Aberdeen-based charity We Too! has strengthened its Board of Trustees with the appointment of Leanne Smith and Natalie Sutherland.
Both will join the existing Board of Trustees, bringing a strong personal commitment to inclusion and community, alongside hands-on involvement with the charity’s work supporting parents and carers of children with disabilities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Leanne Smith joins the Board as both a Trustee and active volunteer. She supports the charity’s strategic direction and regularly takes part in events and activities. Leanne was inspired to get involved after hearing We Too! founder Phionna McInnes speak about the importance of inclusion at a local event.
Leanne said ‘Phionna’s passion for inclusion really inspired me. I’m delighted to become part of a charity that creates a welcoming, supportive environment where every child feels valued.’
Natalie Sutherland’s connection to We Too! began through her own family’s experience. She first engaged with the charity when she was able to attend the SPECTRA festival with her son through a relaxed session delivered by We Too!.
Natalie said: ‘It was an incredibly emotional experience for our whole family. It meant we could say “YES!” to something we’d previously avoided. After that, I knew I wanted to give back and support other families like ours.’
As a Trustee and volunteer, Natalie now helps guide the charity’s strategic direction while continuing to support its activities on the ground.
Both Leanne and Natalie will be known as ‘Trustee Ninjas’, in line with the charity’s approach to naming its volunteers and staff. We Too! volunteers and employees are referred to as ‘Ninjas’, reflecting its commitment to being approachable, welcoming and accessible to all.
We Too! is a customer-driven organisation working to empower parents and carers of children with disabilities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The charity designs spaces, events and services that reflect real life, supporting sensory needs, communication differences and physical access requirements. From relaxed sessions and training to supporting major public events, it creates inclusive opportunities and reduces barriers to everyday experiences, helping families feel seen, understood and able to take part with confidence.
Chief Ninja Phionna McInnes said: ‘We’re delighted to have Leanne and Natalie join our Board. They both bring valuable perspective, energy and a genuine passion for inclusion that will help shape the future of We Too!.'
For more information on the work of We Too!, visit wetoo.org.uk.