Vote for your VCS Representative 2021-2023

Cast your vote now for your local VCS rep!

Cast your vote below for CVSA (Croydon Voluntary Sector Alliance) voluntary sector representatives on a range of strategic partnerships, boards and committees within Croydon Council, and other independent agencies. By voting you make sure the voluntary sector representatives bring the voice of users and community groups to strategic discussions.

The deadline for votes is Friday 19 February 2021 there are 37 candidates standing for 22 boards/subgroups.

Select your representative for each board or subgroup and click 'Done' to submit your votes.

Please note: Candidate information on this form has been summarised. For the full candidate biographies (alphabetical, first name order) read here.

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1. Vote for your representative for the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP)

Rhona Kenny, Head of Therapeutic Services at Croydon Drop In
Croydon Drop In (CDI) is a local charity supporting children, young people and their families. As Designated Safeguarding Lead I am responsible for ensuring agency policies and protocols comply with legislation. I am currently the VCS Rep for the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership and wish to be re-elected.

Magdalene Adenaike, Founder/CEO of Music Relief Foundation & School Governor
As the Chief Executive of a youth charity, I have over 9 years' experience working with young people promoting their safety, wellbeing and sense of self-worth. As governor of a local school, I have shown my passion for the safety and wellbeing of young people and have continuously been vocal on this topic.

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2. Vote for your VCS Representative for the CSCP, Vulnerable Adolescent Priority Group

Raymond Bascombe, Founder of Ballers Club Community
Ballers Club Community supports over 60 young people on a sports/mentoring basis; I can therefore closely identify with the issues young people face. I am a VCS Rep for the Vulnerable Adolescent Priority Group. I would like to be re-elected to continue to help shape the future of young people on this board.

Peter Stanley, Director of Ment4
Ment4 supports teenagers involved in crime, abuse, exclusions, and vulnerable to trauma. I have been a VCS Rep on the Vulnerable Adolescent Priority Group since 2014. I am passionate about continuing to build the link between Council and the Voluntary Sector and would like to be re-elected for 2021-2023.

Elaine Joseph, Founder iiChild, Foster Parent & Children's Author
iiChild aim is to redress the balance of social mobility by creating fun learning projects (currently for 80 disadvantaged children). I have presented in Brussels and at the House of Parliament on Child Poverty. I also work with the Violent Crime Unit, Southwark. My experience equips me well to represent on this board.

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3. Vote for your representative for the CSCP, Learning & Development Subgroup

Susan Taylor, NSPCC Accredited Safeguarding Children & Child Protection Specialist, Tailormade Training
I want to be the voice of the voluntary sector who are currently under-represented yet work with vulnerable children. Schools have teams of senior leaders devising policies to create safer environments, where the voluntary sector doesn't. 'The best way to safeguard children is to educate the adults around them.'

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4. Vote for your representative for the CSCP, SEND Early Identification

Jane Carey, Founder & Manager of Jubilee Parenting
Jubilee Parenting supports families in Croydon by empowering parents and significantly improving outcomes for children, including those with additional needs. Croydon Council has commissioned our services for over 10 years. We provide advocacy, courses, workshops and weekly support groups.

Susan Taylor, NSPCC Accredited Safeguarding Children & Child Protection Specialist Tailormade Training
Children receiving a late diagnosis have already spent their life feeling different, without access to specialist support. Many excluded from formal education and their life chances compromised. I currently sit on Croydon's Autism Partnership board. I have a personal interest in this area as I have 2 children with SEN.

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5. Vote for your representative for CSCP, SEND Community & Engagement Team

Elsie Sutherland, Croydon Healthwatch Advisor & Safeguarding Children Partnership L&D Programme Member
Former social worker and a school governor at a special educational needs school. I continue to influence the delivery of local services through my current roles. I believe through collaboration we improve circumstances for those who need it. I believe I have the experience to represent the voluntary sector well.

Venessa Bobb, Director, A2ndvoice CIC & Officer/Chair of National Autism Society (Lambeth Branch)
Mother of 3, the 2 youngest diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. Officer and Chair of National Autism Society Lambeth. All-Party Parliamentary Group (on Autism Advisory Group) and Croydon Safeguarding Children with Disabilities Priority Group Member. Guest speaker on the topic of Autism at conferences and on radio.

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6. Vote for your representative for the Health & Wellbeing Board (H&WB) Carers' Partnership

Philippa Thompson, Chief Executive of Mind Croydon
I have 15 years of Voluntary Sector experience in children’s services, advocacy, disability, mental health, and housing. My proudest moment was being selected as a non-disabled person to be CEO at a user-led disability charity. I was previously a VCS rep on the West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board.

