Amanda Collinge, Director
ACC Consulting Limited was founded by Amanda Collinge in 2002. Amanda is an organisational psychologist and is a member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Amanda has a wealth of experience across the health and social care sectors, further education, public sector and commercial sectors. She specialises in talent development, including leadership and management training and development, team development, performance management, coaching and training.
Amanda’s approach is to help individuals, teams and organisations refocus and transform their business by enabling, aligning and motivating their people. She applies sound psychological principles to the identification and development of talent, including assessment and development centres, coaching and leadership development programmes. She delivers the ILM Management and Leadership qualification. She has an exceptional track record in the design and delivery of a range of management and leadership development projects for large global, public and health and social care sector organisations.
Amanda is the Chair and Board Member of Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support (N&SCS) and Company Secretary for De Vere Care Partnership Limited and a trusted partner with SVC Solutions.
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, meaningful services that add value to our customers businesses.
Hi, I’m Catherine. I am an expert with lived experience of learning disability co-trainer. I live with my partner and my two-year old daughter. I have worked as a Carer for many years and now I am looking forward to being part o the ACC Team helping health and social care professionals become more aware of autism and learning disabilities.
I'm so excited to join the ACC team as a facilitator for the vitally important Tier 1 Oliver McGowan Training for Health and Social care staff across Norfolk.
I'm a Norfolk-based performer who's always looking for a meaningful project that I can really invest in and this is perfect for me. I'm particularly invested in this project because I have close friends and family members who are autistic and have learning disabilities. Being part of this training and part of Oliver’s movement, I hope to make sure that autism and learning disabilities are better understood so people don't face some of the issues they currently face.
www.reflextheatre.co.uk
Hi, my name’s Nellie! I’m a Tier 1 and Tier 2 autistic expert with lived experience co-trainer on The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism programme. I grew up in East Anglia and I now live in the fine city of Norwich. In my role as an expert on the programme, I bring not only my own lived experience but my experience of being a part-time carer for my adult autistic brother and my professional experience (having previously worked for one of the UK’s leading autism charities).
To find out more about me, feel free to head to www.nellieallsop.com
Photo taken by Monika Świat
My name is Tim, I'm 48 years old, and have had a career which spans journalism, public relations, training, and internal communications. Since my mid-teens I've experienced mental health challenges, and even at this age I am still growing and learning, which means I am very pleased to be involved in facilitating the tier 1 Oliver's Training. I firmly believe that the more open and honest conversations we all have about different needs and experiences, the better society will be. Looking forward to meeting you all.
Hi, I'm Ruby, I'm 16 years old and I was diagnosed with autism one year ago. I've just completed my GCSEs and have started my A levels, and I'm learning to live with what I often hear others describe as my "condition". It's tricky sometimes to convey to others how I think, feel, and experience things, but it's a gradual process - when I'm with my family and friends, it's as much about their learning as it is my own. I currently work in a pub collecting glasses, but this is my first time working in an environment where I can talk openly about my experiences. I'm very much looking forward to being a Tier 1 Co-Trainer with lived experience of autism.
Hello my name is Sabrina, and this is my cat Tiggy. He likes to have his photo taken, and will often make a guest appearance on zoom / teams calls.
I am thrilled to be part of the ACC team delivering the Tier 1 & 2 Oliver Macgowan Training. As an Expert Trainer who has a Learning Disability. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences of what life has been like for me.
I’ve been involved in doing lots of training and workshops over the years. Even been as far as Australia to deliver a presentation at an international conference.
This is my second job, I’m sure this one will be more successful than my last one. Knowing that I am part of a supportive and welcoming team, really lifts my confidence.
In my spare time I love crocheting usually blankets the bigger and more complicated the better. When finished they are quality checked by Tiggy. I also like listening to music and meeting up with friends, usually with crochet in tow.
Although I’m happiest when I’m at home with Tiggy.
Looking forward to meeting lots of you soon.
Hi, I am Jo and I have been delivering Oliver’s Training since May 2024 in Essex and Hertfordshire as part of the ACC Oliver’s Training Team. This is my first job and I really enjoy training health and social care staff about autism and learning disabilities. I also enjoy talking about my lived experience and answering questions. During one training session, I was offered a job as a carer but I will now be busy with Oliver’s Training!
I am really looking forward to meeting you as I co-deliver Oliver's Training across Norfolk and Waveney.
