Rebecca Ellis is our new Executive Director, having taken over the day to day operations at Jessie’s Fund in the new year. Here we learn a bit more about what brought her here and what drives her.

What drew you to Jessie’s Fund?

This may sound like a cliché but it is my dream role! To be able to combine my love of music and my passion for supporting children and young people with a range of additional needs and life limiting illness in one job is amazing. That it is a small charity with a big reach also appealed – that we can work to help as many as possible whilst being able to keep relationships at the heart of what we do.

When and how did you become interested in music for children with additional needs?

From the very start of my career really. I volunteered at a local play scheme for children with additional needs and I was hooked from there. I’ve spent my time in special education trying to find the best way to tie music into my working life, and this included going to a Jessie’s Fund training course!

Have there already been any highlights so far?

Going to visit projects – seeing our musicians at work in schools and meeting some brilliant children. Going to visit the Calderdale family learning project and seeing the impact of the work on the children and families there was magical.

Even though it’s still early days, do you have any ambitions for the charity?

I’d love to see the work grow, particularly in hospital and community settings, so as many children and young people as possible can benefit from music therapy and creative and interactive music-making activities.

Do you have a message for the Jessie’s Fund supporters?

Mainly – thank you! It is only because of all our dedicated supporters that we in the team can make the work happen. I look forward to getting to know as many of you as possible and being able to share the impact of your continued support.