Community Representative Elections 2024

"Together we can make a difference"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"I have experienced both being a service user of Navigo and engaging with Navigo on a professional level. I feel it is very important that members can have a 'say' in how services are developed and delivered. I am a volunteer at Navigo and have very much enjoyed the experience of meeting lots of new people and supporting interviews. Although I am now retired as such, I feel I can add some value as a community representative and will be happy to hear and present the views of other community members. I also feel in this way I can 'give' something back to the community in which I live."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"I have some 28 years experience of health and social care in this local area. I have worked at support worker, practitioner and senior management levels during my career. I have worked across most adult needs and complexities. I would welcome the opportunity to hear from the community in order to be able to feedback your ideas for new services and also to express your views on the current services that Navigo offers to our local area."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"Number one, get to know the other community members and their views and ideas. Number two, learn more about Navigo services and visit them where possible. Number three, undertake training and an induction. And number four, engage with users of the service to gain their opinions and ideas."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"I plan to attend meetings within the present structure of Navigo and attend service user coffee mornings and other activities to listen to views and ideas. I also want to enable service users to have my contact details, should they wish to speak to me. I want to build my relationship with decision makers to ensure the views of service users are heard."

"Empowering youth voices and embracing diversity"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"I have been involved in Navigo community groups for almost three years. I started as a member of the Inclusion group, then began helping with planning and supporting the main staff, and eventually took on a role in helping to run the Youth Movement. Through these groups, I've become passionate about amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard of, whether it's due to age, sexuality, gender identity, or other factors. I believe that my volunteering experience has allowed me to do this effectively, leading to my position as the Youth Ambassador. However, I would love the opportunity to expand my impact and have more avenues available to me to empower people's voices further and help make the changes that the individuals I interact with want and need."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"Hi, I’m Robin. I am a service user and volunteer, and most recently I have been elected as the Youth Ambassador. I have used Navigo services many times over the years, but three years ago was when I started to get really involved. The Inclusion LGBT+ group started around the time that I came out as a trans-man to my family. Although I got support from them, I needed to hear it from people who were like me. I joined Inclusion, and it changed my life for the better to the point where I wanted to help people like those who started Inclusion did for me. I struggled with anxiety, depression, and massive confidence issues before I joined Inclusion. However, over the past three years, my confidence has soared, and my mental health has improved considerably. I started volunteering through Inclusion, eventually helping to start the Youth Movement, and it gave me a passion to help people who often slip through the cracks, boost their voices, and give them somewhere safe to go for support among their peers."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"I have witnessed the positive impact that social groups like Inclusion can have. Bringing together people with shared experiences can lead to lifelong friendships and provide much-needed support. I want to help expand existing social groups, specifically for young people. Having a chronic illness myself, I understand the mental strain of being diagnosed early in life. I hope to establish a group similar to Inclusion, specifically for young people with disabilities. My aim is to support those living with lifelong illnesses, helping them to cope with the reality and limitations while providing a space for young people to share strategies and support each other. People with disabilities are often overlooked, and I want to ensure that they have a say in how services are run, improve accessibility, and advocate for changes that benefit them. I also want to continue empowering young voices within Navigo and the mental health sector. While there has been some progress in recent years, I want to ensure that young people are consistently consulted about services that affect them, so they can continue to have a say in how things are managed. In order to achieve this, I would like to increase awareness of the Youth Movement by advertising it as much as possible. This can be accomplished through placing posters in schools, colleges, and various Navigo sites where young people are likely to see them. I believe that organising assemblies or workshops in schools and colleges would also be beneficial for the Youth Movement, as it would provide the opportunity to also inform young people about the support available to them at Navigo should they ever need it."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"I am currently involved in the Inclusion group and the Youth Movement. However, I am eager to connect with more young people and listen to their perspectives. I have previously collaborated on a project with Franklin College's debate team and I hope to use this as a starting point to become more engaged with the college community. My goal is to raise awareness about the available support and groups for students, and to gather opinions from current and prospective service users. Additionally, I am interested in attending other Navigo groups to understand their discussions and potentially establish connections between these groups and the ones I am already a part of. While these groups are valuable on their own, creating opportunities for interactions between service users with diverse life experiences could lead to meaningful friendships and collaborative opportunities. This could also enable them to participate in events and to get their voices heard by Navigo and potentially the public."

