Nikita Somaiya

Profile

Biography

Hello, my name is Nikita Somaiya (Niki). I first joined the SUPA Group in 2019 as I wanted to bring awareness to what it is like to be a younger person with care and support needs living independently. 

I have a disability known as Cerebral Palsy which affects my mobility, particularly my legs which means that I use a powerchair and crutches to get about. I also discuss the further impact my hidden impairments - such as dyslexia, asthma, and diabetes - have on my life, on top of my mobility struggles. 

Aside from contributing to disability aspects, I have also shared my experiences on other topics such as welfare, race, gender, and social work education as I am also an ex Masters in Social Work student at York. This has been done through creating and delivering teaching content, reviewing journals, and partnership working with BASW and other universities. I am currently volunteering for a mental health crisis café and doing SUPA-related work. My recent paid roles include ones in advocacy and community social prescribing.