Our mission
Lighthouse Families exists to provide inclusive, bespoke and holistic support to children with Additional Learning Needs and their families.
We empower parents through practical guidance, advocacy and emotional support, helping them navigate education and support systems with confidence.
Our work is led by lived experience and grounded in evidence-based, strengths-focused practice that recognises every child’s potential.
The Story Behind Lighthouse Families
Lighthouse Families was born from lived experience and a simple belief: no family should have to navigate the journey of Additional Learning Needs alone.
Every day, parents and carers find themselves trying to understand diagnoses, navigate complex systems, advocate within education settings, and access the support their children need. For many, the journey can feel overwhelming, isolating, and uncertain.
The experiences that inspired Lighthouse Families mirror those of countless families across Wales. Whilst every family's story is different, many face similar challenges: a lack of information, difficulties accessing support, and the pressure of constantly having to fight for the best outcomes for their children.
That's why Lighthouse Families exists.
We provide guidance, support, advocacy, and community connection to help families feel informed, empowered, and confident in navigating their journey. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and that no child's future should be limited by barriers to understanding, support, or opportunity.
Our name reflects this purpose. Just as a lighthouse provides guidance and reassurance through difficult conditions, Lighthouse Families exists to help families find clarity, confidence, and hope during challenging times.
Our values
Inclusion
We believe every child and family belongs. We work to remove barriers, celebrate diversity and create welcoming spaces where all families feel safe, respected and heard.
Empathy
We build relationships based on honesty, understanding and respect. Families trust us because we understand their journey.
Collaboration
We work alongside families, schools, professionals, and communities to achieve the best outcomes for children.
Our approach
Strengths-based
We focus on what children can do. We champion abilities, interests and resilience, supporting families to build on strengths alongside addressing challenges.
Bespoke support
No two families are the same. We tailor our support to individual needs, listening first and responding with care, flexibility and compassion.
Evidence-informed
Our work is guided by lived experience, professional knowledge and evidence-based practice. We continually reflect, learn and improve to ensure our support is effective and meaningful.
"I cannot recommend Lighthouse Families highly enough.
Support like this is genuinely rare. When you are navigating the system as a parent of a child with additional learning needs, it can often feel confusing, overwhelming, and at times, isolating. What Lighthouse Families offer goes far beyond basic advice—they provide clear, practical guidance and, more importantly, they go the extra mile to help you access the right support, not just any support.
From my own experience, the level of care, knowledge, and commitment has been outstanding. The advice and signposting I’ve received has been precise, relevant, and tailored to my situation, which makes all the difference when you are trying to ensure your child’s needs are properly recognised and met.
A special thank you to Elizabeth Morris (Lizzie), who has been approachable, efficient, and incredibly supportive throughout. Having someone who genuinely understands the system—and is willing to stand alongside you while you navigate it—is invaluable.
This is a service that truly makes a difference. I would strongly recommend Lighthouse Families to any parent who needs guidance, clarity, and real support during what can otherwise be a very difficult process".
MJ.
Parent of child with diagnosed ALN, who accessed services including, home visit, support with school processes and support with navigating legal ALN frame works.
Our team
Lizzie Morris
Manager
Lighthouse Families is managed by Elizabeth (Lizzie) Morris, a qualified teacher, advocate and parent of a child with complex Additional Learning Needs.
Through her own experiences navigating education, healthcare and support services, Lizzie understands how overwhelming the journey can feel for families. She knows the importance of having someone who can provide clear guidance, practical support and a listening ear when it is needed most.
Alongside her lived experience, Lizzie brings more than a decade of professional experience supporting children and young people with disabilities and Additional Learning Needs across education and care settings throughout Wales.
Lighthouse Families was created to ensure that no family feels they are navigating this journey alone. By combining professional expertise with genuine understanding, Lizzie is passionate about helping families feel informed, empowered and confident in advocating for their children.
lizzie@lighthousefamilies.org
Franck Banza
Founder and Chair of Trustees
Franck is a social entrepreneur, community leader, and Founder of Lighthouse Families. He is passionate about creating solutions to the challenges faced by individuals and communities, using enterprise, innovation, and collaboration to drive positive social change.
As the father of four children, including two autistic children, Franck brings invaluable lived experience to the charity. His family's journey navigating diagnoses, education settings, and support services inspired the creation of Lighthouse Families and continues to inform its work today.
As Chair of Trustees, Franck provides strategic leadership and oversight, helping to ensure the charity delivers meaningful support to families whilst championing greater awareness, and equitable outcomes for children with Additional Learning Needs. He is committed not only to supporting families today, but to influencing long-term change that creates a more inclusive future for generations to come.
Kim Mamhende
Trustee and Secretary
As Trustee and Secretary of Lighthouse Families, Kim supports the governance, development, and sustainability of the charity.
Professionally, Kim has extensive experience in income generation, organisational growth, and community engagement. She is passionate about equity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for people to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Kim is committed to helping Lighthouse Families grow its impact and ensure that children with Additional Learning Needs and their families receive the support, understanding, and opportunities they deserve.
Our vision
A society where children with Additional Learning Needs can reach their full potential, supported by informed, confident families and inclusive communities.