Stockport governors

I have been a public governor for Pennine Care since 2008 and became interim lead governor in February 2025.

I have worked tirelessly to ensure mental health has remained high on the agenda for change.

I qualified as a social worker and obtained a diploma in Psychiatry in 1990 and worked in Stockport as a Senior Mental Health Practitioner until when I retired in order to provide care for my husband who was terminally ill. I returned to work for Pennine Care part time until the covid pandemic when I was required to shelter. 

I was a Witness Service Volunteer for fourteen years at Manchester Crown Court. I currently sit on Associate Hospital Mangers Panels considering renewals and appeals under the Mental Health Act. I am enjoying learning to play Bridge and looking after my grandchildren.

I am well acquainted with the role of governor and my statutory duties. I've been involved in the appointment and recruitment of many of the non-executives on the board. I have supported new governors in their role and represented my fellow governors at conferences, meetings, and as a member of Healthwatch.

I have confidence to constructively challenge changes, ask for clarification of strategic plans and represent the views of members to the board. I have a good working knowledge of the impact of severe mental illness on service users and their carers, and have worked with other governors to ensure that plans do not neglect this group of people.

I continue working to improve the lives of people with long term mental health conditions and their carers, from within Pennine Care mental health, learning disabilities and autism trust. I am a retired Further Education Tutor in the field of Special Educational Needs.

My passions in life are:

• Improving knowledge about and services for people with serious mental illnesses 
• Life-long learning

In 2011 we launched the Mental Health Carers Group Stockport so that carers would not feel alone. We support carers 1:1 and by group meetings, information emails, Facebook group and 4 conferences.

I have worked with Pennine Care staff for 10 years on implementing the Triangle of Care which is a therapeutic relationship between carers, professionals, and service users. I am working with the Independent Mental Health Network on the Lived Experience Board to represent carers' needs and views to the Greater Manchester mental health boards.

The best part of working with the Council of Governors is working with professionals with a common purpose. As Chair of a mental health carers group I know how important it is that we communicate to the staff just how valuable their role is in improving the lives of vulnerable people and how we can work together.

I am a dedicated advocate for patient welfare, representing the Stockport constituency. With a background that includes overcoming homelessness and becoming a proud homeowner and step-father, I bring a unique perspective to my role. I have been a service user and understand the need for improvement in the NHS, despite having received great treatment myself.

Currently working as a civil servant in the rail industry, I am committed to giving back to the NHS and promoting real change and better delivery of services. I aim to understand the true needs of patients and service users, and to be a passionate advocate for those who feel they have no voice in their treatment. My life experiences enable me to ensure that the patient's voice is heard and central to the decision-making process.

I've worked in mental health for 30 years at the same company. I was originally a hairdresser but found dealing with mental health to be more rewarding. I believe I'm very protective of people who struggle with mental health following my voluntary work for NAPAC adults abused in childhood. I don't like injustice and will support people who feel this is happening to them.

Family is very important to me. I have one son and 2 grandchildren and I enjoy meeting people from all walks I life as I'm very talkative.

I love to meet people and listen. I'm helpful, caring and understanding. I feel that Stockport has struggled over the years and I think with the support now available through funding, Stockport is a town to be reckoned with and a community to be proud of. I hope to meet like-minded people who care about where we live. 

I believe in treating all people with respect and I'm understanding and passionate about the Stockport community.