Can you tell us about your role at LSTM?
I’ve recently joined LSTM as a Community Mobiliser, and I’m absolutely loving it so far. I am part of the ReCITE project1. My role involves working alongside the real grassroots of communities in Merseyside’s most deprived areas, helping to share important health messages like cancer screening and immunisations through trusted relationships. I lead and support Community Innovation Teams (CITs), encouraging creativity and collaboration to tackle health inequalities in ways that haven’t been done before. I also support colleagues in connecting with stakeholders across the Liverpool City Region and I’m really proud to continue promoting the amazing work that the team at ReCITE has already achieved, showing what’s possible when we do things differently.
Tell us a bit about your career so far, what brought you to your current role/field of work?
My background is in Social Prescribing. I worked in Knowsley for nearly four years, supporting people to take control of their health and wellbeing. I’ve also worked with the Cancer Alliance (CMCA) to promote cancer screening uptake and earlier diagnosis in Knowsley. Before that, I was a mental health advocate in Warrington and a supported living manager.
In every role, I’ve been working alongside people to support positive change, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about. When I came across ReCITE, it just clicked. It felt like a perfect next step, a chance to combine my experience with a love of doing things differently and always asking, “so what?”
What do you enjoy most about working at LSTM?
I first encountered LSTM and ReCITE back in November 2024, when I attended the event at the Florrie in Toxteth which led to me submitting an application and leading the Lung Cancer Screening CIT with One Knowsley. I remember leaving that first event thinking, “I’ve found my people!” Now, nine months later, here I am. It feels like it’s come full circle.
It’s such a great feeling to be surrounded by like-minded individuals where you don’t need to explain yourself … they just get it. The welcome I’ve received has been so warm and genuine. It’s also brilliant to work for an organisation that clearly values its staff and invests in their wellbeing. That’s something I really appreciate.
I’m really looking forward to learning from the team and building on my experience, helping local communities to live healthier, longer, and happier lives through creative, people-centred approaches.
What are you working on currently?
Right now, I’m involved in a number of Community Innovation Team (CIT) projects across Sefton, L8, Knowsley and Aintree Hospital. CITs are at heart of ReCITE’s approach. They work at the interface between communities and primary healthcare bringing together community members, community organizations, health professionals, and creatives to address health inequity through the medium of storytelling in its many forms.
What inspires you?
What inspires me is supporting people to ask, “why?” and to try doing things differently. I’m driven by the idea of health equity, of making sure everyone has a fair chance. I think it’s something we all need to be aware of. I didn’t always know that’s what it was called, but it’s been the golden thread running through my career. Creating change and being part of something that drives change really motivates me.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love yoga, going for walks, reading, sleeping (when I get the chance!), and travelling to explore new places. I have a nine-year-old son, and he keeps us very busy. His social life is definitely better than mine! Between rugby matches and playing taxi driver, I try to squeeze in time for myself when I can. I also love to bake, I enjoy creating sweet creations. Birthday cakes and tray bakes are my favourite things to make.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
Yes, I’m trained in British Sign Language to Level 3, and I’d love the opportunity to use this skill at LSTM. It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to put it into practice, and it’s something I’d really like to bring back into my work.
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1 The ReCITE project blends creativity with healthcare: focusing on building storytelling into community and health systems to address mistrust and promote wellbeing. The project has a wide range of academic and creative partners who work in collaboration to engage people living in Liverpool, Knowsley and South Sefton, and use the power of stories to promote health prevention and mental wellbeing in some of the region’s poorest areas.
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ReCITE is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation. |
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