About our board
This group provides advice on:
- Healthwatch priorities.
- The Enter and View programme to monitor the quality of care.
- Identifying key public concerns.
- Community engagement activity.
- They act as the voice of the people and make sure that Healthwatch Warrington adheres to the core principles of; confidentiality, respect, feedback, transparency and influence.
Chair, Norman Holding
My background is in Engineering and Facilities Management in both the Public and Private sectors. For the last 8 years, I have been a Governor and Lead Governor at Warrington Halton Hospital Trust.
I have a strong commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and diversity, to these ends I have worked with Governors to promote WHH in the ethnic and minority groups in Warrington to bring their voices to the table.
I believe that to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for all, we must work in an environment that is open and transparent, where everyone is respected and accountable to each other and the organisation.
Our Board
Dida Goode
I have been involved in several projects within the local community of Warrington that focused on people’s physical and mental health. Having worked in the field of substance misuse for 16 years.
Working directly with individuals who use drugs and alcohol as well as with their family members or concerned others, have given me the opportunity to learn about the importance of the mental health, either of
the user (dual-diagnosis) or that of a concerned other. This has led me to understand and focus on the importance of improving the provision of Mental Health Services so that it becomes equal to that of Physical Health.
I am confident that Healthwatch Warrington will, with the support of all - staff, volunteers and the members of its Advisory Board - fulfil its objectives of improving the services available to everyone living in Warrington, in the areas of health, adult and children’s social care.
Julie Howson
Julie is an experienced Integrated Counsellor, Wellbeing Advocate and a trained Suicide Prevention Advisor.
Throughout her career, Julie has worked with people of all ages from a diverse range of backgrounds and socioeconomic status. Working with a wide range of services, Julie has gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience. These services include; primary and secondary healthcare (acute and mental health hospitals), private and third sector organisations, residential and hospice care and within the education sector, she has closely worked with Healthwatch for over 10 years.
Julie is passionate about empowering people to understand their rights and reach their true potential, she aims to inspire others to gain a better understanding of their mental health and wellbeing through psychoeducation, creativity and holistic approaches.
Julie has a BSc (Hons) Integrated Counselling 1st and a PGD in Neurodevelopmental Conditions. She is also Warrington Volunteer Coordinator with The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK Support for people affected by the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).
Gillian Thomas
Gill is the Chair of Women In Nuclear UK North West ) on key areas related to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I), younger generation career development and educational advice, mentoring and support to youth networks, local high schools, and education support initiatives.
Gill has worked in the nuclear industry for 30 years. She has worked within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for the past 13 years. In her spare time, she is an active participant in community-related fundraising and a number of charitable organisations.
Fiona Jenkins
Fiona has 30 years’ experience of serving in public service including criminal justice, health and third sector. She is passionate about ensuring that people have a voice, feel supported and are empowered to make decisions about their lives.
Whilst employed as the service manager of a Warrington carers service, Fiona also held the position of safeguarding lead for the organisation. Fiona has supported and advised other carers services across the UK.
Fiona is currently working in a transformational NHS programme delivering positive change in specialist mental health services focusing on adult eating disorders and children and young people’s mental health (EmpowerED and Level UP Lead Provider Collaborative).
Fiona has supported fundraising for many charities including local charities that have positive impacts on the lives of Warrington residents.
Past Board papers
We make the papers for our public Board meetings available online. We also publish a summary of what was discussed. Check out our past meetings to read more.