"Championing your voice"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"Hi! I'm Kieron and I would love to be given the opportunity to be a community representative. Navigo's mission of delivering a service that they would want a family member to use deeply resonates with me. This role is more than just a title, it is an opportunity of trust to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Being in a position to meet people face to face, gather feedback from them, and hear their experiences, and then bring that feedback to the Membership Board to work collaboratively with other representatives and Navigo's diverse teams across all its services is incredibly important. Together, we can build a more inclusive and responsive service for everyone."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"My journey has been a diverse one, deeply influencing my decision to run for election. Growing up in foster care and children’s homes, I found stability and nurturing that shaped my early years. My late foster mother, a pillar of strength and compassion, cared not just for me, but for 50 other children, leaving an indelible mark of empathy on my life. As an adult, I've faced anxiety, depression, and PTSD from my post-foster care experiences. Navigo have been an anchor for me, providing invaluable support and stabilizing my life. Now, in a more stable phase, I feel ready to give back to the community that supported me. My time as an inpatient at Navigo and as a service user representative taught me the power of listening and advocacy. I actively listened to fellow service users, gathering their feedback and advocating for improvements directly with management. Seeing the impact of empathy and advocacy first-hand strengthened my commitment to community representation. Standing for election isn’t about me, it’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives, especially those on paths similar to mine. I’m driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to supportive services that can truly change lives for the better."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"If elected, my objectives and aspirations for the forthcoming term encompass several key priorities. Firstly, I am committed to supporting the ongoing needs of the LGBT+ community, of which I am a part. This includes increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening support networks. I believe in continuous support throughout the year, rather than just during specific periods. Additionally, I will emphasize the crucial role of Navigo and ensure the responsible promotion of its services within established guidelines. Collaborating effectively with other representatives and teams within Navigo, I will strive to advance the organisation's mission, uphold its values, and actively work to enhance services for everyone. Furthermore, it is a priority of mine to ensure that others receive the support I was fortunate to receive. I aim to advocate for a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength, particularly among men."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"To engage with members, I will ensure my availability by regularly visiting Navigo House café. I plan to prioritise spending an hour there once or twice a week for one-on-one chats. Additionally, I will actively participate in rep meetings, Membership Board meetings, forums, and groups hosted by Navigo. I'll also visit various Navigo sites to gather members' views, which I will then present to the Membership Board or the relevant parties. Following this, I will promptly update members with the responses received. Furthermore, I will maintain accessibility through various communication channels."

"Together we can make a difference"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"Hello, my name is Ivan. I'm here to hear and speak. I have been a Navigo community member for approximately ten years now! I first started being a member of the early onset memory group. Over the years, I have attended countless meetings and seminars. I also attend the AGM every year when possible. Since joining Navigo, I have had the pleasure of attending some very enjoyable groups. Firstly, dance group. I have had to give this up due to my disabilities. I also attended Yarn Fairies but I gave this up as I felt I wasn't benefiting. I still however attend craft group, but my passion has always been the early onset memory group which we have renamed 'Forget me knots'. If you elect me as a community representative I will ensure that all your concerns, queries, worries and complaints will be addressed in my own unique way. Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"I have been with Navigo for ten years as a service user. I feel that what I have to say will help other people."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"I want to make more Navigo members and other members of the public more aware of what Navigo can do for them."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"I would engage myself by attending as many meetings as possible and also making myself available to anybody who wants or needs advice and support, and help as much as is humanly possible."

"Together, we make a difference"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

“I am eager to serve as a community representative for Navigo because I am passionate about fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. My diverse background, which includes roles as a social worker and teacher, has provided me with a broad skill set and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both the community and staff. This varied experience has equipped me with the empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities essential for a community representative. As a newcomer to the organisation, hired on a Nurtrio contract, I bring a fresh perspective and a strong desire to contribute positively to our organisation. I am committed to promoting teamwork and ensuring that the voices of my colleagues and the community are heard. I believe that by working together, we can enhance our services and create a more inclusive and supportive organisation. My goal is to advocate for the needs and concerns of community members, facilitating open dialogue and collaboration. Navigo’s dedication to providing comprehensive mental health services aligns with my values and aspirations. I am excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with my colleagues to support our mission and improve the wellbeing of the community and staff members.”

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Kelly Harrison and I am excited to stand for the community election. With over 18 years of experience, that includes being a youth worker at Crosby School and having a market stall on Freeman Street Market, I have developed a deep understanding of our community’s needs and challenges. I am passionate about making our community a better place for everyone. I believe in the power of collective effort and the importance of every voice being heard. My goal is to foster a more inclusive, vibrant, and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. I am committed to addressing inequality and promoting equity, I am eager to bring fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit to our community leadership. Thank you for considering me for this important role."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"If I am elected, my primary objectives and goals for the forthcoming term include:

• Enhancing community engagement and foster a more connected and active community by organising regular events and encouraging participation from all members.
• Promoting inclusivity and diversity by creating an inclusive community where everyone feels valued and heard, and ensure our policies reflect this commitment.

Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant, and inclusive community for everyone."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"Acknowledge and act on feedback."

