Eric Knows with Ella Bains

Eric Knows

In the first of our series on customer service we follow the early life, influences and career of an entrepreneur and campaigner Ella Bains.

From her early years in a rural setting just outside Leeds, Yorkshire, Ella discovered that school would provide some tough experiences which she endured until she arrived in the 6th form and life took a positive turn. A school trip to Paris and specifically the Louvre, ignited a deep seated passion for art, although that was put to one side, as parental influence led to a degree choice and career in occupational therapy.

A 20 year career helping patients with a variety of injuries and conditions, primarily spinal in nature, highlighted the challenges faced when your life is turned upside down. The quality of life you once enjoyed and took for granted is lost and a period of significant adjustment begins. Those who suffer life changing events become suddenly aware of how life may be viewed by others born with a disability or diagnosed as neurodiverse.

Ella had hit a plateau and despite the beautiful distractions of twins and an amazing son, diagnosed with autism, something was missing. The knowledge and experience Ella had gained in those 20 years should count toward something more, make a real difference (not that she'd been idle in those 20 years). That itch to develop a business took shape as the idea of Eric Knows formed and the opportunity to improve that life quality for those all too often overlooked in society, who prefer to stay home than be a burden on a day out, or cause difficulties for friends and family.

Eric Knows depicted by an inquisitive Koala, as its logo, is a community interest company that has the ambition to improve lives and open the world up to those previously unable or lacking the confidence and capability to enjoy it. Google may be a go to for pretty much every question you may have but its findings all too often miss the mark especially with the needs of many communities.

As Eric is prompted to lift his telescope he can find the right venue and approach to comfortably watch a sporting occasion, visit the theatre, go to the park or see a famous landmark. Supported by her team of researchers and bloggers Ella and Eric are building a valuable knowledge bank tailored to those whose lives are in need of a lift.

Bio – Ella Bains – Founder of Eric Knows

In Ella’s own words, “Probably autistic, amazing autistic son, passionate about neurodiversity. Founder of Eric Knows; finding things to do, being INCLUSIVE. Experienced Occupational Therapist, working with those with life changing injuries.”

Ella has worked as a Therapist and a Rehabilitation Coordinator for nearly 20 years, and during this time she has encountered incredible people working to provide essential services. In her role Ella worked hard to assist people to find resources to support their needs but sometimes, in fact more often than not there wasn’t a simple answer or one place to go to, this was the seed for Eric. Eric is about the quality-of-life events and excursions that we can take for granted but are often hard to access for many with underlying conditions or special needs. Eric is about the fun stuff but also provides essential information on health resources, charities, and community support. As the knowledge bank grows Eric is in turn growing and putting local services and expertise on the map. The aim of Eric is that he is inclusive, so the gap between mainstream and specialist resources gets closed.

Website: https://ericknows.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericknowsnorth Instagram: https://instagram.com/ericknowsnorth