As part of our 40 Stories for 40 Years campaign, we’re sharing 40 individual stories that reflect the journey, people, and moments that have shaped Umbrella since 1985. Each story highlights a different voice from within our organisation, celebrating the experiences, relationships, and memories that continue to define who we are today.
This story comes from Alisha, who first discovered Umbrella as a parent looking for support and went on to spend more than two decades helping other families navigate their own journeys.
As this story is shared, we also celebrate Alisha’s upcoming retirement in July, following 23 years of dedicated service at Umbrella. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Alisha for her incredible commitment, compassion, and the lasting impact she has made on families and colleagues throughout her time with us.
A New Beginning in Derby
In 2001, Alisha and her family moved to Derby from Kingston upon Thames in Surrey. While the move had always been part of the family’s plans, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in more ways than one.
Alisha and her husband, Declan, have two children, Cathrina and Ronan. Ronan was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, a rare genetic condition associated with physical, developmental and learning disabilities. Like many families caring for a child with additional needs, they faced unique challenges while ensuring both children received the support and opportunities they needed.
Shortly after arriving in Derby, the family found an envelope waiting for them containing information about Umbrella.
Once they had settled into their new home, Alisha contacted the charity and was visited by Ann Rowlands, who explained the services available and how Umbrella could support the family.
That visit would prove life-changing.
Finding Support
Ronan began attending Umbrella’s Daybreak playscheme during the school holidays before later accessing children’s services and eventually the Young Adult Project.
For Alisha and her family, Umbrella quickly became much more than a service provider.
The support gave them valuable respite, time to spend with Cathrina, and an opportunity to recharge. It also connected them with other parents and carers who truly understood the realities of caring for a child with additional needs.
Reflecting on those early years, Alisha remembers that even simple moments became meaningful.
“I would often end up having long conversations in the car park after dropping Ronan off,” she recalls. “It became a social outing for me too.”
Joining the Umbrella Family
In 2003, an unexpected conversation changed Alisha’s life once again.
While completing paperwork for one of Umbrella’s services, staff members Rachel and Jenny mentioned that there were vacancies within the organisation and encouraged her to apply.
She did — and never looked back.
Starting in the administration team at Umbrella’s base at Milner House, Alisha quickly became part of the charity she had first encountered as a parent.
Over the years, she worked across several roles, including Volunteer Services, where she supported volunteers delivering services that gave families precious breaks from their caring responsibilities.
Her role involved checking in with volunteers, ensuring they felt supported, and helping them develop within the organisation.
Looking back, she describes working alongside Umbrella’s volunteers as a privilege.
Supporting Families Through Shared Experience
Of all the roles Alisha held at Umbrella, becoming a Family Support Worker was the one that meant the most.
As a parent herself, she understood first-hand the emotions, worries, frustrations and triumphs that families often experience.
Because she had walked a similar path, parents felt comfortable opening up to her.
“There is a saying that you must walk in someone else’s shoes to fully understand their perspective, feelings and challenges,” Alisha reflects.
Her ability to empathise made her a trusted source of support for countless families across Derby City and Southern Derbyshire.
Creating Connections
Throughout her career, Alisha helped create opportunities for families to come together, share experiences and build support networks.
She particularly enjoyed organising annual Carers Week celebrations, alongside popular carers’ spa days that gave parents and carers the chance to relax, recharge and spend time with others who understood their experiences.
Facilitating parent carer support groups was another highlight.
These groups became places where friendships were formed, challenges were shared, and achievements were celebrated.
As Alisha recalls, many tissues were used during those sessions — not only because of difficult moments, but because families were celebrating milestones they once thought might never be possible.
A Family Affair
Umbrella’s impact extended far beyond Alisha’s own role.
The charity became woven into the lives of her entire family.
When Ronan moved onto the Young Adult Project, Alisha was reassured knowing he was nearby while she worked. She could drop him off with his support worker before heading to her office, confident that he was happy, safe and well supported.
Her husband, Declan, has also played an active role within Umbrella, sharing the family’s experiences through training sessions for staff and volunteers and helping people understand the realities of caring for a young person with complex needs.
Today, he continues to support the charity through his involvement with the White Swan fundraising team, organising events including charity golf days, auctions and family fun days.
Their daughter Cathrina also volunteers at Umbrella’s Tuesday Youth Club and remains passionate about supporting young people with additional needs.
Growing up alongside Ronan gave her a deep understanding of the challenges and vulnerabilities many families face. The bond between brother and sister remains incredibly strong.
As Alisha says simply, “He absolutely adores her.”
Looking Ahead
After 23 years of service, Alisha will retire from Umbrella in July.
Reflecting on her journey, she remains passionate about the importance of the charity and the role it plays within the community.
“I often wonder where families would be without Umbrella,” she says.
“The charity provides information, advice, guidance and support that empowers parents and carers while helping families access the right support at the right time.”
Her story represents something that has always been at the heart of Umbrella — families supporting families, lived experience creating understanding, and communities coming together to ensure no one faces challenges alone.
As she prepares for retirement, Alisha leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication and advocacy that has helped shape the lives of countless families across Derby City and Southern Derbyshire.
Her final message to colleagues is simple but heartfelt:
“Keep doing what you are doing. You truly are superheroes.”
