59 Eastgate
North Newbald
York YO43 4SD

The School For Life Team

Previously living and working in Siret during 1991 - 1994 this team returned to the UK, to set up support systems to empower the growing Scoala Pentru Viata Romanian team to manage and develop the work both at the centre and within the neuro-psychiatric hospital.

Sylvia Gurr - Experienced in working with people with profound learning difficulties. She worked in Romania for 3 years from the beginning of 1992, helping to run and develop the project. She now lives in London and works as a mental health worker with homeless adults and has recently completed her MA in integrative child psychotherapy. Sylvia is now researching ways to raise enough funds to see the closure of the institution and support the de-institutionalisation process. This is through the building of small group homes and setting up of client centred care planning frameworks for all those still residing in the hospital.

Dave Emptage - 15 years experience working with people with profound and moderate learning disabilities in long stay residential homes. Worked in Romania for 2 years bringing his experience and his music to the great appreciation of the residents, staff teams and the local people. Now living in Lancaster and using his experience and music to continue to raise finance and awareness.

Marianne Lownsborough - A playworker of 20 years who now runs an assessment and training centre for Playwork covering the Yorkshire region. Worked in Siret from 1991 for over 2 years, bringing different expertise within the team and leading the work of the volunteers. Lives at the charity address with her husband the treasurer.

William Gould - A University Lecturer who worked in Siret as part of the team for over 2 years, where he met and later married his wife Olivia who comes from Siret. They now live in Harrogate and ensure good communication and translation between the UK and Romanian teams.

Phil and Lizzy Keetley - Met while they were living and working in Romania over a two year period. Phil a long term trustee is now a Major in the British Army. Lizzy a qualified social worker is able to bring her knowledge and expertise of independent living to the team. Phil and Lizzy are responsible for the newsletter.

Katie Sessions - A qualified teacher now works in Glasgow teaching children with special needs. She lived and worked in Siret for over 2 years and has been actively involved ever since with fund raising and publicity.

Ruth Brown - A qualified teacher who lived and worked in Siret for nearly 2 years, now living in Glasgow she gives much support with fund raising and publicity.

Keith Lownsborough - Treasurer - The only member of the team who did not live and work in Siret. He has been the backbone of the work in the UK running the accounts for over 11 years and ensuring good finance systems are kept in place. He is working through his exams to be a management accountant while working in cost management at BAE Systems.

If you would like to contact any of the team please do so via info@schoolforliferomania.org

Keith, Marianne, Anna, Phil, Dave, Sylvia and Frodo the dog

Phil enjoying painting in the hospital, 1993

Dave playing rock and roll!

Ruth playing with the kids in 1993

Will and his Fender Stratocaster!

Lizzy warming herself by the campfire...