Learning Disability Week – celebrating the workforce in the north west

As part of Learning Disability Week we chatted to Lisa Cooper, Director Community and Mental Health Services at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.  

What does your usual working day involve?

I am responsible for the community based services and mental health services at Alder Hey. These are services that support children and young people at home, at school and in community settings. My usual day involves lots of meetings and talking. But the highlight every day is that I get to spend time with amazing children, young people and staff.  

Describe the journey to where you are now in your career.    

I am a community Dietitian by background and worked for many years in the community with children and young people with complex needs and disabilities. My passion has and will always be supporting children and young people particularly those with additional needs to access great health services but to also have a voice and role in what those services look like and how they are delivered. It’s a real privilege to be the Director Community & Mental Health Services @ Alder Hey and it really is my dream job.

What’s the best thing about your role?

Working with children and young people everyday.  

Why should people consider a career working with people with a Learning Disability or Autism?  

Working with children and young people with a learning disability or Autism is a real privilege and just simply one of the best jobs you can do. Every day is different and the children and young people are funny, lovely and amazing. I would say to anyone considering a career working with children and young people with a learning disability or Autism – just do it, you will love it and never regret it as you have a real opportunity to make a positive difference to a child or young person’s life and they will absolutely enrich your life and make you a better person.