Hi my name's Lauren Bryan :) I live in Watton Norfolk and I'm 28 years old. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience with what my disability is which is general learning difficulties. I hope my experience will help anyone who's looking for experience on the subject as much as possible. I'm looking forward to starting tier 1 training and looking forward to meeting new people. :)
Hi, I'm Emily and I am autistic. I am very excited to be working with the ACC Team delivering the Oliver’s Training across Norfolk and Waveney.
I have a history working in health and social care. When I'm not at work I spend my time self-advocating on social media for people like myself who have hidden disabilities. I hope to share my passion with you through my work.
I am thrilled that ACC Consulting will be delivering Oliver’s Training across Norfolk and Waveney. We have a great team of experienced Facilitators and Expert Co-trainers who have been delivering Oliver's Training across Essex and Hertfordshire. Behind the scenes we have been growing, training and developing our team and we are now ready to bring Oliver’s Training to Norfolk and Waveney. I am passionate about inclusivity and I know that Oliver’s Training will not only touch the hearts and minds of all health and social care professionals who attend, but it will make a real difference to the lives of autistic people and people with a learning disability.
If you feel you have the skills and are interested in becoming a Tier 1 or Tier 2 expert co-trainer or facilitating trainer for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, please contact Amanda Collinge on 07732947227 or email: amandacollinge@accconsulting.co.uk
I am thrilled to be working as part of the team that will be delivering Oliver’s Training across Norfolk and Waveney. After hearing Oliver’s story, I have grown very passionate about this crucial and emotional campaign. I have suffered mental illness most of my life and have been on my own mental wellbeing journey for the last 5 years, following treatment I became more patient, understanding and conscious of the mental wellbeing of those around me. Therefore, I am overjoyed to be making a difference in the lives of autistic people and people with a learning disability.
My background and training has predominantly been in Animal behaviour and Biology, I have worked various roles within the animal industry from a Giraffe and Hoofstock intern at Chester Zoo, a Falconer at Gauntlet Eagle and Vulture park and self-employment as a Canine behaviourist and trainer. Ultimately, I am passionate about individuality, whether it be animals or people I wish to hear their story, what makes them unique and how I can help with the knowledge I have.
With over 30 years’ experience in health and social care, I am dedicated to delivering training to professionals in the field, with a strong emphasis on supporting individuals with respect, dignity and a commitment to promoting inclusion. My goal is to empower the professionals I train to create positive, person-centred environments that genuinely improve the lives of those they support. I have extensive experience working with teams supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism, and I continuously strive to drive meaningful change and foster a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of the people we work with. I am really looking forward to being involved in delivering the Oliver McGowan Training as a vehicle for supporting these aspirations.
Hello, I’m Ben and I am a Tier 1 and Tier 2 autistic expert with lived experience co-trainer for Oliver’s Training. I am currently studying accountancy at college and this is my first job. I have already delivered the training in Hertfordshire and Essex and now I am really looking forward to delivering the training across Norfolk and Waveney, helping health and social care professionals understand more about autism and in doing so, help them adapt their practice so that there will be a better understanding and better outcomes for autistic people.
Serin (they/them) is an expert by experience of autism and ADHD, and is training to be a Co-Trainer for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.
Serin’s other qualifications include a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and another in Neuroinformatics. They have experience teaching maths to undergraduate mathematics students and have also worked as a private piano tutor for adults and young people.
In their spare time, they play the piano both as a soloist and as part of a duo. They also continue to apply their technical skills in programming projects.
Serin hopes that the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism will have a positive impact on the provision of health and care services to neurodivergent people like them, and so is keen to begin contributing their skills and experience to the training programme as it is delivered in Norfolk.
Hello, my name is Chloe and I’m an Autistic Expert by Experience. I am an Approved Co-trainer for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism programme.
I have a passion for educating people about autism and neurodiversity. I am currently studying Health and Social Care with the Open University. My interests include crafting, knitting and cooking. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Callan is an approved Tier 1 Facilitator and Co-Trainer and Tier 2 Autism Co-Trainer with lived experience of autism. He has worked extensively with NHS professionals, junior doctors, universities, young people and adults with special needs as well as vulnerable young people across the country. He has just joined the ACC Team and is looking forward to delivering Oliver’s Training in his home county of Norfolk.
Hello, my name is Helen and I am training to be a Learning Disability co-trainer. I have previously had experience In Hospitality and completed training to be a Teachers Assistant. Recently I recently had the opportunity to do volunteer work In a primary school. I have used the platform Brambles to help children to read through Bookmark Reading Charity.
