Meet the team
Our team members have lived experience of disability, and a shared vision to make the world an accessible place for everyone. Find out more about the people behind The Disability Union.

George Baker
Founder
I’m George, I’m 30 years old, live near Southampton and have Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. I’m passionate about making the world a more inclusive place for disabled people and doing whatever I can to increase the opportunities available to people like us. Outside of work I love music, video games and am involved in local politics. Like many people however, I’m most happy sat around with a bunch of friends talking nonsense and drinking JD and coke.
I started The Disability Union because I believe the only way to further disability rights and increase inclusion is for all disabled people to work together and support each other to get our voices heard and our needs met.

Lauren Toovey
HR & Finance Manager
Hey, I’m Lauren! In my spare time, you can find me playing with my 4 rescue kittens, planning my next holiday, or watching the latest Disney movie. I recently graduated with a degree in Health and Social Care. I studied part-time at The Open University as this allowed me to focus on my career at the same time. I started caring for George in 2014, and we soon became close friends with the same passion for helping people in similar positions to George. In 2018, we created the award-winning Accessible Media Agency, which employed multiple people with disabilities around the world.
In 2020 we decided this wasn’t enough and we wanted to do more, and that’s when The Disability Union was born! I’m very excited to be working for The Disability Union and helping unite and support the disabled community.

FI ANDERSON
Senior Complex Needs Casework Manager
Fi specialises in helping our members who have complex situations and/or complex needs.
Fi lives in Bolton with her partner and children and is passionate about campaigning for disability rights and access to facilities such as Changing Places.

KARLA FIDO
Chief Casework Engagement Manager & Liaison
Hi! I live with my husband and adorable cat Bella. When I’m not glued to an audiobook or my kindle, I like gardening, seeing family, and enjoying the sun…when we have it!
I have hidden disabilities and have had to live through the judgemental attitudes of society.
I joined the union as a member in need of help and they helped me realise my voice was loud enough to not only help myself but others too.
I have training in equality and diversity, mental health, depression, and CBT and the life experiences of discrimination and battling and justifying a condition where I look ‘fine’ 90% of the time.
I’m passionate about helping others achieve what they deserve in life, regardless of whatever bumps are in the way.

emily haywood-smith
Community Engagement Officer
Hi, I’m Emily. I live in Winchester in Hampshire. I enjoy wheelchair dance, netball and martial arts. I love watching sport, especially rugby and netball.

Kirsty Smillie
Strategic Development Officer

TOM LEWINGTON
Community & Admin Assistant

ABI JAMES-MILLER
Campaign Officer

Brooke Woods
Community Assistant & Caseworker
Hi I’m Brooke! I’m a community assistant and I also help out a little with some casework. If you call us up it’ll probably be me you speak to! I am a Disney fanatic, and I have the tattoos to prove it! I love all things animals, my favourites are horses and dogs! I’ve got two bunnies called Flopsy and Mopsy, because who doesn’t like Peter Rabbit right?
I’ve worked as a domiciliary carer since I was 18 and I have a passion for supporting people who need it. I love my job, as I now have the opportunity to help, support, and advocate for so many more people across a much wider area. I am really looking forward to this journey and watching the Disability Union expand and seeing our members grow in numbers and voice!
Ready to get started?
Get in touch, or become a member today: