Nichola founded PlayPeace in 2016 to support her son Ben, who has SAT-B2 syndrome, by addressing gaps in social and recreational services for children with ASN. With a background in community education and NHS Health Improvement, Nichola now works part-time as PlayPeace’s CEO and chairs the Board.

Siobhan has been deeply involved with PlayPeace, starting as a parent, then joining the committee, and later becoming a trustee and Vice Chair. With over 20 years in the Third Sector, including roles at the National Autistic Society, she has extensive experience in volunteer management and trustee work.

David, introduced to PlayPeace by his sister Mary, became Treasurer in February 2023 after assisting with bookkeeping. With a background in civil engineering and financial expertise, David, a father and grandfather, is motivated to support children with additional needs and their caregivers.

Doris, a Registered Nurse with extensive experience since 1978, has joined PlayPeace as Secretary after years of volunteering. With a background in innovative care for learning disabilities and a decade of trustee experience at a mental health charity, she is eager to enhance PlayPeace’s support for young people and families.

Aneta joined PlayPeace as a trustee in December 2023. A mother of three with one child having additional needs, she discovered the charity while seeking support for her child. Impressed by PlayPeace’s unique impact and dedicated team, she is excited to contribute to fundraising and future projects, leveraging her diverse experience.

June, now retired and a mother and grandmother, has seen the positive impact of PlayPeace on families in Lanarkshire through its play sessions and support. With over 30 years as a social worker and experience as a trustee for a children's charity, she brings valuable expertise to the board.

Heather helped establish PlayPeace and has been deeply involved as a volunteer, committee member, and trustee. With personal experience of autism in her own children and professional experience supporting families in financial crises, she values her role in delivering effective support to children with additional needs and their families.

Kirsten has been with PlayPeace for over 7 years, serving as a Board member and trustee. She found the charity when her son struggled with typical groups, finding it a nurturing environment where he thrived. Both continue to attend events, cherishing many memories and eagerly anticipating the charity’s future.

Ann, a parent of two ASD children, joined PlayPeace in 2016 and has been an active member, first as a Committee member and then as a Trustee. With a background in trade union administration, she champions social justice and values PlayPeace for its unique support and inclusive community for ASN families.

Mary, a retired credit company professional, found purpose in volunteering with PlayPeace, a charity supporting families with children needing extra help. As a devoted grandmother to her autistic grandson Freddie, she has been a trustee for several years, proudly contributing to the charity's vital mission.

I joined PlayPeace as Development Worker for Carer Breather in January 2024, having volunteered for a few months. My job is to promote the growth of the Parent Carer/breather project, PlayPeace Cares.
I was a single mum/parent carer to Logan for almost 16 years so bring lots of experience of the struggles of being a carer as well as a lay nurse/PA/teacher and taxi driver to a non verbal child with very complex needs.
I feel privileged to get to know the Playpeace families and encourage any opportunity for some self-care or motivated with the skills to navigate the demands of a carer.

I originally became involved in PlayPeace as mum to twins, one of who is non verbal and has autism and the other now on the pathway for diagnosis, though with very different needs. We loved the welcoming atmosphere and many opportunities to join in with play sessions, outings and parent support. I joined as Activities Co-ordinator in November 2023. It’s great to use my personal experience and passion for supporting families like ourselves through running the play sessions and other events we offer families. I am a born organiser and also not shy to spread the word about PlayPeace and how welcoming and inclusive we are !

Since founding PlayPeace for my son Ben in 2016, I’ve been proud to grow the organisation with amazing support from many parent carers. I developed PlayPeace in my own time from 2016 to 2022, taking the decision to apply for the CEO post and give up my NHS career to devote myself to our charity. Previously I worked in Health Improvement leading a team in North East Glasgow and a work programme across Glasgow city. I love seeing the kids develop and friendships grow among the parent carers.

Prior to becoming one of the Activities Coordinators in September 2023, I was a volunteer with PlayPeace on Saturdays for several years. I am passionate about giving children and young people the opportunity to take part in a range of activities and making the necessary adjustments to enable them to do so. I love music, arts & crafts and sensory play and like to include these in the sessions. I also work in an ASN school and run a Sunday school so am pretty immersed in bringing out the individuality and talents of children !