Patricia Knight, Board Member of Healthwatch Croydon Local Leadership Board (HWC)
As a board member of HWC, I regularly attend the Croydon Health & Wellbeing Board and Carers Partnership meetings where I have contributed to the implementation of the Croydon Carers strategy. I am a member of the Carers Information Centre and represent HWC on the Croydon Dementia Action Alliance.

Nana Akoto, Health Promotion Officer
Passionate about the health and wellbeing of people within our community, I run workshops to raise awareness of health issues, with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing. I also support young people in care to improve their focus and interactivity. I would like to be re-elected for 2021-2023.

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7. Vote for your representative for the Autism Partnership Board

Hale Own, Local Artist & Art Teacher
I have enjoyed serving and contributing as the VCS Representative on the Autism Partnership Board and the Autism Strategy subgroup. I wish to continue in this capacity and would like to re-elected as a VCS Rep for this board for 2021-2023.

Oppose voting

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8. Vote for your representative for the (H&WB), Croydon Children & Young People Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health Partnership

Jane Carey, Founder & Manager of Jubilee Parenting
Croydon Council has commissioned Jubilee Parenting services for over 10 years. We empower parents and improve outcomes for children, including those with additional needs. Family emotional wellbeing is our priority. It is the foundation on which a family stands.

Maxine Grant, Nurse at Axa insurance & Founder of 'Parenthood' Group
Over 20 years of nursing experience supporting children and young people with issues such as self-harming, mental illness, substance abuse, sexual abuse, depression and eating disorders. Our Parenthood group is a safe space for parents to learn from each other, and to have important discussions with their children.

Claire Keetch, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Croydon
I have 22 years of experience in the Voluntary Sector and have previously represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board (in other areas of the UK), I co-founded an anti-poverty alliance and was a founder trustee of a women's centre. I am also part of a homelessness forum and a probation strategy Group.

Dan Cudmore, Health Partnerships Manager at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
CRUK's current campaign aims to change the health of the nation through a healthier lifestyle. This and other roles as Croydon Council Active Lifestyles Programme Manager and Sports Development Assistant (delivering sessions to young people with disabilities) equip me well to be a VCS Rep.

Linda Nicholas, Chair to the Board of Trustees at Woodside Bereavement Service
As HR Staff Wellbeing Lead & Mental Health Ambassador I deliver projects to support workforce strategy (apprenticeship programmes, employee counselling, occupational health and challenging inequalities). I am also the team leader of a local homeless support group. I am keen to use my skills as a VCS Rep.

Simone Frazier, Founder of the Wellness School London & Leadership and Personal Development Coach
Wellness School London is a modern space of wellness, where individuals can rediscover and align with self-esteem as the catalyst for transformative change in their lives. I am passionate about catering for the needs of young people who want to live healthier, stronger and more vibrant lives.

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9. Vote for your representative for the H&WB, Croydon Maternity Voices Partnership

Patricia Knight, Board Member Healthwatch Croydon Local Leadership Board (HWC) & Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) Member
I have been an MVP member for many years. My interest is in the patient experience and the ways of accessing patients' views. I was elected as VCS Rep for this board in 2018 and have enjoyed representing on this board and being able to make a difference. I wish to be re-elected for 2021-23.

Claire Keetch, CEO of Citizens Advice Croydon & Founder Trustee of a Women’s Centre
I have 22 years of experience in the Voluntary Sector and have previously represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board (in other areas of the UK), I co-founded an anti-poverty alliance and was a founder trustee of a women's centre. I am also part of a homelessness forum and a probation strategy Group.

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10. Vote for your representative for the H&WB, Learning Disability Partnership

Alan Alvis, CEO of Croydon Mencap & Chair of the Learning Disability Forum
The Learning Disability Forum comprises of people with learning disabilities, carers and community reps, they meet to consider issues of people with learning disabilities. I am already a member of the Learning Disability Partnership Board and I wish to be re-elected as a VCS Rep on this strategically important Board.

Geraldine O'Shea, Director of Croydon People First & Co-Chair of the Learning Disability Partnership Board
Croydon People First is a charity that helps people with learning disabilities to be independent, have a voice, be part of the community, and achieve their goals. I have co-chaired the Learning Disability Partnership Board for the past 4 years and I would like to be re-elected as a VCS Rep for this board.

