It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Sean Tomlinson. Sean was a proud Learning Disability Nurse who spent many years working in the Sunderland locality. He was Team Leader of the Special Projects Team, a nationally recognised service for people with learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge and later became one of the first Psychological Therapists within the Trust, based at Hillview Clinic.  Sean was one of the most talented clinicians we have had the good fortune to work with, someone who thrived on working with people with the most challenging and complex needs. He had a unique way of working, grounded in compassion and understanding that brought great results for people. 

Sean later trained as a Family Therapist and taught on the Northumbria University Systemic Family Therapy course, supervising many students alongside his clinical work within Children’s Services. It was inspiring watching Sean work with families and the way he could facilitate the most difficult but helpful conversations, always making sure the person with learning disabilities had a voice and was never overlooked.

These words by Emily Barber, fellow Family Therapist, capture the essence of who Sean was;

‘My experience of him, was as a wonderfully, caring, compassionate, creative and witty human being, who tirelessly fought to create a safe therapeutic space for those who were often marginalised,  to hear and validate their stories and experiences, talking and listening together to find helpful ways forward. He leaves a very big hole in my life.’

Socially Sean was great fun, with a dry sense of humour, the provider of flashing, neon items and other pound shop tat on nights out, notorious for leaving part way through the night and heading off in the wrong direction, but always finding his way home. We will miss him. He leaves a big hole in the lives of the many people he touched and especially his pride and joy, his children Emily and Luke, both of whom he loved very dearly.

Forever in our hearts Sean x

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.