I have been a carer for well over 36 years and have a particular interest in mental health issues. In 1996 I joined a small group of community-minded people to develop, fund and operate a Village Centre for Gt Eccleston and the surrounding area. Over the next 18 years that experience reinforced my belief that community involvement plays a crucial role in shaping the successful development and operation of third-sector organisations.

I initially became involved with n-Compass over 12 years ago as one of the inaugural volunteer members of the Carers Feedback Forum. Following an internal reorganisation this became known as the Citizen Involvement Board. Between 2017 and 2020 I also volunteered with the Sitting-In Service and in 2019 began volunteering with the Carers Chat Line.

Apart from my n-compass involvement, I remain an active volunteer skipper with the MAGS Charitable Trust operating a widebeam boat on the Lancaster Canal providing short-break holidays or day trips for families with additional needs.