"More voices better for mental health"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"I would like to be a community representative because I want to make sure that many voices are being heard and listened to. But also I want these service users to be able to get the help, support and advice that they need."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"Hi, my name is Daniel Jackson. My pronouns are he/him. I'm part of a group called Inclusion which is an LGBT+ group which is run by Navigo, and I'm also in a group called the Youth Movement. The reason why I want to stand for election is because I want to help people. I want to make sure that their voices are being heard but also make sure that their wants, needs and wishes are being met."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"If I am elected, my objective for the forthcoming term is to help and support both the younger and the older generation who are part of the LGBTQIA+. For example, specifically transgender and non binary but also those who have a physical disability and those that are neurodiverse. I also want to achieve a safe place for these service users to go to, for example having a room dedicated for these specific people to go to whether it is open all week or once a week. As long as these people are getting the help and support that they need, that is the main thing."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"I intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to by word of mouth, having a comment section on the Navigo website or even doing talks around schools and colleges to ensure that their voices will be heard one way or another."

"Continued improvement for North East Lincolnshire"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"I am standing for community representative for a second term, bringing experience, knowledge and drive in providing quality service provision and improvement to our current range of mental health care across North East Lincolnshire. With a background in mental health spanning over a decade, including governance and service improvement for many of those years, I feel I would be a natural asset to carry on for another term. Over the last two years, many changes have been overseen with Navigo with the help of current representatives, such as the ongoing membership refresh and Expert by Experience policy draft as just two recent examples. With an array of exciting changes happening across the Board within the organisation, someone at the helm already familiar and enmeshed within the 'what's happening' is needed to steer us in the best direction."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"I'm Zach - some of you may recognise my face already - but if not, I'm a current standing rep looking at a second term. I have a very long history intertwining with services, both as a carer and service user, since a child. On top of this, I have a career in the mental health sector on both the front lines and behind the desk in areas such as teaching, service improvement and governance, helping to enhance individual lives and shape the future of services across NHS and third sector organisations."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"We've just come out of a difficult period, with COVID and subsequently seeing wait times generally increase as demand on services becomes higher and with resources stretched thinly. I'd like to carry on a platform of pragmatic and realistic implementation of improvements within the Navigo family, such as overseeing a successful launch and evolution of the Expert by Experience role, continuing to champion the desperate changes needed for comfortable and dignified waiting areas in Weelsby View and community mental health services, and continuing to hold the Board of directors and their decisions to account when considering changes that affect our membership and service users."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"The role of a community rep has really changed over the last few years. With most of our current reps on their last term, I intend to take forth the wisdom and ideas of my colleagues and expand on them. Community reps need more visibility and a greater awareness of what we can and cannot do for our community in Navigo, with regular promotion of who we are and how to get in contact through email, letter, Microsoft teams meeting or even phone call."

"Together we can make a difference"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"Having experienced what it is like to support someone who is experiencing mental health illness and helping them to find help, it really surprised me what support is available locally. Supporting this family member through crisis was difficult, one of hardest times of my life, and I found very limited support. I did not see myself as a carer, and I did not know how best to support them. I would like to continue to work with Navigo to provide more of an umbrella of support being offered. We collectively have been able to improve the support offered to carers, however there is still more that we can do to make a real difference. As a community representative I would want to continue to bring people together, to have a voice, and to promote the services that Navigo can offer for both the people experiencing mental health and those in a supporting role to ensure we make a difference and challenge the services to create more inclusion to benefit to the people in North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"I am married, with three sons (aged 18, 15 and 7 years). I have lived in the North East Lincolnshire region all my life. I am passionate and motivated to achieve engagement and make a difference through a partnership approach, being innovative in delivery whilst always championing health. Having being in involved with Navigo as a community representative for the past couple of years, I would love the opportunity to continue exploring and improving services in the organisation to really make a difference to those supporting someone during difficult times. I have a wealth of experience in service improvement, influencing positive outcomes, and have a desire to create a holistic umbrella of support for every person affected by mental health locally. My previous work experience has seen me identify and engage a range of stakeholders to develop a joined-up approach, coproducing and working in collaboration to share best practice and maximise positive and optimal outcomes aligned to organisational priorities. With a proactive attitude, I am confident in approaching and working with others to seek opportunities for business development, and to avoid duplication, while recognising that a flexible approach, with elements of reflection may be required at times to help keep on track what it is that Navigo are trying to achieve for the benefit of our people locally."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"I would like to keep the momentum to make a difference and get the best outcomes for people in a caring role. I would like to continue to see an inclusive, joined up approach to ensure all voices are listened to and heard to create the best service provision locally for both those experiencing mental health illness and those in a supporting or caring role. By sharing personal experiences, we can together influence how mental health services in North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas maintain a high standard in delivery. From my own experiences, I had an idea which will achieve an increased understanding around mental health, challenge the stigma around it and help signpost those dealing with the illness, while providing support and signposting to available services and/or information to those caring or supporting the person who’s experiencing the mental illness. There is still some work to do, and I am passionate and energised to do this. Recently, with others, we submitted a Project of the Year idea. I would love to see the idea supported to real focus and drive a different approach to providing support and information to carers."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"Having recently supported a carers audit and while attending carer meetings, I feel that I am able to bring user insight to support the coproduction of service design. I would continue to attend any drop-in sessions or meetings to engage with carers. It would be great to consider the best channels to encourage people to get involved, acknowledging that everyone brings different perspectives, thus supporting them, actively listening and inspiring them to have a voice. I personally prefer face-to-face opportunities to meet with people, but recognise that this may not be possible in the first instance, so I would seek alternative opportunities to engage. For example, meetings, drop-ins and promotional events."

