presenter, Speaker and Trainer and have conducted Person Centred Quality Audits of Care Provision in both the Public and Private sectors.

I was a member of:

• The Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board
• The Somerset Health Partnership Governing Board
• Shadow Board for Somerset County Council Learning Disability Service

My Approach & Values

My approach is completely person-centred and whilst I am unequivocally on the side of my clients, it is important to challenge services with respect and understanding of the context in which they work. It is critical to take a measured and balanced approach in order to achieve change for my clients. This has proven, over the years, to be successful in influencing positive change both for individuals and the wider range of vulnerable adults.