Helen Mendis

Helen has been a member of the Participant Panel since 2016, with a break for maternity leave. She joined the project in 2015 after her then 2 year old daughter was assumed to have a genetic condition to explain the varied differences in development she was experiencing. Helen joined the panel to help represent parents who were experiencing similar challenges, and bring lived experience as well as professional skills. Helen brings experience to the panel from working for her Local Authority, having been involved in Project Management and Policy Development in SEND services. In addition to being on the Participant Panel, Helen is also a Participant Panel representative on the Research Network Committee