About Corrine Lloyd
For those of you who I have not yet met, I thought I would share a little about me, what made me become a Makaton Tutor and why I am so passionate about what I do!
I am originally from Essex, however, after studying Psychology at The University of Kent at Canterbury I embarked on a new venture that brought me to the beautiful city of Liverpool.
Before commencing my Masters Degree in Social Work, I needed experience in the care sector and trained to be a live-in personal assistant for adults with spinal injuries. This experience allowed me to travel the country and build relationships with many brave and inspirational adults and their families. After working across the country in various homes I was fortunate to be asked to work permanently at Liverpool John Moore's University for someone I am now blessed to call a dear friend.
After 2 years here and just before leaving Liverpool to commence my Masters I met my now husband and made my move to Liverpool permanent.
Driven by my passion for Psychology, I moved into helping to rehabilitate adults with brain injuries. It was in this post I reflected on my communication and how I could communicate more effectively with those with communication challenges. I saw first hand how the use of gestures, mime, pictures and symbols supported understanding and helped expression. I became fascinated in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
My next post saw me working in children's services as a SEND Link Worker in a Children's Centre for 9 years. Here I achieved Early Years Teacher Status and completed my Forest School Training. I loved this post and felt privileged to be able to help a large number of families receive the support, funding and education their children and families deserved, in a system that is underfunded and overstretched.
It was during one of my first play groups for parents and carers of children with Down Syndrome that I met a bright, sociable and beautiful little soul who signed to me. I couldn't understand what she wanted and I felt awful not being able to communicate with her in a way she could understand. With this is mind, I begged management to send me to Makaton training. After a couple of years of experience implementing Makaton at work, I was pleading with my manager once more - this time to complete a week-long intensive Makaton Tutor training course in Yorkshire.
After having my second child I set up my Community Interest Company in hope of reaching more people who love or support a potential Makaton user/Makaton user. I feel honoured to have been welcomed into the lives of thousands of people who fight daily for their loved ones or those they support. It brings me great joy to know I am enabling others to communicate effectively, along with raising awareness and normalising Makaton in the community in hope of a better, safer and more independent future for our Makaton community!
A big thank you to each and every one of you who has attended my training, shared my details or spread the Makaton word. You have enabled me to continue doing what I love whilst hopefully making a difference to the lives of many along the way. Thank you also from The Makaton Community for taking the time to find out a little more about Makaton.
If you think I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to contact me.
Corrine x