Its core functions are to:
Terms of Reference Advisory Board Chair role description Advisory Board Member role description Application form
Sheona St Hilaire joined the Healthwatch Southwark Advisory Board in March 2021. Sheona is a committed individual that believes in the power of volunteering and the difference it can make locally and nationally. Sheona has several years of working in an advisory capacity (i.e. advisory panels and trusteeships) and appreciates the dedication and commitment that is required to support these roles.
Sheona currently work as a teacher at a local school, and in her spare time she has volunteered in different health and social care organisations across South East London. Sheona has been very fortunate to build a professional network of health and social care organisations within the London Borough of Southwark, and she understands the important role third sector organisations and statutory health organisations play in terms of improving and meeting the health and social care needs of people who use these services.
A Community Southwark trustee, Cedric acts as the link between the Healthwatch Southwark Advisory Board and the Community Southwark Trustee Board.
Graham Head joined the Healthwatch Southwark Advisory Board in March 2021. A Nunhead, Southwark resident for over thirty years, Graham has a long history of working in Healthcare, including stints as a hospital director and a population health analyst. Now retired, Graham is a trustee of a charity supporting clinicians working with adolescents.
Graham believes strongly that a local health and care service is at its best when it truly reflects the needs of the people it serves. An understanding of the local patient experience is vital - and all parts of the community must to be heard and involved in decision-making. Services must be as easy to access and navigate as possible. These are key aims of the local Southwark Healthwatch team, and Graham is pleased to be able to support them in their work.
Mannah Edward Kargbo joined the Healthwatch Southwark Advisory Board in April 2021. He has been a Southwark resident for more than fifteen years. He is presently serving as a school Governor in Peckham and as a member of a School Advisory Board in Camberwell. Additionally, he served two terms as a member of the Management Committee of Southwark Governors Association comprising of about 240 schools (both primary and secondary schools) in Southwark.
Mannah has diversified professional experience of working in the healthcare sector within the remit of promoting health and reducing health inequalities. By being an active member of Healthwatch Southwark, Mannah aims to play a pivotal role in advising Healthwatch Southwark on its key priorities and strategies, and to ensure the participation of local residents in decision making.
Charlene joined the Healthwatch Southwark Advisory Board in May 2023 and is the newly appointed Advisory Board Chair. She has lived in South London her whole life. Charlene is a Charity Trustee and an Advisory Board Member to various hospital panels, charities, and health organisations. She consults and collaborates with researchers and medical teams to inform and improve patient care.
Charlene strongly believes in advocating for groups that are underrepresented and face health inequalities. She has also been featured in multiple health and awareness campaigns for The NHS Foundation Trust, South East London Cancer Alliance and Bone Cancer Research Trust. Charlene aims to use her lived experience and passion for patient involvement to advise and support Healthwatch Southwark in making strategic decisions to amplify the voices of the local community.
Natasha Wright joined the Healthwatch Southwark Advisory Board in October 2024. Natasha joined the Board because she believes in the importance of listening to the voice of patients to ensure that health and care services meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
Natasha has been a resident in Southwark for over a decade and has experience of using health services in the borough. Natasha has worked in the voluntary sector for 15 years and currently works as a Programme Manager for an NHS Charity. She aims to use her experience of working in the voluntary sector and alongside the NHS to support this role.
Natasha also understands the difference that volunteers can make, having volunteered at an NHS vaccination centre, for Age UK Camden and Sense and on the committee for the Grant Funders’ Network.
Carol is also known as Lady Bling due to her love of jewellery and the amount she wears. It's part of her character. She was born and have always lived in London (Southwark) for most of her life. She has always been interested in the community and in 1997 she became secretary of her local TRA, and has kept her position since. She likes to take care of the local tenants and residents, hear there issues and views and give feedback to the Council. Carol has also been a block rep from the time she was elected secretary and takes pride in making sure that the area we live in is kept up to standard and that everyone is happy.
Over the years Carol has been involved in many committees such as Southwark carers, Positive Aging in London(PAiL) SPC, Patients Participation Board etc. where she is also the secretary on some of these committees. Carol is a very proud ambassador of Healthwatch. Carol has good social skills and enjoys listening to people and helping with their problems. Carol can advise and also direct them to organisations that can help further.
Carol loves what she does and get great satisfaction from knowing that she is helping others. Over the years Carol has received over 50 certificates for completing courses and being noticed for her contribution to the community, including winning Civic awards for her efforts. Carol says she will never get bored or give up on what she does as she has a great passion for it and hope that she can help many others in the future years.
