Our Team
Holly
Co-founder and Lead
University of Cambridge – Human, Social, and Political Sciences
I found navigating school with chronic fatigue isolating and challenging, but when I got to uni I was fortunate to find solidarity and support from other disabled students. I’m proud of how Head Up! is sharing this support with younger disabled people.
Mhairi
Co-founder and Vice President
University of Cambridge – Natural Sciences
From a young age I have had a chronic respiratory condition and deafness and so I have experience of managing the challenges of school with medical conditions. Through making the most of the support available to me, I have since graduated from Cambridge where I found a strong disabled community. I believe that Head Up! enables disabled students to support and encourage younger disabled students to achieve their ambitions.
Ruth
Mentoring Coordinator
University of Cambridge – Languages, Linguistics and Classics
Throughout my teenage years, a connective tissue disorder meant I had to get to grips with living with chronic pain and fatigue and adapting my studies accordingly. Support at school was lacking and, ask I didn’t know anyone in a similar position, I felt quite isolated. I’ve really valued all the support I’ve been able to access at uni and have loved the opportunity to meet other disabled students there and knowing that I’m not alone. I’m really hoping to be able to help in our mission of providing some of the support we wish we’d had at school!
Eleanor
Designated Safeguarding Lead
University of Cambridge – Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
Much of my secondary school experience was focused on balancing appointments, inpatient programmes, and my health rather than education, building friendships, or gaining independence. Mental health conditions, chronic pain and fatigue, dyspraxia, and autism all had a big impact on my confidence and self-esteem when applying to study at university, and this is why I think the awareness and resources Head Up! offers to disabled students are so valuable.
Milly
Governance and Recruitment Officer
University of York – Biochemistry with Year in Industry
Studying is already quite challenging and with a disability is even more tricky. I found the transition to university was a massive step and found my disability became even more evident. I really want to empower other students through their journey in higher education and be the role model that I wish I had.
Gabrielle
Treasurer
University of Cambridge – Human, Social and Political Sciences
When I began experiencing the horrors of chronic illness and disability in my teenage years, I realised very quickly how daunting university and the application process can be for someone affected by a disability. Being involved in Head Up! has allowed me to help others avoid the scary and unsupported application process I endured, and I am so proud to be a part of something so positive.
You?
Are you a current or recent university student? Are you disabled or an ally of the disability community? Find out how to get involved here.
Volunteers who are from ethnic minority and lower socio-economic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply, as we seek to represent all marginalised groups.
About Us
The general aim and objective of Head Up! is to promote the interests of young people with disabilities, physical and/or mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties and neurodivergence; offering them practical advice and support concerning their education and welfare.