"Your voice, my mission"

Why would you like to become a community representative?

"I'm standing as a candidate because I want to make a difference for our community. My journey with my own mental health has given me valuable insights and a strong empathy for others facing similar challenges. I have experienced exceptional care and support from Navigo, and I am passionate about using my experience to contribute positively so that all members can feel they have received the care and support they need. As a Tukes volunteer, I have actively engaged with service users, listened to their experiences and feedback, and witnessed the impact of effective mental health care. I believe my background and experiences position me to represent their voices and work collaboratively with the Board to enhance the quality of services provided to the members. I am eager to represent member voices and play a part in enhancing the experiences of all involved. I'm a keen listener, I thrive in debates and enjoy finding consensus, ensuring that every perspective is considered. Furthermore, I have a keen interest in both current affairs and history, which helps shape my understanding of broader social contexts."

Please give a brief introduction to you, your experience and why you want to stand for election.

"I'm Paul, a 1970s kid born into a local fishing family and I've lived in the Grimsby area for most of my life. I have a diverse work history, from working on the donkey rides on Cleethorpes beach during the summer school holidays as a child, to working in the civil service and as a Team Leader in the food industry. Following a bereavement of a loved one, my mental health began to decline and rather than seek help, I threw myself into work, often racking up 90 hours per week as a distraction and coping strategy, all the while pretending I was perfectly fine to family, friends and work colleagues. Then I was made redundant, and without my coping strategy, my mental health declined rapidly and obviously so to my family, with them urging me to approach Navigo for help. I loathed the idea of doing that at the time, because "men like me don't do mental health" and I only agreed to go to ease my family's worry. That was in mid-2021. I was wrong. Navigo, both as an organisation and particulary as a community, has been instrumental in my ongoing recovery journey. The care, compassion and understanding I have received from Navigo over the last three years, both from staff and the community, has been a life changer for me, helping to restore my confidence and give me a new purpose in life. Consequently I became actively involved as a volunteer with Tukes from the start of 2022. As well as working in the coffee shop at Navigo House, I have contributed to various other areas, such as assisting with practice Care Quality Commission (CQC) visits and will in due course be undertaking a new volunteering role with the One Front Door team. I'm standing for election because I want every member to be able to feel the same way about Navigo as I do — that Navigo has helped them with their struggles. I want every member to feel welcome, to feel like they've been treated as an individual and one that matters."

If you're elected, what are your objectives and goals for the forthcoming term? What do you want to achieve?

"My primary objective is to further encourage member involvement in helping to shape the services offered to reflect their needs by my being readily available to hear their perspectives, concerns, ideas and feedback — be they service users, carers or family members, 'nothing about us without us' — and to ensure that this involvement is wholly inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of their background or personal circumstances and that all services are delivered in a respectful and dignified manner. In addition, I want to see Navigo's public profile raised through further participation in public events that raises the general public's knowledge and understanding of both mental health and the services Navigo offers. Mental health matters are still a taboo subject to many in society and those suffering can face stigma. Navigo's public profile being raised can help to change this. Regarding other, more specific achievements, I aim to interact with the member base and find a consensus on what their needs and priorities are."

How do you intend to engage with the membership to ensure their views are listened to?

"To ensure the views of the membership are actively listened to and represented, I will adopt a comprehensive engagement strategy. Aside from attending Board meetings, I will regularly visit all Navigo sites to engage directly with patients and staff, gathering valuable feedback to understand their experiences. I will host regular drop-in coffee mornings and afternoons, where members can meet with me without an appointment and in an informal, relaxed setting at the Navigo cafe on Brighowgate. I will also be available via email and phone, ensuring accessibility for those who cannot meet in person. I will actively participate in Navigo engagement events whenever possible. My goal is to be as visible and approachable as possible, creating multiple opportunities for members to connect with me and in doing so gather a diverse range of experiences, perspectives and opinions from across the member base. By implementing this strategy, I will ensure that the voices of all members are heard and effectively represented to the Board."