There are four governors from Bury representing you. You can find out more about them below or contact them by emailing pcn-tr.ftmembership.penninecare1@nhs.net.
Derek Rowley
In my six years’ service as a Governor, my initial view of the role was to put pressure on the Non-Executive Directors to maintain Governance of the Trust.
As well as attending regular meetings and events (in particular Bury) I have tried to contribute to the development of the role and to represent the members in a meaningful way.
The qualities I can bring to the role are networking, an organised approach, passion and commitment. The NHS is going through challenging times at the moment and I wish to help. I enjoy meeting like-minded other governors and bouncing ideas of them.
My background is financial services (for 37 years) which has given me the skills to represent the members of Bury Borough. I was a bank manager for three years where I managed a team of financial advisers, arranging mortgages, insurance and investments.
I am an Elder of Bury United Reformed Church and Treasurer of Ramsbottom Heritage Society. I also volunteer at Bury Blind Society as a receptionist.
Jayne Harrison
Living locally, I care deeply about the NHS and how mental wellbeing is managed and what resources are available when individuals need to access them. Service users and carers matter.
I trained as a nurse many moons ago, both general and mental health. I now work for a charity that supports family members and friends who are supporting a loved one due to an illness, disability or frailty.
My change of career happened by default. I experienced a breakdown and was supported by many Bury and Salford based mental health services. I understand how crucial timely and person-centred treatment and support is and the difference it can make to life outcomes. I live with my police officer daughter and two rescue pooches in Prestwich. Being kind is underestimated.
Having a foot in both camps is really insightful. My lived experience, the thoughts and feelings I attached to my mental health enable me to show empathy and understanding to people struggling on many levels.
My professional experience allows me to utilise my skills and knowledge at a strategic level.
My current role is as a service manager, providing leadership to a team. I have excellent communication skills both within my team, wider organisation, speaking with commissioners and engaging with stakeholders.
Melissa Allan
I am passionate about supporting other disabled young people and helping them to achieve a barrier free life. I am 27 years old and a full time wheelchair user. I live with my twin sister and parents in Ainsworth.
I am a football fan and play powerchair football for a local team. I am also an FA qualified coach and support a local group of young people who play football at weekend.
I attended a local special school, then went onto a mainstream college to study sports. I also volunteer at UCLAN with Comensus and attend lectures to support with real life input regarding the subjects they are studying. I love advocating for young people like me.
I feel that unless you are in a similar position it is very hard to second guess what works and what does not work for young disabled people.
I am very fortunate that I have a supportive family and network of friends but sadly this is not the case for all young people like me - my aim would be to make it the ‘norm’ that their needs and requirements are met on all levels.
Keeley Collinge
I have lived experience of mental health disorders and the services provided in Bury to support these. My contribution to the council could benefit other people using these services.
I am 24 and have experienced mental health struggles most of my teenage to early adulthood life. I have experience with different mental health services in Bury and I would like to use this experience to offer opinions to contribute on how these services can support the public further or create changes to enhance the services.
I have 3 A levels in Sociology, Business and Law and I have a Bachelors Degree in Crime and Criminal Justice. I would like to pursue a career in mental health support within young people, and/or young offenders.
From my position as governor I hope to gain a position where my opinions and contributions can create positive influences within services that affect the public.
The qualities I bring are compassion and empathy for others, kindness and an understanding personality. I am dedicated to helping others and providing a voice for people who cannot voice their concerns themselves.
I have lived experiences of some of the struggles people using these services encounter so I relate and understand better what these individuals need and I would like to use my experience to offer support where it’s needed.