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11. Vote for your representative for the H&WB, Healthy Weight Management Steering Group

Dan Cudmore, Health Partnerships Manager at Cancer Research UK
CRUK's current campaign aims to change the health of the nation through a healthier lifestyle. This and other roles as Croydon Council Active Lifestyles Programme Manager and Sports Development Assistant (delivering sessions to young people with disabilities) equip me well to be a VCS Rep.

Oppose voting

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12. Vote for your representatives for the Safer Croydon Partnership (SCP), Youth Crime Board

Peter Stanley, Director of Ment4, UKHTC National Prevention Manager & Founder of Parental Army
Ment4 supports teenagers involved in crime, abuse, exclusions, and vulnerable to trauma. I have been a VCS Rep on the Vulnerable Adolescent Priority Group since 2014. I am passionate about continuing to build the link between Council and the Voluntary Sector and would like to be re-elected for 2021-2023.

Raymond Bascombe, Founder Ballers Community Club
I grew up participating in youth-related crime but by creating a successful community organisation, I now support over 60 young people on a sports/mentoring basis. I identify closely with the issues young people face and I believe my knowledge and experience equips me well to be a representative on this board.

Magdalene Adenaike, Founder/CEO of Music Relief Foundation & School Governor
I have over 9 years of experience working with young people. I am passionate about the work we do around young people, their safety, wellbeing, and their sense of self-worth. I am currently a VCS Rep on this board and would like to continue to contribute and explore ways in which youth crime can be reduced.

Ben Taylor, Co-Founder & Committee Member Croydon Covid19 Mutual Aid (CCMA)
Through CCMA I am actively involved in the local community, regularly engaging with local groups, speaking with and learning from those who put the safety and security of their community as their number one objective. I believe local residents should feel safe, secure and listened to.

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13. Vote for your representative for the SCP, Domestic & Sexual Violence Subgroup

Lucy Pleass, Director of Operations Bromley and Croydon Women's Aid
With 14 years of experience in the domestic abuse sector and as a survivor of domestic abuse, I am committed to ending violence against women and girls. I have knowledge and understanding of the dynamics and complexity of domestic abuse. I wish to be re-elected as VCS Rep for 2021-2023.

Stefanie Burgess-Bryan, Domestic Abuse Outreach Officer Bromley and Croydon Women's Aid
I currently work in the social welfare of women and mental health. My aim is to help change the lives of women and girls who have experienced emotional or physical trauma, ensuring projects and services for vulnerable women and girls in the borough are sustained, accessed and work productively.

Sara Mohamed, Project Coordinator at Cassandra Centre
Cassandra Centre supports domestic violence survivors. I am keen to be a VCS Rep on this board as I would like to be part of breaking through the silence of domestic abuse and tackle domestic violence at early stages to prevent more serious issues from happening.

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14. Vote for your representative for the SCP, Offender Management Programme Board

Sara Mohamed, Project Coordinator at Cassandra Centre
I am keen to be a VCS Rep on this board. I would like to be part of breaking the silence of domestic abuse, tackling domestic violence at the early stages and preventing more serious issues from happening. I strongly believe that working with and supporting offenders breaks the cycle of re-offending.

Adrian Samuda, CEO of Get Me To Work
‘Get Me To Work’ supports young adult offenders and re-offenders with job training and employment. Through sharing knowledge and talking to like-minded individuals with the same vision, I believe we can bring about a positive change. I would like to be re-elected as VCS Rep for 2021-2023.

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15. Vote for your representative for the SCP, Anti-Social Behaviour & Environmental Crime subgroup

Pam Flouch, Manager at Croydon Community Mediation
Croydon Community Mediation assists in the resolution of conflict situations arising between neighbours resident within the Borough of Croydon, and provides training in conflict resolution for the purpose of alleviating distress created by conflict. I wish to be re-elected as VCS Rep for 2021-2023.

Oppose voting

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16. Vote for your representative for the Proactive & Preventative Care Programme Board.

Brian Longman, Current Trustee & Vice-Chair of Croydon Neighbourhood Care Association (CNCA)
I am passionate about the need to develop Croydon’s prevention agenda. Self-care, self-management, shared decisions are key; the challenge is how we empower Croydon residents to make informed decisions about their health/wellbeing. I have been a VCS Rep on this Board since it was established and wish to be re-elected.

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17. Vote for your representative for the Croydon Climate Crisis Commission (CCCC)

Ian Morris, Secretary of Sustainable Thornton Heath, Member of Friends of the Earth, XR &Transition Town
Sustainable Thornton Heath has contributed to Croydon Green Recovery and Shaping Thornton Heath initiatives. I am passionate about and dedicate significant amounts of my time to sustainability and the environment. I am currently VCS Rep for this recently formed board and wish to be re-elected for 2021-23.

