Healthwatch Area Manager (Bristol, North Somerset, South Glos): Vicky Marriott
Vicky has lived in the South West for nearly 35 years. She has an award in Leadership and Management, is a registered Public Health Practitioner and has experience delivering community health interventions & training in Bristol and North Somerset. Her passion for health issues first led her into a journalism career and she was awarded best TV documentary 2003 by the Mental Health Media Trust. Her programme heard patient claims about antidepressants being marketed as safer than they actually were. Revelations led to an MHRA investigation, court cases in UK and USA, and a change to safety advice.
Our staff
Bristol Area Lead: Julie Bird
After completing a psychology degree with the Open University, Julie worked in welfare for 20 years, beginning as a hospital inspector with NHS Scotland and qualifying as a person-centred counsellor and trained CBT therapist. More recently, Julie has worked for Bristol City Council - both as a business development manager for the Energy Service and as a project delivery lead for Community Learning.
0117 2033594
julie@healthwatchbristol.co.uk
Bristol Community Engagement Officer: Charlie Back
Charlie graduated with a Psychology degree from the University of the West of England, where she focused her studies on social psychology and intergroup relations. With a background in mental health for the past three years, Charlie has had experience working with a variety of ages, cultures, and disabilities to better understand the social care sector and challenges of mental health. Beginning the role of Community Engagement Officer for Healthwatch Bristol, Charlie hopes to provide a voice for those who may feel underrepresented and wishes to improve access to health and social care for everyone.
0117 2033594
charlie@healthwatchbristol.co.uk
North Somerset Area Lead: Stephen Watters
After graduating with a degree in mathematics & computer science with the Open University, Stephen embarked on a lengthy career managing production facilities for a large multi-national company in the automotive industry. Stephen relocated to the West Country from Lancashire some 20 years ago where he ran his own successful business until 2015. He then started to do voluntary work with Citizens Advice, Weston General Hospital, and many residential care & nursing homes in Weston super Mare and the surrounding area supporting people living with dementia to better health & well-being through engagement with the creative arts. His passion is for the role the creative arts can play in health care environments and in particular in the care of people with dementia & the people who love & care for them.
01275 244238
stephen@healthwatchnorthsomerset.co.uk
South Glos Area Lead: Maisy Griffiths
Maisy studied for Master's degree in Politics before working in the voluntary and community sector organisations, helping them develop communications plans, increase engagement and build partnerships. Maisy also has experience of tackling inequality, diversity and inclusion issues, and says these important values really underpin her work. Maisy says: 'our aim is to hear from all diverse communities'.
01454 506176
maisy@healthwatchsouthglos.co.uk
Volunteer Co-ordinator: Jacqui Reeves
Jacqui's role is to recruit, train and support volunteers which is a vital part of Healthwatch BNSSG. Without the support of our volunteers, we would not be able to carry out our vital work. Jacqui has worked in the Voluntary Sector and food sustainability sector for many years, predominately involved in food insecurity. She was CEO of FareShare Southwest for ten years from its start in Bristol and has developed many volunteer training and employability programmes. She currently teaches for Community Learning Bristol as well as her part time role with Healthwatch BNSSG.
0330 055 3251
Communications Officer: Helen West
Helen studied in Bristol and obtained a Masters in Journalism, before joining the communications team of a national furniture company. She began with Healthwatch as a volunteer, and has recently taken on the role of Communications Officer, which involves keeping our websites updated with local and national public health messages, managing our social media, and press outreach.
07857 055804
Administration Officer: Kate Mould
After studying Biological Sciences at University, Kate worked for the NHS as a Medical Laboratory Assistant and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Public Health. Kate joined Healthwatch as an office support volunteer and enjoyed working on a variety of projects with the staff and other volunteers. Her new role as the Administration Officer involves providing admin and project support for the team.
01275 851400