Lou grew up in Brighton and Hove and then studied at University in Manchester, graduating with a degree in ‘Speech Pathology and Therapy’ in 1991. She worked in the NHS as a Speech and Language Therapist for 21 years specialising in autism, until leaving in 2012 to set up her own independent business in which she trains teachers on how to support children with communication difficulties within the classroom. She continues to do this one day a week.

Lou also volunteers for the Littlehampton Community Fridge, a local CIC in which waste food is collected and distributed within the local community to reduce landfill and minimise unnecessary food waste.

Lou’s favourite hobbies are walking the South Downs and upcycling mid-century furniture.

Simon spent his early childhood in Kent before moving to Sussex where he’s been ever since, with the exception of his university years. He studied ‘Politics’ at degree level in Plymouth and then moved onto the University of Kent for his masters in ‘Political Theory’.

He has been in property management for the past 20 years, working this alongside his 25-year role as a volunteer for a local mental health charity.

He currently enjoys playing golf and tennis to a high standard.