Vicky Shepherd, Trustee Vicky has been a director and trustee of Care Network since 2013. Both Age UK and Vicky have been involved with Care Network since its inception and have watched it grow into the quality organisation it is today. Expand Vicky's ‘day job’ is Chief Executive of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, a local charity that works with local older people and provides a range of services to help maintain independence and improve health and wellbeing. It is important to Vicky to be a trustee of Care Network and support the organisation’s development, as Care Network plays a vital role in supporting many vulnerable older people and improve their quality of life. Vicky believes the role and need for Care Network will only grow in the future, and that it is exciting to be a part of the team.
Steve Tingle, Chair of Trustees Being the Chair of Trustees of Care Network allows Steve to make a vital contribution to what he views as a vibrant and essential local charity. Steve supports our charity in supporting many vulnerable people to feel safe and assured when resolving a problem that can help them maintain their independence. Expand Our Chair of Trustees Steve was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, grew up in Blackburn and has remained in Lancashire ever since. He started out working life as a nursing auxiliary in one of the large learning disability hospitals and went on to become a qualified social worker, starting with Barnardo’s before moving in management roles with 4 separate Local Authorities, as well as a stint in the private sector. His current full time role is as Head of Operations for Children and Young People’s services with Lancashire Care Foundation Trust, with responsibility for a wide range of physical and mental health services across Lancashire. Prior to that he was the Director of Adult Social Services in Blackburn with Darwen Council, a Council in which he worked for 10 years. It was here that he came to work closely with Care Network, whose contribution to improving the lives of local people he came to appreciate and value. Steve is married with two children, runs regularly as a way of keeping healthy and managing a very busy job and to top it all off is a long suffering Newcastle United fan. He is currently fundraising for Care Network by completing 3 marathons! Please helpt to support Steve's fundraising effort here.
Muhammad Mizan, Trustee Mizan leads educational technology at Nybble, designing solutions to improve learning experiences. He also holds leadership positions in an international education organisation, a special school, and a government healthcare committee. Expand As the Head of Education ICT at Nybble, Mizan oversees the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions that enhance educational experiences for all. His expertise in strategic management ensures these solutions are effective, scalable, and meet the evolving needs of learners and educators. Beyond his primary role, Mizan holds a senior position within a prominent international organisation focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in technical education, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. In this role, he contributes to the development and deployment of impactful solutions that address global challenges and empower communities. Furthermore, Mizan serves as Chair of Governors at a local special school, sits on the Department of Health and Social Care's advisory committee for clinical impact awards. Due to his passion in health, safety and wellbeing of older people, he offers his immense support individually and through his company for CESOP. His passion for ensuring equitable access to technology aligns perfectly with Care Networks' mission to empower individuals through care.
Garth Hodgkinson, Trustee Passionate about local communities, grassroots community action and tackling inequalities, Garth has been former Chair and a Trustee of Care Network since it became an independent charity and Company Limited By Guarantee in April 2007. Expand Garth has worked in the public and voluntary sectors within Lancashire for over 20 years. He is Chief Executive of Community CVS, a role he has performed for over 10 years. Previously, he worked in local government and further education in various regeneration roles developing economic and community strategies, supporting community led regeneration programmes and bringing partners together to establish new charities, social enterprises and community groups to make a difference to their local communities. He is vice-chair of Blackburn College; vice-chair of One Lancashire and chair of the Lancashire Association of Councils for Voluntary Service. He represents the voluntary, community and faith sector on the Pennine Lancashire Accountable Health and Care Partnership Leader’s Forum. He is also involved at the grassroots level in a number of local charities and social enterprises such as two small Community Foundations, Neighbourhood Community Action and Jubilee Tower Credit Union.
Erika Holmes, Trustee Erika joined Care Networks Board of Trustees in March 2019 and is delighted to be able to share her skills and passion with such a worthy cause. Expand Erika worked for over 29 years as a Pension Scheme Accounts Manager to the ITV Pension Scheme. She took early retirement in November 2016 and currently sits on a local Patient Participant Group. She wants the opportunity to share her skills and experience to make a difference to a service that is crucial to our community in assisting in the everyday lives in health, social care and being able to remain independent. “Care Network is like a community centre providing a wealth of information that is vital for the times we live in, so any assistance I can give to ensure that this service continues and grows is a worthy cause to be part of.”
Alan Pickup, Trustee Alan is passionate about those who have a disability and their family carers, especially those with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Expand Together with his wife, Alan has been a carer since 1973 for their son who has learning disabilities. His direct experiences with caring and Learning Disabilities drives his desire to be a trustee of Care Network. Alan believes in the charity's role of providing a voice for, and awareness of, people who are living with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism. He see's the work the charity does as an essential part of people's equal participation in living independent, healthy lives where they can contribute fully to society. Alan has held many senior positions, including at board level in various organisations, latterly as Director of Operations for East Lancashire Medical Services, Out of Hours Doctor Service serving Pennine Lancashire, Alan retired in 2013 due to ill health. Alan is Chair of Trustees for Blackburn With Darwen Carers Service, the patient representative on Darwen Primary Care Neighbourhood and a member of East Lancashire Hospitals Public Participation Panel. Alan also represents Blackburn with Darwen in various Lancashire wide forums, that strive to improve the lives of those with Learning Disabilities and their family carers.