Andrew Bright
Head of Development, Thera Trust
When Andrew left school his head teacher told him he would never have a job; or if he did it would be unskilled. Andrew has fought against these assumptions and championed the rights of other people with a learning disability. He is an advocate, spokesperson and a role model working across the public sector, education and charities.
Andrew says: “What I have endeavoured to achieve in the work that I have done is to make a difference for people with a learning disability like me; so that the sorts of opportunities that I have been given the chance to be able to achieve in my life that others can do the same. I would say to young people with a disability that you can achieve anything with the right support and achieve the impossible like I have.”
Andrew trained in Business Studies and in 1991 joined national self-advocacy organisation People First, where he found his calling creating opportunities for people in the UK and abroad.
In 1996 Andrew set up Bright Enterprises, running training promoting the rights and independence of adults with a learning disability. Around this time, while establishing a specialised employment service in Greenwich, Andrew met his wife, Jane.
Andrew was Director of Participation for National Development Team (now NDTI), for five years before moving becoming a Service Quality Director in 2007 at Thera Trust; a charitable group of companies which support people with a learning disability.
In 2017 Andrew became Thera Trust’s joint Head of Development, leading four teams. He oversees initiatives including advocacy groups, Path to Jobs, and Dolphin’s Den – Dragon’s Den-inspired workshops and mentoring to help people launch their own business. Andrew was recognised in the 2018 Dimensions ‘Learning Disability and Autism Leaders List’. He also lectures and mentors others.
What I have endeavoured to achieve in the work that I have done is to make a difference for people with a learning disability like me; so that the sorts of opportunities that I have been given the chance to be able to achieve in my life that others can do the same. I would say to young people with a disability that you can achieve anything with the right support and achieve the impossible like I have.”