I feel I have achieved many goals by completing my safeguard training and many other training courses. I am willing to develop my knowledge and skills In various topics to make me effective In my role. In my spare time I enjoy going on social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter as well as baking, cooking, swimming and walking my dog.
I am looking forward to delivering Oliver's training across Norfolk and Waveney.
Hello, I’m Irem and I’m excited to be part of the ACC team delivering Oliver’s Training. When I first learned about the project, I felt honored to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of mental health challenges. I believe it’s crucial to help others understand these conditions and make a difference for those who are struggling.
I have a Master's degree in Psycholinguistics, a field that covers the cognitive processes underlying language and psychology, which is also an area of particular interest to me. Having worked in the education sector for several years, I am pleased to combine my expertise with my passion for increasing awareness of neurodevelopmental conditions. I hope to contribute to the team’s efforts by supporting their work in expanding knowledge and building a deeper understanding of learning disabilities and autism.
Hi I’m Jonathan, I’m 20 years old and I have Autism and ADHD. I was diagnosed with Autism when I was 15. I also have a lot of physical health conditions which means I have been in and out of hospital for many years, and it is something I have to live with. This means I have a lot of experience being in hospital as an Autistic person and I look forward to sharing my experiences of this as a Tier 2 Co-Trainer for the Oliver McGowan training in Norfolk. In my spare time, I volunteer within the NHS at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital as a Bleep Buddy where I support the hospital staff in peak periods and communicate with patients and visitors on a regular basis.
Hi, my name is Laura and I am a Trainer with lived experience of learning disability. I am really excited to start Oliver McGowan’s training in Norfolk & Waveney and bring more awareness of the types of struggles that I and others have faced in the past.
I look forward to talking with new people and answering any questions on my experiences of having a learning disability, as well as my experiences of my physical disability myotonic dystrophy which affects my muscle strength.
Hi, my name is Ryan. I am a freelance Tier 2 Autistic Co-Trainer aspiring to deliver the Oliver McGowan training to the workforce on a national level. I currently live in Kent, South East of England. I am well travelled and experienced as my job takes me all over the place. I have been inspired by my family to represent myself & other people on the Autism Spectrum.
I’m pleased to join ACC after several months as a trainer on The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training programme. I’m an experienced project co-ordinator having worked for the statutory sector (local authorities and health authorities) and a number of health-related charities. Most recently I set up and oversaw 18 Dementia Cafes in a London borough.
I’m passionate about ensuring training enables people to become the very best version of themselves, whether they are clients or colleagues. The Oliver McGowan programme is set to make a huge difference to the levels of awareness around Learning Disability and Autism and I am thrilled to be part of it.
I'm Charlie and I'm new to the ACC Team. As an Oliver McGowan Trainer by experience, I am very proud and excited to be working for the company.
Despite being autistic and having some learning disabilities, I wouldn't change a thing. I am very happy with who I am, and I have a positive outlook on life. The kindness and helpfulness I possess make me a great asset. Planning and organising are two things I’m very good at.
My experience includes working at my local charity shop. The customers and the staff at the store were very supportive of me and I enjoyed interacting with them. I also volunteered at the Norfolk and Norwich Arts festival.
In my spare time, I like to play video games, especially those involving Formula One and racing cars. I have a great interest in trains and love to travel. My favourite way to get to the Norfolk coast is by train. One day, I'd like to visit Tokyo and ride the Bullet Train. I am a huge sports fan and support Norwich City. My favourite F1 driver and team is Lando Norris of McLaren. I also enjoy music as a hobby. My daily routine includes listening to it. I also enjoy going to concerts with my Dad.
Hi, my name is Conall, and I’m an accredited Tier 1 and Tier-2 Expert By Experience co-trainer for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory training. I am also a Peer Support Practitioner and Expert by Experience Researcher.
I am particularly passionate about suicide prevention in the autistic community. I am the co-presenter and co-lead for a training project in Surrey, focused on suicide awareness and prevention in the autistic community. Additionally, I am the lead researcher for an autism-specific suicide prevention toolkit. I have also delivered a variety of workshops and webinars on autism and ADHD.
As part of my role, I have undertaken autism assessments and have utilised my lived experience and clinical knowledge when offering guidance and support.
I am passionate about increasing the awareness of the under-recognised talents and strengths of autistic people. Furthermore, I would like to help improve mental-health outcomes for autistic people and address the significant impact that suicide has on the autistic community.
