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 has been the Care Network Chief Executive 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 local, sub-regional and regional levels representing the interests of the VCFS. He also has extensive experience in building relationships with partners and of developing networks as well as 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 Care Network 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. Debbie also manages the Healthy Homes Service helping to keep people warm and safe at home and has been instrumental in Care Network gaining the Foundations Quality Mark for the Home Improvement Agency for the third time. [email protected]
Michelle Carruthers, Disability Programmes Officer Michelle works across the organisation providing support and administration for the whole team, across all programmes. Michelle is motivated by helping others which means that she excels naturally in her role and her work is never a chore. Expand Before working for Care Network, Michelle worked at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council providing secretarial and administrative support across many teams including Elections and Democratic Services. 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.
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 Care Network Hub. Expand Kulsum started as a volunteer at Care Network Hub and when a role became available we were delighted that she was successful in joining the Care Network team on a more formal basis in August 2016. Kulsum is a real people person and enjoys working at Care Network Hub, supporting the public who come to Care Network for information, help, and support.
Rose Roberts, Helpdesk Officer & Administrator Rose recently moved from our Healthy Homes Team to our Care Network Hub Team, bringing her extensive knowledge and experience to help local people to live independent lives, access local services and improve their health and wellbeing. Expand After 6 years working as a Healthy Homes Officer for Care Network, Rose has joined our Hub Team as a Helpdesk Officer & Administrator, bringing with her extensive knowledge and experience to help people stay independent, access local services and improve their health and wellbeing. Before joining us in 2017, Rose worked for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for almost 20 years. Rose is happiest when she supporting people to live their best lives and her knowledge and experience ensures people can continue to live comfortably in the home they love, maintaining their independence and their place in their community. She is dedicated to supporting people and is motivated by the difference this can make to people’s lives. When Rose is not working, she enjoys travelling and spending time socialising with her family and friends.
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]
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]
Kathryn Richardson, Helpdesk and Healthy Homes Liaison Officer Kathryn joined Care Network in October 2013 and now works across all the services that fall under our mission of 'Caring about your home'. 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]
Dani Tulett, Marketing and Design Consultant Dani originally joined Care Network back in 2013 as our Helpdesk and Marketing Assistant until she relocated a year later and began supporting us remotely. She re-joined the team on a freelance basis in 2021 as our Marketing and Design Consultant. Expand Dani has worked in a wide range of Marketing and Design roles across the UK, with organisations in the third sector, hospitality and travel, motorsport, creative arts and more. With a wealth of experience and passion for non-profits, she is dedicated to supporting Care Network in reaching more local people and promoting our inspiring community. Alongside her work with us, Dani runs an independent Design and Marketing Studio based in the Lake District. Away from her desk she enjoys exploring the mountains with her family, weight lifting, road trips, water sports and reading. [email protected]
Deanna Dabrowski, Helpdesk Officer and Administrator Deanna has joined the Care Network Team to support on our Helpdesk and Safe Trader Scheme team for 3 days a week. Deanna studied Social Work and Children, Schools and Families at the University of Central Lancashire. Expand Deanna has experience working with adults experiencing homelessness, drug and alcohol misuse and poverty, ensuring they had the best opportunities to try and better their lives. Deanna also has experience working with children and families in residential settings. Deanna is passionate about helping people and ensuring they receive access to services to help make a real difference in their lives. During Deanna’s spare time she enjoys days out with the family, walking the dogs, baking, and doing crafts. [email protected]
Philomena Strickland, Disability Inclusion Officer Our Irish Dancing superstar Philomena joined our team in November 2021 as our Disability Inclusion Officer. Expand Philomena joined Care Network back in November 2021, as our Disability Inclusion Officer. She has previously worked as the Manager of SENDIAS in Blackburn, and as a SEND Officer with the local authority. Philomena enjoys dancing, and won the Irish Dancing Championship in 2022! In her spare time she loves to travel, dance and spend time with her family. One of her dreams is to visit all of the wonders of the world. So far, she has 4 off of her list! [email protected]
Caroline Evans, Healthy Homes Officer Caroline originally joined the Care Network team in April 2022, supporting our Healthy Homes project across the borough. She rejoined us this year to continue helping to support our local community. Expand Caroline has worked at Care Network since April 2022. During this time she has worked across the Healthy Homes project, helping to keep people safe in their homes across Blackburn with Darwen.Prior to working at Care Network, Caroline worked in marketing and e-commerce for fashion retailers, as well as charities Shelter and Plan International. Caroline is passionate about helping people in the community and is also a volunteer counsellor for a children’s charity.In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, whilst keeping fit through running and walking with her lovely, energetic Labrador dog Coco![email protected]
Chloe Sarginson, Healthy Homes Officer Chloe joined the Care Network team to help support our Healthy Homes project across the borough. Expand Chloe joins us this summer as a full time Healthy Homes Officer, helping to keep people safe in their homes across Blackburn with Darwen. Prior to working at Care Network, Chloe worked as a Student Social Worker. She then went on to work as a Support Worker in various settings with vulnerable children & adults, helping them to access support to enable them to live as independently as possible within their own homes. Chloe also has experience of working with people with complex disabilities including visual impairment, autism, learning disabilities, mental health & physical disabilities. In her spare time she likes going on days out with her husband & children, going to concerts & spending time with her very energetic labrador! [email protected]
Victoria Braithwaite, Disability Inclusion Manager Victoria joined us in 2025 as our Disability Inclusion Manager, leading our Hear Us Heroes project in Blackburn with Darwen. Expand With a deep passion for making a difference in people’s lives, particularly within the local community, Victoria is excited to lead the Hear Us Heroes project. Focused on supporting volunteers with learning disabilities and those who are autistic, she is dedicated to fostering inclusion and creating lasting change. Victoria looks forward to working with individuals across the borough and making a positive impact on those who need it most. [email protected]
Emma Blacklock, Healthy Homes Officer Emma has recently joined our Healthy Homes Team, bringing a wealth of experience into her new role. Expand Emma studied Politics at the University of Liverpool and, since graduating, has been involved with several charities in Blackburn. She has worked and volunteered with organisations including Shelter and ARC, supporting people and communities in practical and meaningful ways. Emma joins our team here at Care Network as a Healthy Homes Officer, and enjoys continuing this work. Outside of her role, she practises yoga every day and loves spending time with her family and friends.