Hayley Kay announced as new boss at charity for Blackpool families, Aiming Higher

Aiming Higher, which was founded almost 10 years ago by a group of parents, supports families with disabled children.

Hayley will lead the existing team at Aiming Higher and will be responsible for the development of the charity.

John Child, chairman of Aiming Higher, said “The trustees are delighted to welcome Hayley to Aiming Higher.

“For many years Hayley has worked alongside a number of charities in Blackpool and Lancashire, successfully working with them on many projects and events.

“She has been a champion of community causes for many years and it is exciting to have her on board.

“Aiming Higher is entering a new phase of growth as we endeavour to extend the provision of our services to more disabled children and their families in Blackpool and across the Fylde

Coast.”

Upon leaving school, one of Hayley’s first jobs was as a welfare assistant at Woodlands School in Blackpool where the pupils have a wide range of learning needs.

She has also held roles at Palatine Community Sports College as pastoral manager and Bispham High School as head of year and behaviour manager.

Hayley is well known for her career as a presenter for Radio Wave 96.5 and BBC Radio Lancashire as well as a newspaper columnist

She is an ambassador for Blackpool Carers Centre and Lancashire Women and organises an annual collection supporting Blackpool Food Bank and Streetlife charities.

Hayley said: “I have always been so impressed by the work of the Aiming Higher team.

“Spreading the word about our services and facilities is so important.

“Families with disabled children have been disproportionately affected by the impact of the pandemic and, more than ever, need support and assistance during these unprecedented times.

“I can’t wait to get started with the team, celebrate our 10th anniversary and look forward to the next decade.”

Aiming Higher provides a wide range of help to families, including emotional support and counselling, grant and housing application, education, health and social care plans (EHC) and

benefit advice. It also organises a weekly programme of events at its Church Street centre.