Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale governors

I am extremely passionate about amplifying the voice of patients of the NHS services making it equitable with equality across the whole of the NHS by utilising my lived experience.

Using various services across different disciplines of primary and secondary care, I want to build resilience and advocate on behalf of communities. For over 9 years I have been a lived experience consultant with the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership. I am a member of the Greater Manchester Equality Alliance, on the board of Trustees for Action Together and Independent Mental Health Network.

I understand the impending changes within Integrated Care Services. I believe that a balanced understanding of commissioning priorities and transitional changes to bring care into the communities is imperative, in order to ensure sustainable co-production and sustainable changes.

I want to bring a non-clinical voice of reason and perspective for better decision making.

For the past few years, personal health issues have afforded me ample opportunity to experience at first hand the expectations and some difficulties encountered by patients.

My career was as a secondary school teacher culminating in a headship of an inner city school serving a largely immigrant area. There were a significant number of children with learning difficulties and the mental pressures that teenagers from socially deprived backgrounds experience over examinations, future career prospects and their life chances.

After retiring, I worked part-time as a teacher-trainer.  For sixteen years, I was also a governor of a secondary school.

My leisure activities include watching various sporting activities, writing poetry, painting, gardening, caravanning and camping, the theatre and I am a member of my local church.

I hope to assist the NHS in being as understanding and caring as possible and to draw upon the experience of the excellent work of the service, particularly during the present pandemic.  I believe my experience will help me to assist in maintaining and furthering these noteworthy achievements.

I am a good communicator; can easily understand issues and I find empathy is a sound quality in understanding the concerns of others. I am committed to the welfare, health and happiness of all and would encourage others searching for answers to the issues that beset so many.

I have a passion in seeking the betterment of my local community. I am approachable and a good listener, wanting the best outcome for the local people.

I have been a professional actor for the past 22 years working in film and television, as well as teaching Bollywood dance. Currently working with The Women's Chai Project, I help women of all ages in the local and surrounding communities with their mental health and wellbeing.

I have a real affinity with my local community having lived in Alkrington/Middleton for over 40 years. I want to be able to help my community with all things NHS related. A person they feel comfortable approaching and getting their voices heard. That is my main focus for my local community.

I’m determined to get the local community opinions across to relevant departments. With my acting background I’m able to speak openly and relay the information gathered from my local community to the people in charge. I am also fluent in Urdu, Punjabi and Potwari.

I feel this helps me reach a wider majority within the community where perhaps people struggle with language barriers. I have no qualms going out into our local community to speak to people regarding NHS matters or concerns. I’m friendly and always willing to listen. I provide a portal in which my community can relay their views through.