My name is Jane, and I am delighted to join the ACC team and deliver Oliver’s Training throughout Norfolk and Waveney.
I have several years’ experience delivering training and workshops. I am passionate about inclusion and building on people’s lived experiences for organisations to be the best they can be. I am neurodivergent, and have Long Covid, so I am familiar with invisible disabilities and the impact they can have. I have lived experience of learning disability, ADHD and autism in my circle, and know that being seen and heard and accommodated has a huge positive impact that benefits us all. I am also a Positive Psychology Practitioner, and am co-founder and co-organiser of the Positive Psychology Summit:UK. This is a two-day annual event building communities, applying positive psychology, sharing knowledge around the science of wellbeing and positive mental health. I am a lifelong learner and keen amateur artist and crafter. When I am at home, you’ll find me in my shed, making things, or playing in the garden.
I am also a proud parent to our beautiful grown-up children and am owned by two cats.
Louise has worked in Human Resources (HR) for the past 24 years where she has been passionate about ensuring that inclusion and diversity is embedded in every aspect of organisations. Neurodiversity and neurodivergence is something that is close to home for her and she is passionate about embracing and celebrating the different ways that individuals experience and interact with the world around them. She is looking forward to being a Tier 2 Facilitating Trainer for Norfolk and Waveney.
I am immensely pleased to be delivering the Oliver McGowan training. This opportunity allows me to contribute to a cause close to my heart. Every training session is a step toward fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. It is fantastic to see the profound impact this training has on the experts with lived experience. The insights and perspectives that they bring are invaluable, and seeing them empowered and validated throughout is incredibly rewarding. The training not only educates but also enriches the lives of those involved, creating a ripple effect of positive change. I look forward to continuing this vital work.
Hello my name is Harry, I'm 27 years old and was diagnosed with autism when I was 24, I'm looking forward to joining the team in helping more people understand autism.
David is a health and social care instructor and consultant, he has worked in this field for 17 years and has experience in the following types of services, residential, supported living, domiciliary and respite. He has worked predominantly with LD and autism however he has experience with mental health, dementia and associated services. His highest qualifications are currently a level 7 in health and social care and a level 3 AET teaching qualification. However, David is in his final few months of his MSc in healthcare management and also his level 5 DET. David during his time as a registered manager was proud to have his provision rated "Outstanding" by the CQC a level he was proud to maintain whilst in post.
As a parent of an adult son (24 years old) diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)emotional dysregulation, and personality disorder. I bring a deep personal understanding to my work.
In addition, my lived experience with Autism ADHD, trauma and attachment, and learning disabilities informs my approach and commitment to advocating for inclusive support systems.
Diagnosed with autism and severe dyslexia myself, i gained a diagnosis as an adult. I am passionate about creating awareness and fostering a better understanding of
Support systems for individuals who are neurodiverse.
Also with over 15 years of professional experience working with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and neurodiversity, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals, families, and professionals through various roles, including my work with organisations including Scope, Autism West Midlands and social care.
I have been delivering the Oliver McGowan Mandatory training both Tier 1 & Tier 2 Autism go facilitator for over a year. I am now trained as a Tier 2 lead facilitator trainer.
My goal is to empower individuals, parents, carers, and professionals to understand and support neurodiverse communities, ensuring that everyone can thrive in environments that respect and value their differences.
Hi, I’m Elle and part of the ACC Team delivering Oliver’s Training. I am an expert with lived experience of learning disability co-trainer. I have been delivering Oliver’s Training in Hertfordshire and Essex and I am really looking forward to bringing Oliver’s Training to Norfolk and Waveney.
I hope that by sharing my story, I will help health and social care staff become more confident and knowledgeable in caring for autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Hello, I am an Expert by Lived Experience (EbE) of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, mental health issues, gender dysphoria (transitioning MtF) and chronic physical health conditions. I sit as an EbE on Care, Education and Treatment Review and Dynamic Support Register Oversight panels since 2020. I am a Co-trainer for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (autism) for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 and have been delivering these sessions since January 2024. I am now looking forward to delivering Tier 1 training across Norfolk and Waveney so that I can make a difference to the lives of autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Hi, I'm Izzy, I have 12 years' experience in the NHS, local voluntary organisations and local government. This has focused on helping people to live their best lives and making services the best for the people who use them. I am passionate about making sure that everyone has the support they need to be able to access and experience the world. I am autistic and have intersectional identities - this means the barriers I experience can be different or more than someone who has one identity. I live near the coast, where you will often find me when I'm not working. I also love listening to music and cooking. My family and friends are very important to me and I love spending time with them!
