Laura Smith, OBE

Laura’s role at ANGUSalive is all about developing and delivering exciting, innovative and highly engaging programmes across all service areas to facilitate participation for all, enabling all Angus residents and communities to improve their well-being by pursuing their interests, aspirations and potential. Basically making sure that when we talk about inclusion and diversity, ANGUSalive’s commitment is more than just words and which have a direct impact on the lives of people within Angus.

Laura explains more on her role, she said:

“Many moons ago when I worked in the Reporter to the Children’s Panel Office, one of my friends invited me along to a disability sports club. That was my lightbulb moment, I decided there and then that I wanted to work with people with a disability and I’ve been captivated ever since.” For her it’s all about helping to create change for every individual or family through building skills, adapting services or assisting with modifications to make sure everyone has that sense of belonging and feeling of being part of a community.”

Laura continues:

“I love that my role allows me to build relationships with children, adults, families and colleagues as I believe strong relationships are a great foundation for positive outcomes and achievements. I always feel privileged that people share so much of their lives with me, I feel it helps me do a better job and sometimes the most important thing I can do is be part of their team and journey.”

Laura is a Director of Special Olympics Great Britain and the Special Olympics Scotland Chair, and was the first woman to Lead a Special Olympics GB Team to a European and World Games. She is also a short break foster carer for Barnardo’s, and is passionate about making sure children and families receive the care and protection they need.