Leonie Osborne Chair, Croydon Friends of the Earth & CCCC Awareness andEngagement Working Group Member
I have a passion for improving the environment. As a member of CCCC, Awareness & Engagement working group I have demonstrated my commitment to engage in Croydon's planning and development. I am proud to be Chair of Croydon Friends of the Earth, raising awareness/engaging in projects for a safer climate.

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18. Vote for your representative for the CCCC, Awareness & Engagement Subgroup

Joe Duggan, Co-Chair Crystal Palace Transition Town (CPTT), Trustee Transition Network & Co-founder London Transition Hub
I am a member of the Climate Commission Engagement Working Group. I am committed to climate action and passionately feel that this issue must bring communities along with them. CCPT has been successful in creating a sustainable narrative that draws people in from outside the green community.

Anna Orridge, Media Co-ordinator & Greenpeace Croydon Member
I have a long history of environmental activism. Currently, I am the local media co-ordinator for Green Peace Croydon and a member of the Atwood Green Team (a parent's group involved in reviewing and rolling out viable and appropriate green projects in line with the national Eco-Schools initiative).

John Clingan, Chair of South Croydon Community Association (SCCA)
I've been responsible for a number of communications for various non-profit organisations in Croydon: SCCA, Croydon Transition Town & Croydon Extinction Rebellion. I am actively involved with Croydon Covid19 Mutual Aid. I have retired early so that I can focus on community-related activities.

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19. Vote for your representative for the CCCC, Transport Subgroup

Tim Bellenger, Director of Policy and Investigation London TravelWatch & Crystal Palace Transition Town Member
I am a professional transport planner for London TravelWatch, an organisation that represents the interests of transport users. I am a project board member for the Crystal Palace Community Land Trust and have come up with sustainable transport solutions to allow the provision of affordable housing.

Tim Coombe, Croydon XR Member
I was a member of the advisory panel on the Croydon Climate Change Citizens Assembly. I have a good knowledge of the science of climate change. Where I lack specific in-depth knowledge, I have the ability and drive to research and find best practice in order to be an informed contributor and representative.

Marian Hoffman, Treasurer Sustainable Thornton Heath & CCCC Awareness & Engagement Working Group Member
I am a steering group member of Sustainable Thornton Heath. We raise awareness of climate change and promote sustainable solutions for daily life. I am particularly interested in finding ways to achieve public acceptance of sustainable solutions to change circumstances/behaviour change (i.e. walking not driving).

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20. Vote for your representative for the CCCC, Housing & Built Environment Subgroup

Tracey Hague, Sutton & Croydon Green Party Member, Friends of Addiscombe Railway Park & Coordinator of SCGP
I worked in the energy sector for over 10 years (in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable building materials and environmentally sustainable low impact urban regeneration). I have extensive experience in eco-renovation and of working in the corporate, health, and public sector.

Oppose voting

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21. Vote for your representative for the CCCC, Adaptation & Nature-Based Approaches Subgroup

Tim Coombe, Croydon XR
I was a member of the advisory panel on the Croydon Climate Change Citizens Assembly. I have a good knowledge of the science of Climate Change. Where I lack specific in-depth knowledge, I have the ability and drive to research and find best practice in order to be an informed contributor and representative.

Grace Onions, Soroptimists Croydon, Environmental Conservationist & Croydon Friends of the Earth Member
I have a background in environmental conservation and have worked with many local and national NGOs since qualifying, along with conservation volunteers, parent/teacher groups and Croydon Council. Recently co-opted as VCS Rep on this subgroup I wish to be re-elected for 2021-2023.

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22. Vote for your representative for the CCCC, Jobs & Work Subgroup

Teresa Minondo, Development Team Administrator at City & Guilds Group
At City & Guilds group my team is involved in developing land base qualifications. My interest is in the area of youth and climate change. I have good connections within the local area. I would be delighted to be a VCS representative on the Jobs and Work subgroup.

Oppose voting

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23. Vote for your representative for the Croydon Rough Sleepers Alliance Forum

Claire Keetch, CEO of Citizens Advice Croydon, Anti-Poverty Alliance Co-founder, Homelessness Forum Member.
I have 22 years of experience in the voluntary sector and have previously represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board (in other areas of the UK). I co-founded an anti-poverty alliance and was a founder trustee of a women's centre. I am also part of a homelessness forum and a probation strategy group.

Oppose Voting