About Us
Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN) is an organisation working throughout the county. We believe in an inclusive society where everyone shares the same opportunities. Our members are parent carers of children and young people with additional needs aged 0-25 years, associated professionals, and affiliated groups. We support and train parent carer representatives to work alongside the professionals who provide health, education, adult and social services to our children and young adults.
Why Join us?
By signing up to our member list you will receive our monthly newsletter, access to a range of training and regular opportunities to have a say. You also become a voting member for our AGM. Join us for FREE here and together we can use our collective voice to influence decisions and shape services, improve outcomes, and make a difference for all our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Hampshire.
For any links and information: www.hpcn.org.uk/links
Or contact us by email at participation@hpcn.org.uk.
Meet some of our HPCN Team!
Tara Dugdale
Future in Mind Coordinator
Tara brings a wealth of experience, both professionally and through her personal journey as a parent of children with SEND. With many years in the ambulance service and experience working in adult services for HCC, Tara has developed invaluable interpersonal skills. Holding a Level 3 qualification in teaching and Education, she has taught first aid courses and has coached children in various sports activities. Tara has a natural talent for planning, delivering, and building strong relationships with young people and their carers. Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time outdoors with her three children and beloved pets, often embarking on long walks and camping adventures. We are eager to see the plans she has for the project and confident that her collaborative approach will create a supportive and engaging environment for everyone involved.
Ali Powell
Bridging the Gap Coordinator
Ali brings a unique perspective from her personal experience as a parent navigating her child’s mental health crisis under CAMHS care, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges families face.
With 15 years of frontline experience with the Ambulance service, Ali has progressed through the NHS and has worked on various projects alongside the District Nursing Team. In her most recent role as a Practitioner in Tobacco Dependency, she has supported the community and specialised in tobacco dependency during pregnancy, striving to raise awareness and provide crucial support. Her personal and professional journeys have ignited her passion for ensuring families receive the right assistance during critical transitions, and she is eager to make a meaningful difference through this project.
Outside of work, Ali and her family enjoy getting away in their campervan with their three dogs, believing that open communication is key to navigating life’s ups and downs. They are also avid paddle boarders, but their favorite time to connect is during long dog walks, rain or shine!
Sarah Sutton
Get Together Representative
What do I do at HPCN: I am the Get Together Representative for Hart & Rushmoor, and I also regularly pop up facilitating other HPCN sessions.
What is important to me: Family and friends, sharing food with loved ones and hugs!
What do people appreciate about me: “Friendly and approachable.” “Her dry sense of humour!” “Her focus and drive.” “Her honesty and compassion.”
I love being a HPCN Parent Representative because: By coming together and sharing, we support each other and can make a difference
Adele Dodd
Parent Representative and Steering group member
What do I do at HPCN: I attend participation meetings with services and I am part of the steering group helping to make decisions to help guide the forum. What is important to me: It is important to me that decisions which impact on families of children with SEND are made in collaboration with these families. I believe in the saying: ‘Nothing about us without us’. What do people appreciate about me: “Her clarity and understanding of the SEN process.” “Her calm and reassuring nature.” “Her knowledge is amazing!” I love being a HPCN Parent Representative because: It makes me feel empowered to share my views and help to shape services.
Dee Baldino
Get Together Representative and Steering group member
What do I do at HPCN: I run the Winchester & Eastleigh and Alresford Get Together sessions and attend workstream meetings with services. My role as a steering group member is to help with the decisions which help steer the Forum. What is important to me: It is important to me that parent carers have a voice. What do people appreciate about me: “Her passion for making sure all children are supported.” “Her strength and determination.” “Her joyful and positive nature.” I love being a HPCN Parent Representative because: I can make an impact in meetings to make a difference to the services that support parents/carers and their families.
Rosie Bowditch-White
Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) Coordinator
Rosie brings a wealth of experience working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and draws from her personal journey as a parent. She is a qualified advanced Early Years Practitioner and SENCO, with additional training in SEN law. In her free time, Rosie enjoys long walks on the beach with a coffee in hand and cherishes time spent with her family. We look forward to the expertise and passion she will bring to the PINS project!