Melissa Simmonds

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT MELISSA SIMMONDS

I am a passionate and purpose-driven equity leader with over 15 years\' experience working across health and social care, community development, and voluntary sector partnerships. As a proud Black autistic woman and mother of two autistic children, I bring lived, learned, and professional expertise to every space I enter.Throughout my career, I’ve worked across frontline mental health services, co-produced with marginalised communities, and shaped strategic programmes that challenge structural inequality. I specialise in:Equity-focused leadership and anti-oppressive practiceAutism and neurodivergence awareness (especially in Black communities)Health inequalities and culturally appropriate careCo-production, community engagement, and system transformationInclusive education, training, and policy influenceI’ve founded campaigns such as MisTÂûght and Black History Month for Dummies & White Teachers to tackle stigma and spark learning around race, disability, and inclusion—delivering talks across schools, NHS trusts, conferences, and media platforms including the BBC documentary “My Autism and Me.”My achievements include:Leading a citywide reduction in restrictive practices in inpatient careBuilding the Autism Partnership Network across Sheffield\'s VCSSupporting the development of equity toolkits (LGBTQIA+, anti-ableism, etc.) for staffMentoring emerging leaders from racially and culturally marginalised backgroundsWhat drives me is simple: I want my children—and others like them—to grow up in a world that sees their value, meets their needs, and celebrates their identities. My work is about building that world, one relationship, one policy, one system at a time.Always open to meaningful collaboration, speaking opportunities, and partnerships that align with justice, care, and collective liberation.