Dr Andrew Cooper

I have been a trustee of ParaPride since April 2019 and I bring more than 25 years’ experience in grant-making and social change. I designed and managed youth and health programmes at The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, as well as initiatives to ban cluster bombs globally and reduce youth imprisonment in the UK at The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. I also managed UK and overseas grant programmes at the National Lottery Community Fund. I have degrees in Business Administration and Sociology, with a PhD and published book focusing on ‘Changing Gay Male Identities’. I am also on a research ethics committee at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. As gay man with autism, I am aware of the challenges (and strengths) that intersections between identities can bring. I am passionate about helping other people from diverse backgrounds to lead fulfilling lives. My current day job is as Interim Chief Executive of the Vision Catalyst Fund, a new global charity which is catalysing new money to bring permanent access to eye care to all those who need it. I am proud of being a trustee of ParaPride as a community led organisation which listens to the needs of our focus communities, highlights their stories and works towards positive change in society.