Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust

Edith has been a member of the Trust's Service User and Carer Forum for three years and has undertaken important work such as dignity walkabouts on the wards.

"I believe we have to give the best help we can to all our patients both in and out of hospital," she said. "Recovery should begin before they leave hospital and follow on after, showing dignity and respect at all times."

Thomas has personal experience of mental illness, having suffered from depression and anxiety for several years. He has also worked in the health sector.

Thomas said: "I know what it feels like to be ill with depression and anxiety, mornings when you have had enough, pressures of daily life. Our mental illness and the support should be treated in the same way as any other health problem, with the same respect and understanding."

Steve has a strong interest in the role of carers at the Trust, having cared for a close relative with a severe mental illness. He has also worked at the Princess Royal Trust for Carers at Manchester Carers Centre for nearly five years.

"I have personal and professional experience of Caring which has given me invaluable insight to the role and difficulties many carers face and it is this insight that leads me to want to be a voice for Carers," said Steve

Working as a Training Adviser in health and social care has given Fiona valuable knowledge and skills.

"Becoming a governor will allow me to transfer the skills I gained throughout my career from a professional and personal basis into new and changing situations," she said.

Anne has been a carer since 1995 and has previously served as Non-Executive Director on the Trust Board.

"I have time to give and a strong commitment to User and Carer issues," said Anne. "I will use this  together with my experience, to continue to raise the profile and needs of Users and Carers of the Trust."

Louise has a depth of experience in the voluntary sector, serving as Director of Bubble Enterprises, a Community Interest company which offers workplace and volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues.

Louise said: "I have empathy with mental health service users and I have learned a lot about raising the expectations and achievements of those who have suffered severe mental distress."

Nicholas has previously worked in housing advice, homelessness and housing benefit services as well as volunteering with the Trust's own Health Living Network.

"I believe that high quality mental health and social care is essential for a decent society," he said.

Rebecca is extremely active in her local community and has held several senior voluntary positions in a number of organisations including the Chrysalis Family Centre. She is also a qualified counsellor.

Rebecca said: "My experience cuts across the spectrum of the community; this has highlighted the importance of exploring new ideas to improve learning in public services, in order to raise awareness of the misunderstanding and prejudices."

Doreen is a Trust service user and qualified counsellor who has been active as a service user representative.

Doreen said: "By working together we can improve the quality and provision of mental health services."

George first became involved with the Trust in 2003 when his mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia and he became her carer. He is an active member of the Service User and Carer Forum and also attends dementia support group meetings.

George said: "I want to make a difference to people who use mental health services in Manchester, particularly those in later life."

Natalie is a support worker for children with disabilities and has personal experience of mental health problems.

Natalie said: "I joined the Trust at an event at the Arndale centre in Manchester, as it is dear to my heart. I want to be more involved in helping people in Greater Manchester to better their lives."

A former fireman, Alan experienced post-traumatic stress after being injured in a blaze. He has extensive experience of mental health issues having been a volunteer with MIND and at Prestwich Hospital.

"I feel that I can represent the views of the community and act as a go-between for members and the Board," he said."

Zeph has worked for the Trust for 12 years and is currently the Service Manager for Occupational Activity and Employment.

"I would like to play a part in seeing the organisation continue to go from strength to strength and hope that by joining the Council of Governors I will be in a position to represent the views of non-clinical staff and managers," she said.

Inpatient ward manager Rebekah has been at the Trust for seven years.

She said: "I am very passionate about improving the service we provide for our patients."

Robert has been a consultant in old age psychiatry at Manchester Royal Infirmary since 1985.

"The Trust's Council of Governors is important," he said. "Even though it will not be involved in operational matters, it will have oversight of all the Trust's activities; it will be a referent for Trust management and its views will be taken seriously."

Clinical Psychologist Nasur has a depth of experience of not only the NHS but also the independent and voluntary sectors.

Nasur said: "As a Clinical Psychologist my training, skills and experience lead me towards understanding and analysing the intricacies and inter-relatedness of a number of complex factors in mental health. Such principles are transferable to understanding wider dynamics whether that is on an individual, group, local or organisational level."

Nav is Professor of Psychiatry and Population Health at the University and an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at the Trust.

"I am delighted to have been appointed to the role of Governor for the Trust," said Nav. "This represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen the existing partnership between the University of Manchester and the Trust." 

Bev has been a local councillor in Burnage since 2011. She is the Lead Councillor for Lesbian and Bisexual women's issues. She is also a school governor, chairs a youth charity and sits on the Southway Housing Board. 

"Mental health affects us all, we just don't talk about it enough," she said. "I want to work to ensure that all residents in Manchester have access to efficient and effective mental health services that suit their needs."

Julie represents Gorton South for Labour on Manchester City Council and is also a member of the School Forum and Young People and Children Committee.

"I am delighted to have been appointed to the Trust," said Julie. "I am really pleased that I will have the opportunity to work together to shape new ways of working to ensure that Manchester residents get the right help at the right time."

Monica has been a nurse for more than 40 years and is currently the Lead Steward for the Royal College of Nursing at the Trust. She was appointed to her position on the Council of Governors due to her being Chair of the Joint Unions Committee.

'I'm looking forward to building on the good work done so far between the joint unions and the Trust," she said.

Chief Inspector John Egerton will represent Greater Manchester Police on the Council of Governors. John has worked for the Police for more than 20 years and is currently leading on partnership working across Manchester.

"I'm looking forward to helping to integrate approaches to addressing mental health issues through my work with key agencies and communities," he said.

Ian is Head of Operations for youth mental health charity 42^nd Street and has 20 years experience in the voluntary and community sector.

Ian said: "I'm excited at taking up the challenge of representing the voluntary and community sector on the Council of Governors."