Meet the Team

'I have spent majority of my working career in the Northwest and most of this has been either in one of the Greater Manchester local authorities or regional social housing providers in various commissioning and senior leadership role. I joined Age UK Wigan Borough at the end of September 2021, I was really pleased to join a well-respected local charity, championing services, and meeting the needs of those local people aged 50 and over and working with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers committed to delivering quality services.'  

'I worked for Age UK as a Northwest Regional Adviser for five years from 2008 – 2013 and in this time got to know Age UK Wigan Borough. When I left Age UK, I did some consultancy work for the organisation and joined the team formally as Central Services Manager in 2015. The role is very varied, and I have a wide range of responsibilities which means I am always busy. I am proud to be part of the Age UK movement and support the services that we provide to older people in Wigan Borough.'  

'I joined AUKWB in June 2005 – I had never worked for a Charity before joining AUKWB although I had done some voluntary work, as my Mum also volunteered for a local Age Concern – so consequently this lead me to apply for a job within the Charity sector and I was lucky enough to be appointed as Finance Manager by Stuart Murray who was the Chief Officer at the time. My working background was mainly working for multi-national companies such as L’Oreal., Ingersoll-Rand (both in the UK and Switzerland)., Esselte-Letraset and Marley Tiles – all these were Finance based roles. I enjoy my role because of the variety - as I can be dealing with the day to day finances of the organisation from petty cash all the way up to helping set the budget for the coming year. Also the main reason I decided to join the Charity sector was to help make a difference to people’s lives and I feel we do this at AUKWB.'  

'I Joined Age UK Wigan Borough in June 2022 as a Publicity and Fundraising Manager. Before joining the team, I was working in retail management alongside studying at University. I focussed my dissertation on how social media affects the charity sector which gave me an insight into the impact digital marketing can have on a Non-Profit organisation. I enjoy using my skills to raise Age UK Wigan Borough public profile so more people can benefit from the excellent services.'  

'Before I joined Age UK Wigan Borough in June 2020 as a central services administrator, I worked for over 30 years mostly in the building trade as an administrator. I am now a Support at Home Team Leader and enjoy working in my team to make a difference by helping people in their own homes across the Borough.'  

'I joined Age UK Wigan Borough in June 2022 as Bright Days Team Leader helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness in people aged 50+ across the Wigan Borough in group settings. My new role as Steps to Success Co-ordinator is about helping individuals re-connect/connect to their local community and I am thrilled to be part of this new project. I love meeting people and having a chat over a brew and a biscuit or two!'

'Before joining Age UK Wigan Borough in July 2022, I worked as a Senior Manager at BT and Chair for both Wrightington Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospital and Belong Care Villages. Age UK Wigan Borough is a great team to work with, I feel the work we do makes a real positive impact on our customers and it's fun.'

'My career has always been in financial services, the last 15 years of which has been in leadership roles leading teams across various disciplines (such as Mortgages, Financial Planning, Branches and Operations teams). Since 2013, I have worked for Nationwide Building Society and, in recent years, have chaired the North West Community Board which awards grants to local charities supporting all things to do with the home. I enjoy being on Age UK Wigan Boroughs Board of trustees because firstly, I think the services that we provide are outstanding and make a genuine difference to the lives of those who use the services. Secondly, being a Trustee involves gaining a broad understanding of all aspects of the organisation … so is great for expanding your own horizons and developing skills & knowledge to enable appropriate decisions to be made. Finally, it’s an opportunity to work with like minded people and make a contribution to the lives of local people.'

'I have worked within the voluntary sector for over 30 years gaining MSc in Management in 2003. Prior to 2009, I supported individuals and communities affected by drug and alcohol problems. This included residential, community and criminal justice service. Between 2009 and 2017 Bernadette was the CEO for Age UK Tameside and worked in collaboration with other Greater Manchester Chief Officers to develop and sustain services for older adults. In 2017 Bernadette became self-employed and completed several interim CEO appointments across the country. Bernadette is committed to providing high quality and reliable services for older people. She enjoys the outdoors e.g., camping walking. Most recently she has been ‘appointed’ chief cook for Heyside Cricket Team and enjoys nothing more than a sunny afternoon ‘at the cricket’.'

'I joined Age UK Wigan Borough in July 2022. I currently work as a Consultant Pharmacist in Frailty and am based in the department of Ageing and Complex Medicine at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Teaching Trust. My passion for empowering older people to improve their health and well being are closely matched to Age UK objectives and I am proud of the value which the charity adds to the lives of local populace.'

'I joined the Age UK Wigan Borough's Board in 2023. Prior, I was a Quantity Surveyor Manager for a national Building Company, a Wigan Councillor for 25 years, then Wigan MP for 11. I was a non-exec. Director of WWL for 7 years, and Chair of Wigan and Leigh Housing, the Council's Arms Length Management Organisation managing its 22,000+ council housing stock for 8 years. I am currently chair of Westfield Primary School. I enjoy being on the Board as I am able to help make a positive difference and improve peoples' lives by helping them be as independent as possible for as long as possible.'