Inspiring self‑belief and inclusive practice, so individuals and services can grow with confidence and connection
Risewell Pathways was created by Sue Funge, whose lived experience and leadership have been unlocking potential and shaping inclusive futures for nearly four decades. Drawing on this foundation, Sue has developed the website and written most of the resources to date, each designed to empower schools, services, and communities.
Sue is deeply committed to building a fairer, more inclusive society. Her journey combines a traditional upbringing with a rich tapestry of lived experience. The birth of her Black son of mixed heritage was a transformative milestone—reshaping both her personal perspective and professional path. It deepened her awareness of racial inequality and inspired her to seek out resources that celebrated his identity while challenging the biases embedded in mainstream education.
Pursuing a degree in Education and Sociology sharpened Sue’s understanding of systemic racism and its generational impact. Determined to foster change, she founded the Black Child Mixed Parentage Group in Oxford and co‑authored Celebrating Identity (Trentham Books, 1996)—a resource manual supporting identity formation and inclusion. Its launch marked the beginning of her freelance career, specialising in positive racial identity, inclusive education, and equity‑driven practice.
Over the past 30 years, Sue has worked across education and community sectors—as a lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, an A Level and Open University tutor, and Curriculum Manager for Oxfordshire Adult Learning. She has supported Black students as an Achievement Officer and held roles as a youth worker, family worker, and community development lead. As founder of Starlight, a community interest company, she has led diversity initiatives and managed accredited learning projects tailored to local needs.
Her work has been recognised nationally: whilst working for Oxfordshire Adult Learning, she was a finalist for the Association of Colleges Beacon Award for Social Mobility & Widening Participation (2019) for establishing community‑based learning hubs, and received the Support for Students Award (2022) for A Carer’s Journey, a programme for unpaid carers.
Throughout her career, Sue has prioritised collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Her resources have supported meaningful progress for individuals, communities, and organisations—grounded in emotional intelligence, equity, and lived experience.
Beverley Harry
Role: Anti-racism educator and consultant with over 25 years’ experience in schools and community settings
Connection to Risewell Pathways: Co-author of An Anti-Racist Toolkit for Educators, supporting whole-school transformation and inclusive practice
Values: Committed to racial equity, lifelong learning, and creating spaces where every voice is valued.
Sarah Brown
Role: Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Trainer, Lecturer in Counselling Studies
Connection to Risewell Pathways: Co-author of Building a Thriving Workplace.
Values: Respecting human rights and dignity; enhancing people’s wellbeing and capabilities along with increasing personal resilience and effectiveness.
Maria Cross
Drawing on her experience in coaching, mentoring, and personal development.
Karen Ariss
With extensive experience supporting families and schools around mental health and resilience. Her insights will shape upcoming resources focused on wellbeing and recovery.