James Hadleigh, Chief Executive Officer Passionate and determined to make a real difference to the lives of local residents, James has a very rewarding role and is ably assisted by his fantastic team who genuinely make a big difference to the lives of all who use our services. Expand James Hadleigh is the Care Network Chief Executive and has been in post since January 2010. Prior to joining Care Network James worked for 9 years at North West Network as Senior European Manager, later becoming Director of Development. James has a wealth of experience of operating at regional level and representing the interests of the Third Sector. He also has experience of developing a range of networks and a good track record of attracting funds from a wide variety of sources. [email protected]
Debbie Summersgill, Operations and Services Manager Debbie has many years’ experience helping residents of the borough remain safe and independent at home. Debbie manages two busy helpdesks, one providing the Safe Trader Scheme and the other providing the information and signposting service at the Help Link Hub. Expand Debbie joined the Care Network team in December 2016, and previously worked for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for over 30 years, she is passionate about supporting people and making a difference in people’s lives. [email protected]
Michelle Carruthers, Administrative Assistant Michelle works across the organisation providing support and administration for the whole team and across all programmes. Michelle is motivated by helping others which means that her role is never a chore and is something she thrives and excels in naturally. Expand Before working for Care Network, Michelle worked at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council across many teams including Children's Services, Democratic Services, Electoral Registration and Elections and has provided business support to the Council Leader, Councillors and a selection of the Executive Members. This has given Michelle an excellent broad knowledge of Local Government and the wider landscape in Blackburn with Darwen. When Michelle is not at work she continues to multi-task with a broad range of voluntary community activities and enjoys spending time with her family.
Teresa Kirby, Helpdesk and Volunteer Coordinator Teresa thoroughly enjoys supporting people and the variety that her role provides her with on a daily basis. Teresa has worked for Care Network since 2006, and has been based at the Care Network Hub, (previously Your Support Your Choice) since the centre launched in February 2013. Expand Every day Teresa works alongside residents, professionals and volunteers at the Care Network Hub, a multi-agency health and wellbeing information hub. Prior to this Teresa worked for Age UK, the NHS and at a funeral home. Teresa enjoys cooking, is a regular at the gym and is a huge fan of holidays. [email protected]
Sarah Nataraj, Marketing and Partner Liaison Coordinator Sarah leads on the marketing at Care Network and coordinates the partner offers from the hub. She is proud to be in this role and hopes that her work for the charity has a very real and positive impact on people's experience of life. Expand Sarah began working at Care Network in May 2014, previously she delivered communications and marketing for Arts Council England and The British Council. Sarah's passion for working in a grass roots charity that supports the development of a united health, social care and housing approach has come from her personal experiences and understanding of long-term illness and disability. [email protected]
Kulsum Patel, Helpdesk Officer and Administrator A real asset to the team, Kulsum is putting her many years of volunteer experience working in the local community to good use at the Care Network Hub. Expand Kulsum started as a volunteer at The Help Link Hub and when a role became available we were delighted that she applied and joining the Care Network team on a more formal basis in August 2016. Kulsum is a real people person and enjoys working at the Help Link Hub, supporting members of the public who come to Care Network for information and help.
Rose Roberts, Healthy Homes Liaison Officer Rose has recently been appointed to deliver our new exciting Healthy Homes project. Rose is delighted to be able to share her extensive knowledge and experience to help more people stay independent at home. Expand For the last 20 years Rose has worked for the local authority supporting people to remain independent at home and in their community. She is dedicated to supporting people to achieve healthy, safe, and energy efficient homes and motivated by the difference this can make to people’s lives.
Stephanie Shackleton, Project and Business Development Coordinator Stephanie has taken the Safe Trader Scheme from strength to strength and was instrumental in the organisation achieving Home Improvement Agency status in 2016. Expand Stephanie is passionate about ensuring local people have access to trustworthy and honest traders and wellbeing providers to support people to remain living independently in their own home. Stephanie continues to be responsible for recruiting and monitoring the quality of service providers on the Safe Trader Scheme. Stephanie joined the Care Network in September 2008. Prior to working for Care Network Stephanie worked for the Learning and Skills Council for 12 years as a Contracts Manager. In her spare time Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. [email protected]
Jackie Smith, Helpdesk Officer and Administrator Jackie is passionate about supporting local people to access services that enable them to continue to live independently in their own homes. Expand Jackie joined Care Network in August 2016 to work on the Safe Trader Helpdesk after previously volunteering on the helpdesk at The Help Link Hub. Jackie brings with her a wealth of experience working with adults across Blackburn with Darwen and value's the work of Care Network and the impact we have on people's life, having been told regularly fro happy customers who tell her what a lifeline the service has been. [email protected]
Sue Veneziale, Helpdesk Officer Sue Veneziale has worked on the Care Network Helpdesk since March 2008. During this time she has built up a great deal of knowledge and experience and really enjoys her time working on the Helpdesk, passing valuable information and help onto the customers. Expand Prior to working for Care Network Sue was employed for 22 years within the Department for Work and Pensions. Outside of the office Sue keeps hens, enjoys walking with her very enthusiastic dog, is regularly entertained by her cat and goes camping (weather permitting), in a VW camper van and overall enjoys getting out and about in the countryside. [email protected]
Carol Ward, Disability & Diversity Services Coordinator Lead for disability, diversity and Third Party Hate Crime Reporting, Carole is driven, passionate and caring and is motivated by helping every individual that crosses her path. Expand With over 30 years working in mental health support Carole is an enthusiastic, experienced and competent educator and project manager. Carole is particularly passionate about learning disabilities, mental health and community cohesion. Her work is underpinned by the strong belief that all community members should be able to live longer, healthier lives and are supported to participate fully in all aspects of society, prosper as individuals and are valued contributors to a fair and equal society. [email protected]
Kathryn Williams, Helpdesk and Healthy Homes Liaison Officer Kathryn joined Care Network in October 2013 and now works across all the 'Your home' services, working on both our Safe Trader Scheme and Healthy Homes project. Expand Before working at Care Network Kathryn was a primary school teacher. Since working with Care Network Kathryn has built her knowledge of the many services available to support people within Blackburn with Darwen and enjoys supporting people to access these services and remain living independently. Kathryn works across the 'Your home' services including Safe Trader Scheme and Healthy Homes, she thrives off supporting people and making a difference to people’s lives. Kathryn always goes the extra mile to help Care Network customers and the whole Care Network team. [email protected]