Our organisation is called “Lifted” because our aim is to “elevate parent carers who have a child/adult with special needs”. We strive to make a positive difference and improve the health and well-being of those carers using the service.
Offering 1-1 support, guidance & advocacy and assistance with completing forms.
Hosting special calendar events, lunches, days out and walking sessions.
Meet the team
Emma – Centre Manager
Emma is the Centre Manager and Parent Support Worker/ Champion.
She is a Psychology graduate who brings a wealth of experience to Lifted. She has a strong determination and commitment to develop successful projects that serve the local community.
Her background includes youth work, careers advice (with a specialism in special educational needs and disabilities) and project development and management.
A mum to twin boys herself, she is passionate about supporting others and refuses to be defeated.
She will always take the time to listen to others and isn’t afraid to challenge decisions in order to secure the correct outcomes for families.
Sue – Project Worker
I started accessing Lifted’s services in 2014 as a parent-carer for my young adult son, who has Down’s Syndrome, and my two teenage girls. I then became a trustee about a year later and started as a project worker for Lifted in April 2016. Prior to that, I was a project worker for Barnardos for 10 years.
My role in the centre is to provide support to parents and carers on a daily basis and to organise events for Lifted.
Aside from my work at the centre, I also take part in the Manchester Local Offer Parent Champion programme, which involves supporting parents and carers to get information from the Local Offer. I am also involved with various parent participation forums run by the Manchester City Council as well as various online forums.
Kate – Admin, HR and ICT Support Officer
Email: kate@liftedmcr.org.uk
Phone: 07538 589345
Hi, I’m Kate I focus on admin and the social media aspects for Lifted.
Born and bred in Manchester. Grew up in Chorlton and Benchill as a child and moved to north Manchester in my early 20’s.
My roots will always be south Manchester, which is why I have such a connection with Lifted. As Lifted is there for those that need support in south Manchester.
I was a child carer from the age of 10 to my mid 20’s for one of my parents. I still help support my family with looking after my youngest brother who has Noonan Syndrome.
Shekila – Benefit Advisor
Email: shekila@liftedmcr.org.uk
Phone: 07494251281
Fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, and English
My name is Shekila, and I’m a passionate Benefits Adviser with over 10 years of leadership experience in retail management. As a parent and carer of a child with complex needs, I have lived experience of navigating the benefits system and understand the emotional and practical pressures carers face every day.
I specialise in supporting individuals and families with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, offering clear guidance and practical solutions. Beyond benefits advice, I am dedicated to uplifting and empowering carers, ensuring they feel confident, valued, and supported in their journey.
As an ambassador for carers and a champion for lifting others, I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those I work with. I’m fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, and English, I am able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and ensure their voices are heard.
Whether you’re seeking advice or simply someone who understands your experience, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Our Trustees
Robbie – Chair Trustee
Email robbie@liftedmcr.org.uk
Robbie is the latest trustee to join Lifted and holds a strong place in the hearts of everyone who attends Lifted.
“It was a pleasure and a surprise to be asked to join the committee and I felt very honoured being asked”
Robbie has a wide and in-depth knowledge of what it is that carers face daily, having been a support worker, working with young adults with social and learning needs. Robbie loved this role deeply and sadly had to give up this work due to a lifelong illness 5 years ago.
Lifted and Robbie started working together 18 months ago when Lifted joined the dandelion building. Robbie was volunteering and leading the food bank, when our paths crossed with having the same clients attending both our services. Over the 18 months Robbie has been one of the strongest advocates for Lifted and would introduce his clients to our services during his daily chats with those who attended the food bank.
Robbie himself has used the services of Lifted
“I became ill with a lifelong condition 5 years ago. Lifted let me know about additional benefits and helped me to apply, Lifted also guided me through the appeal process which was successful. “
Robbie loves the outdoors, especially walks with his dog Marley in the countryside.