You can reach me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzy-pochin/"
Hi, I am a Tier 1 and Tier 2 Co-Trainer with lived experience of Autism for Oliver McGowan Training. I deliver training between London, Birmingham and other areas nationally as I frequently travel due to freelance interpreting. I am a multilingual interpreter/translator in various public and private sectors such as NHS, GP Practices, Legal, Government, Social Care and Social Services, etc. I have also worked as a website Developer in various corporations including Halfords and West Midlands Combined Authority.
Living with Autism and ADHD as a South Asian, introverted woman has given me a distinct perspective. Most of my family and extended family are Autistic and have ADHD so neurodivergence is my special interest. I’m very passionate about raising awareness about it, especially in the South Asian community. Having a lived experience of autism and ADHD in school, family and dealing with different clients at work has provided me with a deep insight into how these differences can influence people's lives, both at work and beyond. My goal is to share my experiences to help others cultivate empathy, discover practical strategies for building more inclusive spaces and help others understand autism, ADHD and cognitive differences starting from educational level.
My name is Callum Smith, I am 22 years old and live in Attleborough, Norfolk. I have Perthes Disease, a hip condition and I had a cyst on my spine which meant that I relied on a wheelchair until I was 8 ½ years. In addition, I am hypermobile, and my hip still causes me a lot of pain.
I struggled at school and often felt over-whelmed in certain environments which made me feel distressed and frustrated. There were a lot of hurdles to jump to get a diagnosis, but I now have a diagnosis of Dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, Dyselxia, Dyspraxia, Autism, Learning Difficulty and Hypermobility.
I was trialled on Ritalin for 1 week, but I had a drastic reaction to it, I began to have thoughts I didn’t understand, scary thoughts which I drew and these showed suicidal thoughts. I was stopped taking the medication and quickly returned to my normal.
At high school I managed to pass some GCSE’s but I found my passion for Photography, I continued into Sixth form where I took AS Photography. I continued into College taking a STEPS course to help prepare for life and employment. Since leaving college and moving back to Norfolk, I’ve enjoyed being only 3 doors away from my sister. I got 2 rescue dogs from Cyprus, they have helped me have more confidence talking to people and giving me a purpose to get out of the house, they are a lot of fun. I have spent a few weeks working with an Autism Coach. She helped me to gain further confidence, helped me learn how to get a train to Norfolk and start to be more independent. My time is also spent on my hobbies, apart from Photography, I enjoy painting mini-Warhammer figures, having a go at 3d sculpting and creative writing.
I am very excited to be part of Oliver’s Campaign delivering Oliver's Training for training for Norfolk and Waveney. I have been delivering Oliver’s Training with ACC Consulting Limited for Essex and Hertfordshire. As a Facilitator on the programme, I bring over 30 years’ experience of supporting autistic adults and children and people with a learning disability. Oliver’s Training is like no other training that I have been involved with before. It has been a real privilege to see our expert co-trainers grow in confidence as they share their lived experience and bring the training to life. I am looking forward to bringing the training to Norfolk and Waveney.
Hi, I’m Harvey and I am thrilled to be working with the ACC Team to help deliver Oliver’s Training.
I am an autistic adult living in Norwich. I have master’s and bachelor’s degrees in fine art and spend a portion of my time working on paintings and drawings, I have had a few exhibitions and continue to work on getting my artwork out to the public.
I also work in the Social Care sector working as a Personal Assistant for an autistic person with other physical conditions. As well as this I have volunteered for youth groups and charities for autistic people and people living with disabilities in Norfolk. I also have a background interest in the performing arts, having taken part in local theatre and modern dance from a very young age.
For any more information about me and my artwork please visit my Instagram page harveywyatt_art
Hello, I'm Ityai. I am a qualified nurse and a Tier 2 Approved Facilitating Trainer for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. I have a keen interest in Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism and I am particularly interested in positive approaches that reduce the need for restraint. Oliver's Story has made me realise that as health and social care professionals we must endeavour to continuously reflect on our practice in order that we can provide the best relevant care and support to autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Flocky Cottage, Marlesford Road, Hacheston, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 0DP
Email: contact@accconsulting.co.uk Telephone: 07732947227
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.