About The Fidget Project
Why was the Fidget Project started?
The Fidget Project is a community-based organisation supporting children withsensory and neurodivergent needs, and their families, across the South Hams.
We provide practical support, resources and inclusive spaces to help children feel understood and supported in everyday life.
We also support parents, carers and educators with guidance and strategies to navigate situations that can feel overwhelming.
Our Team
Lynne Tarrab-Snooks
Co-Founder / Director
I have worked in the world of education and therapy for decades. Nearly 30 years ago, I co-created, with three other committed women, a training and assessment programme for schools called The Thrive Approach ™. School was a sanctuary for me as a child and I have always wanted to do my best to support state education. Since having a wonderful son who is diagnosed as having an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), I have been learning so much more about Special Educational Needs and, in particular, Sensory Processing Differences.
I have worked as a primary, secondary, and community teacher, an adviser and Authority Inspector in schools, an OFSTED inspector, and an international Consultant for Human Rights Education in Estonia and Latvia; a Wellbeing Consultant for School Improvement and Inclusion for ISEIC (International School Effectiveness and Improvement Centre) and CELSI (Centre for Education Leadership and School Improvement) and the Council of Europe. I am a retired Integrative Psychotherapist M.Sc., with practices in London and Devon.
I co-wrote the first MA course in Emotional Literacy for Children for the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education/Centre for Child Mental Health (IATE/CCMH) and as Education Officer, I set up the original education project for the Minority Rights Group with Nikki van Der Gaag.
One heartfelt priority for me now, is to improve the provision for children with Sensory Processing Differences so that the brilliance, talents, and perspectives of children, like my son, can be recognised and supported in schools.
Matt Harvey
Director
I’m a writer, a poet and performer who publishes books, broadcasts on radio and fidgets every day. My work has been mostly for adults but I’ve also written picture books, song cycles and one musical for children. I’ve worked in schools with all ages, appeared at festivals and conferences including mental health, education, and ecology, and undertaken residencies and commissions for a range of organisations from ITM Power to the All-England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon.
As father of adopted twins, at least one of whom is neurodivergent, and a late diagnosed AuDHD person myself, I’m currently learning new and incredibly helpful terms and concepts – until recently I’d not even heard of SPDs. I recognise the value of identifying and supporting children with Sensory Processing Difficulties, both directly and also by informing and supporting the adults around them.
Candace Gerlach
Director
Candace is the founder of The Conscious Marketing Group, a strategy-led creative consultancy that blends human insight and creativity to build brands with purpose, personality, and impact. With over 15 years’ experience in brand strategy and marketing leadership, she has helped organisations of all sizes connect meaningfully with the people they serve.
As a Director of The Fidget Project, Candace brings her expertise in conscious communications, storytelling, and audience engagement to support the Project’s mission. Her values-driven approach and deep commitment to representation ensure that underrepresented communities are seen, heard, and supported.
In her role, Candace focuses on strategic direction, brand amplification, and supporting the team to expand the reach and impact of this vital initiative.
Catherine Lowndes (MA, PhD, honMFPH*)
Non Executive Director
Catherine Lowndes has over 30 years of experience as an epidemiologist and public health academic, specialising in prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in the UK and globally. She is currently a lead epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency. She is highly experienced in research and methods for evaluation of the impact of public health interventions. She will help us to design and implement our data collection ofr research purposes.
*Honorary Member of The Faculty of Public Health
Will Folan-Conray
Non-Executive Director
As a Non-Executive Director for The Fidget Project, I will be leveraging my extensive experience in senior Global Sales and Marketing as well as multiple roles as a Research Director, specialising in the application of behavioural science in both commercial and social projects, to further contribute to strategic communication, strong stakeholder relationships, and impactful partnerships aligned with our mission and to significantly enhance the impact and reach of our vital initiatives.
I bring a passion for fostering collaboration and driving excellence, honed through years in commercial leadership. My solution-oriented approach, combining strategic and financial acumen with strong organisational skills, will be instrumental in supporting The Fidget Project's objectives.
My unique perspective and experience, shaped by a background as a professional actor alongside training in integrative psychotherapy and advanced qualitative research, combined with my wider business experience and over a decade of applying behavioural science to real-world challenges, will assist The Fidget Project's strategies and goals and maximising our social impact within the community.
I am deeply aligned with the mission of the Fidget Project and am genuinely happy to contribute my diverse skills and experience to actively support its goals and work towards creating meaningful social change.
Hannah Noyce
Finance / Administration
I first worked in the charity sector in 2015 within the finance team of Citizens Advice Plymouth. Continuing as Finance Coordinator until 2020 when I left to focus on my family. I continued to work on a self employed basis assisting small businesses with their bookkeeping and financial and business reporting.
As a parent of two young children I think any resources we can pour into supporting our education system are invaluable. I am really excited to be working with the Fidget Project and supporting our younger generation with any challenges they face.
Alison Smart
Volunteer Co-ordinator
I have worked 1:1 with children with additional needs for over 20 years.
I have always been a passionate believer in helping children to live their best life.
I have worked as their support and advocate, as sensitive to their needs as I knew how.
This project is opening my eyes to understand some of the children’s behaviours differently.
When children are sidelined, it negatively affects their self esteem and can limit their path in life.
I support TFP because it is identifying something I had noticed but had no name for.
I am working with this project to raise awareness.
I want to encourage others to join us to make an important change in education and our community.
“I need to be here to help; Come and join us ."
Anusha Suresh
Fundraising & Social Media Intern
Anusha is a marketing and sustainability professional with a deep passion for building meaningful connections and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. With experience across content creation, digital campaigns, and community-focused storytelling, she uses creativity and strategy to help organisations communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Motivated by her commitment to inclusion and her growing understanding of neurodiversity, Anusha is driven to support children and families who face everyday challenges that often go unseen. Her work is shaped by her belief that awareness and understanding can open doors, strengthen communities, and empower neurodiverse young people to thrive as their authentic selves.
In her role at The Fidget Project, Anusha supports fundraising efforts and leads on digital storytelling: creating content that celebrates the voices of neurodiverse children, highlights lived experiences, and brings the Project’s mission to life. She loves working with TFP because it aligns with her values of empathy, representation, and community-driven change, and because every piece of content contributes to a future where differences are recognised, accepted, and supported.
Get Involved
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support can help us reach more children and families in need. Together, we can create a positive impact and empower those with special needs.