During the last committee meeting, Robbie was voted to be Chairperson for Lifted
Kurt (Mr. C) Treasure Trustee / Walking group lead
Email: info@liftedmcr.org.uk
Hiya I’m Kurt.
I’m a father to a son with Noonan’s Syndrome. We’re from the Wythenshawe area and lived in Manchester all our lives.
I try to keep a calm and open mind, and try and give back to the community by helping out whenever I possibly can.
People say I can talk a lot. But with that, im a good listener too.
I enjoy other people’s company… and especially at the Lifted centre, as everyone is treated as equals. We all have something to deal with.
Kurt became a trustee in 2021 and is currently our charity’s Treasure
Christine -Events Trustee / Volunteer
Email: info@liftedmcr.org.uk
Christine joined Lifted in 2011 as a parent-carer of a young adult who has a learning disability and mental health illness.
As a volunteer in the centre, she supports parent-carers who come to the drop-ins, helps with events as well as with housekeeping and decorating the centre. Christine also gets involved in all fundraising activities for Lifted.
Christine is very good at making carers laugh and she makes everyone that comes into the centre to feel welcome.
Christine became a trustee in 2014
Anita – Events Trustee / Volunteer
Email: info@liftedmcr.org.uk
Hi. Having been a parent of two children with disabilities I have more understanding of the role of being both a parent & carer. This has given me more insight into the needs of other parents with similar situations.
I’ve been coming into the Carers Centre for several years now. I started coming
into Lifted to socialise with other people who are going through the same struggles as me. It’s nice to know you’re not alone.
Lifted provides a cosy warm and friendly environment for us to be able to help each other. I have a big sense of humour and enjoy getting people to laugh with each other. I also provide a listening ear for parent-carers to share their worries. By being part of Lifted, I’ve built up strong friendships with some really amazing people who, like me, sometimes need to feel they are not alone.
In my role as a trustee, I help to organise different events in the centre and also carers’ lunches and days out. I also attend network meetings with the staff.
John S- HR Trustee / Volunteer
Email: info@liftedmcr.org.uk
John has over thirty year of experience teaching and leading in Manchester secondary schools.
John is working with several local and regional authorities, multi-academy trusts on digital strategy and excellence supporting quality teaching. He is a founding member of XR Growth Trails providing virtual, augmented and extended reality solutions to schools in the UK.
John wants to support Lifted as his nephew suffers from autism and had a bad experience when he was effectively locked up in a private hospital. Thankfully he now has his own place near his Mum’s and he can live independently.
John enjoys walking in The Forest of Bowland with his husband and dog Izzy frequenting the excellent gastro pubs of The Ribble Valley.
Sam – Secretary Trustee / Volunteer / WOW Project Leader
Email uplift@liftedmcr.org.uk
Sam is a mother of four, two of her children have disabilities, which keeps Sam busy. Sam is a full time carer and also a valued member of Lifted’s volunteering team. Sam and her family live in Wythenshawe and are very committed to making a difference in the area.
‘ I started coming to Lifted for advice and to meet other people with the same struggles. ‘The people I have met over the years have become friends and Lifted up like my second family. Every time I come into the centre it’s friendly and I’m made to feel welcome.’
Sam has been a part of the walking group since lock down and has now completed training in becoming a walking lead allowing the group to develop a third walking party on Wednesday.
Sam is also a part of the Lifted Women of Wythenshawe group, ensuring that carers have a voice in the area and making sure that a positive change is made in the area and that their voices are heard.
Our Volunteers
Emma Moo – WOW Project Leader
Email: uplift@liftedmcr.org.uk
Emma Moo is our latest volunteer to join Lifted. Emma is our WOW volunteer leader and is also developing her role to look at the mental wellbeing of carers and staff
Flo – Walking Lead
email info@liftedmcr.org.uk
Flo attends the weekly walking group as well as being a walking lead, Flo attends the Monday drop in and all social events including drop in sessions