Meet the board

Peter, a retired social worker, has worked in adult social care for the past 40 years and brings a lot of experience with him.  He has worked across North East England, mainly with older people but also with people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems.  Peter has undertaken a number of job roles including direct service management, registration, inspection and commissioning services.  

Peter worked for 17 years with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, including being a strategic commissioner for Independent Living services; Personalisation Manager for the Putting People First initiative and latterly managing in-house services.

Peter retired in September 2018 at which point he received the Gold Lifetime Achievement Award in the national Social Worker of the Year Community Care Awards.   

In his spare time Peter supports a mental health voluntary organisation as a Board member; is an Expert by Experience at Teesside University and enjoys travel, gardening, stamp collecting and his grandchildren. 

Anne has worked for Age UK Teesside for nearly 9 years and took over as Chief Executive in 2015; a job which she loves. Anne has a background  in Sales, Marketing and Media. Anne has 3 grown up children, one granddaughter and a miniature dachshund called Frank.  Anne is passionate about staying fit and healthy whilst maintaining a busy social life.  Anne also loves to travel, particularly to the Caribbean (warm sand and sea!).

Liam Twizell's role is the Essential Learning Curve Consultancy Disability Lead. Liam has worked and volunteered within the Stockton area for more than 10 years and has a wide range of knowledge and experience including advocacy for the criminal justice system, social care and mental health. Liam has previously volunteered with the Durham Tees Valley Community Rehabilitation Company Mind and Stockton parent support.

Liam holds an undergraduate degree in Crime and Investigation and until earlier this year he lead the REACH Project with Hand-in-Hand Activities. His work specialised in providing support information advice and guidance to disabled people their families and carers. This information would range from social care, employment, education and tackling discrimination.

Liam attends several community and professional meetings within Stockton including The Catalyst Disability Forum, the Independent Strategic Advisory Group operated by Cleveland Police and the Hate Crimes Scrutiny Panel within the Crown Prosecution Service.

I worked in the secondary education sector for over 38 years, initially as a PE and Geography teacher, then later as a Deputy Headteacher and Educational Consultant. While teaching I did further studies to try to enhance the service provided for the young people in our care. This included a master’s degree in special educational needs.

I worked in a number of education authorities and was effective in leading and driving change across schools and authorities related to behaviour, attendance and special educational needs. I have chaired numerous committees and partnerships where my leadership has ensured effective practices are in place prior to Government directives. 

I live in the Stockton borough and I am very interested in Health and Social Care services provided for our community. Because of my work with young people and the role I played at senior level, I believe I can enhance what Healthwatch is already offering which will further support and improve the life chances of the people in Stockton.

I am looking forward to working with members of our community, to listen to what they have to say, and to support Healthwatch and our board members in sharing those views with stakeholders who can implement the necessary changes.

Karen is a Community Programme Manager at Catalyst, working with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, and was previously project lead at Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees.

Colin has worked in a variety of voluntary roles in the health sector and has a particular interest in patient insight experience.