As someone with lived experience of queerness and disability, I offer coaching, mentoring or advice to help you acheive inclusive cultures – for yourself, your peers or your organisation.
Here are a few example’s of my current projects:
coaching and mentoring
Breakthrough UK (Coach)
Breakthrough UK is a Manchester based disabled people’s organisation. They are led by disabled people and support other disabled people to work and live independently.
I am a Coach for Breakthrough UK’s AiS (Accessible Information Standards) project working with Primary Health Care Trusts to help GP Practices communicate better with Disabled and d/Deaf people.
Drake Music ( Peer Mentor)
Drake Music are leaders in music, disability and technology. Their vision is a world where disabled and non-disabled musicians work together as equals.
As part of the Drake Music Lab, I offer young disabled musicians mentoring and support to help them into the music industry.
advice and support
Manchester International Festival (Access Advisor)
The Manchester International Festival is a biennial international arts festival, with a specific focus on original new work.
I am currently on their Disabled Peoples Engagement Group to assess the accessibility of their new cultural space – The Factory – to be opened in 2022.
Peoples History Museum (Inclusion Advisor)
The Peoples History Museum is a national museum of democracy. They are currently working on a year long programme – NAUWU (Nothing About Us Without Us) – to re-examine how they present the history of disability activism.
I recently sat on their interview panel to recruit a diverse selection of Community Curators who will shape this exciting programme.
GM4Women2028 (Steering Committee Member)
GM4Women2028 are a coalition of influential women dedicated to advancing the gender equality agenda across Greater Manchester.
I offer GM4Women2028 advice about the additional barriers disabled women face in key socio-economic areas – such as education, employment and safety.
Drake Music ( Trainer)
Drake Music run several training courses for the music industry, including ‘Inclusion & Music Tech in Practice’.
I regularly co-deliver this course – which has been designed by expert Disabled trainers with lived and sector experience.
Testimonials
Advice
Gemma is a fabulous addition to the GM4Women2028 coalition. Dr Helen Pankhurst, CBE
Training
Gemma is able to work with a high level of sensitivity to the needs of participants and is able to provide concise reports with practical recommendations for improving provision. I would highly recommend her work. Ben Ballad, Programme Manager, Sharpham Trust
Gemma’s delivery for the training was excellent. All my team felt very well engaged, and the training gave them the opportunity to think more specifically about different people’s needs. A very positive experience for everyone! Liz O’Neill, Chief Executive , Z-Arts
Arts Practice
I am impressed by the range and quality of Gemma’s work … her music technology skills and interest in intersectionality make her sound work artistically strong with a real sense of passion, purpose and intrigue. Carien Meijer, Chief Executive, Drake Music
Both Gemma and Gareth share exciting enquiry questions around the queer and disabled body; and the authentic and augmented voice with a keen interest in the use of technology. It is vital that these new voices are heard. Mark Richards, Director, Metal Culture