Stephanie Davis Joins Great Minds Together as Ambassador

02 April 2024

Soap star and singer Stephanie Davis has been appointed as an Ambassador for Great Minds Together (GMT), a leading not-for-profit provider of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND).

Stephanie’s appointment is owing to her deep personal connection to GMT’s cause, as they work to increase awareness and understanding about behaviour as well as challenging the use of isolation in schools, highlighting its negative impact on young people.

As someone who has openly shared her journey with her autism diagnosis and her difficulties navigating her undiagnosed needs growing up and the impact that had on her mental health, Stephanie brings a wealth of empathy, understanding, and first-hand experience to this role.

Stephanie shared her experiences in an authentic and candid speech at GMT’s Charity Ball in 2023 which was incredibly impactful. It was her openness that cemented to GMT that they wanted to work more closely with Stephanie.

Commenting, Stephanie said “It is a privilege and an honour to become an Ambassador for Great Minds Together. Together we want to raise awareness about the challenges our young people are facing and to have more understanding about our children’s behaviour. To have compassion for our children who are often misunderstood and change our approach and mindset to these behaviours. Being an Ambassador means so much to me, as when I was a child I fell through the net, so growing up I struggled with life and not understanding why I was the way I was, or having the right help to help me navigate my way through this difficult thing called life. I’m looking forward to working with Great Minds Together to make sure no one else struggles like I did. It’s time for change and inclusion not isolation and ignorance.”

In her role as Ambassador,  Stephanie will use her experience and platform to increase understanding and raise awareness about challenges that impact children and young people with SEND.

Emma Mander, Founder of Great Minds Together said “We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to GMT. Her passion and dedication to supporting children and young people facing similar challenges resonate deeply with us at Great Minds Together. We are honoured to welcome Stephanie to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make as our ambassador in 2024.”

Stephanie will take an active role in GMT’s Behaviour Awareness Week, that will take place from 23 – 29 September 2024. The awareness week was launched last year with the purpose to raise awareness and understanding of behaviour in young people and the dangers of sanctioning led behaviour policies in schools.

GMT advocate that all behaviour is a form of communication, and that we should be listening to what children and young people are trying to tell us, using a more therapeutic approach, which has proven benefits and positive outcomes.

Stephanie joined GMT at the North West Autism Hub on Tuesday 2nd April to celebrate Autism Acceptance Day.