Yvonne Rees Having lived all her life in a multi-cultural, multi-faith environment; and worked extensively among children and adults with learning difficulties, Yvonne has always been committed to upholding equality, justice and human rights for every member of any community, whatever their age, ability or beliefs.   She initially studied linguistics at King's College, London and went on to become a writer, artist, designer, lecturer and journalist, working on most UK national newspapers and magazines, also radio and television, specifically in the fields of education,publication and interior and garden design; as well as publishing over 50 books worldwide as author or editor. She is equally passionate about ecological issues and sustainable living, for a while helping to edit Positive News and Living Lightly, two global publications at the forefront of positive World change. Before moving to Sussex two and a half years ago, she worked as designer on an eco-development of forty houses in Shropshire, where one of her first clients was Paul King, chairman of the WWF.   Yvonne insists on putting into practice what she teaches and writes about, whether that be learning a new language; designing a town's amenity park to suit both elderly and pre-school residents; playing with a roomful of Down's Syndrome toddlers; teaching adult Travellers to read and write; or dancing with West Indian adolescents at their annual MIND reggae disco. She has four children and two step children of her own, and a Special Needs Certificate for assessing and supporting Pre-school and Nursery children. This year, she will be starting her Early Nurture training to become a certificated postnatal doula, providing every level of practical support for expectant mothers from different cultures, in the local East Sussex area. Currently she is helping, via CCDN, non-English speaking residents and their families to improve their employment status, living conditions or simply their self-esteem, through better communication by perfecting their spoken and/or written English, according to their individual needs. She also supports children with physical and mental learning difficulties; and is embarking on a fostering and fostering respite programme within her own home.   “ I strongly believe that people of any age and culture can be empowered, and their lives enhanced, by sharing good music, good food and better communication through language. CCDN is the ideal vehicle to help me improve the self-esteem and quality of life of our whole community here in Hastings and St Leonards.” Back