Patrons and Ambassadors
Ambassador
Sonya Cassidy, Actress
Our Lead Ambassador is Sonya Cassidy who is from North Somerset and has been actively supporting us for over 10 years. Since attending RADA, she has become a talented and versatile actress with an impressive portfolio of work across stage and screen including roles in Paradise, Vera, Humans, The Woman in White, Lodge 49, The Last Kingdom, The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Hunt of Raoul Moat and the action-packed crime thriller Reacher.
“The value of Springboard cannot be overstated. For nearly 40 years it’s been the only charity of its kind in North Somerset providing early learning for children with disabilities and SEN. Nearly four decades dedicated to ensuring the best possible start for children and their families. I grew up in North Somerset and having worked with children with SEN I know first-hand how important this specialised early learning (and play) is. Founded by mums initially, what they’ve accomplished so far is remarkable and being able to continue their work is vital. It’s my pleasure to, in some small way, be a part of the bigger picture going above and beyond for our next generation here in North Somerset.”
Honorary President
Ann Ramsey
Ann co-founded Springboard in 1986 along with another group of mums who all had young children with disabilities. They could not find the support they needed during the early years of their children’s lives and initially opened Springboard for one session per week. Ann stepped down as CEO after 30 years in July 2017, but continues to help the charity in her role as honorary president by giving talks and helping at fundraising events.
Ann won the West Woman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for her work with Springboard.
“Springboard and all the other things I do are down to the big group of people and lots of other amazing women. There is no way I could have achieved anything all on my own, but it was nice to mark the end of my part of it with an award. Springboard has had support from all sorts of different people over the years. In our sector, we rely so much on the hard work of other people and their commitment. It is not about a single person – everyone makes a difference.”
When Ann stepped down, she said Springboard had shaped services for children with additional needs and disabilities in North Somerset.
