Helen started her career over 30 years ago as a speech and language therapist and describes herself as have ‘chequered past’ when it comes to the different jobs she has had over the years! This past has had its benefits though and given her a wealth of experience and knowledge that she is now bringing with her to the partnership. 

Here she tells us all about it: 

“Until very recently I was working in children’s social care at Walsall Council as a programme manager for family safeguarding. While doing this I was asked as a favour to support some of the workforce and organisational development in Walsall Together. This went well and I really loved the potential of the partnership working, so when one contract came to an end, I jumped at the chance to work for Walsall Together full time.

“I do have a chequered past when it comes to jobs. I started my career as a speech and language therapist over 30 years ago and I have worked in most healthcare sectors. I have always jumped around because I like to try different things. I was doing work on including the patient voice many years ago and I remember being told 'you can’t include deaf people in conversations about redesigning a deaf service'. Well you can, and I did, though my BSL is very rusty now!

“The main thing I enjoy about my current role is the variety. I am supporting the development of social prescribing which is already having an impact on people getting practical local help. For some it is a simple as exercise classes, for others it is life-changing - a new job, new outlook, and improved self-esteem. Most of the things I do allow me the opportunity to work with others, for example with social prescribing, it includes Voluntary Community Social Enterprises like Mindkind, Primary Care Networks and whg”. 

“Another project I am involved in (with Healthwatch as the main partner) is the core20plus6 connectors. It is an approach to enable people from and of communities in Walsall to really influence health approaches. It is moving on from the more traditional engagement via focus groups and surveys and much more about proper conversations where the balance of power is levelled off.

“I am also looking at the care workforce. We are building on some best practice between whg and Walsall healthcare NHS trust looking at a scheme which supports people who are long term unemployed into good quality entry level jobs.

“Out of work I often enjoy fresh air and peace and quiet, maybe because the job is quite noisy and active (in a good way). I swim or cycle most days and have set myself a target to swim the English Channel (well the equivalent distance of 21 miles in a pool over 3 months).

“My proudest moment this year was winning the local pub quiz. There were only 10 teams, but even so it made me so chuffed. “So which American State borders onto Canada? Answers on a post card please (I really am that old).”