Working to support inclusion, promote equality and challenge assumptions about learning disability and autism.
For over 100 years, at the Elfrida Society we've believed that people with learning disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else, to be heard, included, valued and able to live the life they choose.
That belief has never changed.
Our new look reflects who we are today and our ambition for the future. But our purpose remains the same: standing alongside people, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities that help everyone thrive.
Because when people are empowered, communities grow stronger. When barriers are challenged, opportunities open up. And when we create change together, everyone benefits.
Together, we're building a future where everyone belongs.
Find Out More About: The Story Behind Our New Identity
We respect the experience of our staff, volunteers and supported employees, which include people with a learning disability and/or autism.
We believe in every person's potential. We empower people with the confidence, skills and opportunities to realise their ambitions, embrace new possibilities and shape their own future.
We value co-production and seek the input of volunteers and the community we support "our beneficiaries" in all the work we do.
We are challenging and courageous advocates on behalf of our 'beneficiaries' with local and national institutions in order to achieve our vision and mission.
We believe lasting change happens when people work together. Through honest, trusted partnerships, we empower individuals, influence systems and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
We value equality and diversity and strive to give equality of opportunity. We believe the organisation and society is enriched by its diversity.
In October 2022 we engaged our staff and volunteers, our board of trustees and service user representatives in some exciting thinking about our strategy and future ambitions.
Learn about the Elfrida Society's work priorities to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties here:
For over 100 years, The Elfrida Society has supported people with learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties (LDAD).
Our mission is to help people take control of their own lives. We do this through advocacy, user-led consultation, research, and fun social activities. We want to create a world where everyone can live independently, make connections, and find happiness and success.
Celebrate our long history and great work by watching our short Centenary video. Together, let’s keep working for a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.
See the journey of The Elfrida Society in our inspiring Centenary video. Watch now!
Elfrida Rathbone
In 1916, Elfrida Rathbone began teaching in Kings Cross at a special kindergarten started by her cousin, for children deemed ‘ineducable’. In 1919 Elfrida established an Occupation Centre in Kings Cross for ‘ineducable’ children excluded from school and recruited supporters to sit on the Care Committees of Islington’s Special Schools. She formed a Girls’ Club in 1923, followed by a Married Girls’ Class with a creche, and in 1930 established a befriending scheme for children in institutions.
The Elfrida Society was founded in 1919 by Elfrida Rathbone to campaign on behalf of those who needed more support in life. Over 100 years later, the Elfrida Society remains a cherished part of the community at the forefront of support to those with learning disability and/or autism or learning difficulties, in Islington and in recent years across London, and English counties.
Dolly has led The Elfrida Society since 2019, driving its growth as a leading specialist charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people. She is passionate about creating opportunities, tackling inequality and ensuring people with learning disabilities have a strong voice in shaping the services and communities around them.
With over 20 years of leadership experience across the voluntary sector, including senior roles at the Refugee Council, Toynbee Hall and Age UK Bromley & Greenwich, Dolly has a proven track record of leading organisational change, developing innovative services and building strong partnerships that deliver lasting impact. Her vision is simple: to empower people, challenge barriers and create a society where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.
Victoria joined the Board of Trustees in 2024. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Victoria trained at a Big Four accounting firm and has worked as a forensic accountant since 2006. She specialises in providing expert witness and expert advisory services in relation to the quantification of losses and valuation of businesses for commercial litigation and international arbitration. Victoria holds a BSc from UCL in Statistics and Operational Research. In addition to her professional experience, Victoria brings her personal experience as the mother of a child living with learning disabilities. Outside of work Victoria enjoys travelling with her family and park runs with her dog.
Martin, has been a dedicated member of the Elfrida Society for approximately 10 years, actively involved in consultation, co-production and quality assurance work. Martin’s practical knowledge as a caregiver to his wheelchair-using mother, coupled with his advocacy skills, makes his contributions unique representing the voice and concerns of disabled residents in Islington. Martin is engaged in various roles, including the Islington Learning Disability Partnership Board and the “Community Mile” program, encouraging and engaging peers in sports and exercise programs. He is an enthusiastic supporter of Arsenal Football Club, and he enjoys playing tennis and cricket in his spare time.
Adrian has been a dedicated member of the Elfrida Society for over eleven years, actively involved in consultation, research and co-production work. As a spokesperson, he ensures that the voices of his peers shape service development, emphasising accessibility. Adrian, as a wheelchair user, brings valuable insights into mobility and access needs. He passionately challenges societal perceptions around disability, advocating for inclusion. In addition to serving on Elfrida’s Board of Trustees, Adrian has contributed to external projects including being a spokesperson at the 2023 Worldwide Disability Conference in Helsinki. Beyond his commitments, he supports Chelsea Football Club and enjoys being a DJ.
Samira, with a finance background and 15 years of experience in local government, investment banks, and the private sector, brings over 20 years of international experience, collaborating with development agencies, research organisations, and governments. Her expertise spans various areas, including Policy and Strategy Development, Resource Mobilisation, Advocacy, Strategic Partnerships, Restructuring, Change Management, Government Advisory, Financial Management, and Agricultural Sector Development with a focus on Food Systems Transformation. Beyond Samira’s professional pursuits, she has a passion for exploring new places and immersing herself in different cultures and learning about wildlife.
Alex was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees in March 2026, following Patience’s departure after many years of dedicated service to The Elfrida Society.
A qualified social worker with a BSc (Hons) in Social Work and a postgraduate qualification in Autism, Alex has extensive experience in learning disabilities, autism and social care. Having held senior leadership roles in local government and worked in the technology sector, he brings a unique blend of strategic, operational and digital expertise to the Board.
As Chair, Alex is committed to strengthening Elfrida’s impact through strong governance, innovation and a shared vision of empowering people, challenging inequality and creating lasting change.
Inarm has been a Board of Trustees Member since April 2018. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Centa Co, an organisation in Chatham that provides day services for adults with learning disabilities. He also runs an organisation called AutiQuest, which is focused on supporting autistic adults to gain employment and supporting them once in work, as well as training companies on how best to support them in the workplace. Inarm graduated from the University of London with a First-class Honours degree in Business Administration and is currently studying Applied Neuroscience at postgraduate level at King’s College, London, with a particular interest in the genetic and environmental causes of autism.
Tony has been a Board of Trustees Member since Mar 2026. He is the Inclusion and Engagement Manager at Generate, where he has spent over five years championing the voices of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. Drawing on his own lived experience, he supports people to speak up for themselves, influence services and tackle health inequalities through initiatives including the Generate Voices group and the Easy Health website.
Tony is passionate about making information accessible and understands the vital role that Easy Read information plays in enabling people to make informed choices and exercise their rights.
As a long-standing Islington resident, Sarah is actively involved in her local community and has worked closely with a wide range of local services, using her voice to represent the community and advocate for more accessible, inclusive and person-centred support. She is particularly passionate about improving opportunities and reducing inequalities for autistic and neurodivergent people.
Sarah’s insight, lived experience and dedication to influencing positive change make an important contribution to Elfrida’s Board and its vision of empowering people, challenging inequality and creating lasting change.
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