Board of trustees

Irfon, a retired Psychiatric Social Worker, worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool PSS and the University of Central Lancashire.

Charles was previously Honorary Treasurer of Liverpool Association for Mental Health and, as a retired senior lecturer in Business Studies remains active as a JP and member of Liverpool Pembroke, Sefton Harriers Athletic Club.

Peter has been associated with Imagine and its precedents for 30 years and is a Director of the Institute of Mental Health Law. Until recently, Peter was the Chief Assessor of the Mental Health Review Tribunal Panel and acts as a consultant on Mental Health Law for emerging nations to the World Health Organisation. Peter is a founder member of the Law Society Mental Health & Disability Committee and travels widely, training extensively in Mental Health law for Government, statutory and private bodies.

Joan, commenced her career in the Probation service, working in both residential and field work, and having taught social work for ten years, pursued her career in the voluntary sector, occupying a senior position with Barnardo’s as Project Leader, and is able to support the Board with a breadth of experience in the practical aspects of operating the services provided by Imagine.

Geraldine has been associated with Imagine and its precedents for over 30 years, first as a volunteer with particular involvement in the group homes. She enjoyed working with the residents and involving her (then) young children in visiting the homes regularly. She was a Board member of Liverpool Association for Mental Health.

Professionally she worked for over 20 years in the Toxteth area, teaching at the Charles Wootton Centre for Further Education. There she helped students into Higher Education or in to employment. For the last 4 years of her working life she was Director of Toxteth Health Forum, established to improve the health profile of residents of Liverpool 8.

She is Chair of Governors of St Julie’s Catholic High School, and was also Chair of Dove Designs, another local mental health charity.

Ruth has worked in the health and social care field for fifteen years in both paid and voluntary roles. Previously a Board member with Crosby Housing Association, Ruth does volunteer activities with the charity “Aftermath Support” and Help Direct. Ruth has used the services of Imagine in the past and speaks positively of the impact the service had in her recovery and return to independent living. Now that Ruth has been appointed as a Trustee she is looking forward to assisting the Board and organisation in its continued growth and development.

Christopher is a London Barrister working within a practice that covers all areas of family law with particular focus on public law children cases. Within that area he regularly, but not exclusively, represents Local Authorities. Called to the Bar in 1996 Christopher is also instructed in ancillary relief cases and enjoys the different challenges that this area of work entails. .

He regularly appears in all levels of court from FPC through to the High Court. For the last 4 years he has given training courses to Local Authority Social Workers, Team Managers and more recently social work university students. These courses range from introduction to giving evidence to more advanced courses on recent legal developments.

Actively involved in chamber’s management, student recruitment at his Inn, and approved Pupil Supervisor, Christopher is also Chair of Imagine's London Committee.

Membership to the Board of Trustees.

Imagine annually review membership of our Board of Trustees and welcome applications from interested parties that:

want to make a positive contribution in mental health
want to use existing skills, knowledge, experience and expertise to make a difference to the lives of people with mental health needs.

As an independent charity, IMAGINE provides community- based mental health services to people who need support with life skills, housing, empowerment and community participation. Through our innovative person centred solutions, we aim to help each individual make lifestyle choices appropriate to their changing personal and social needs.

The governing body of Imagine is made up of people who have a diverse range of experience and skills and who volunteer their time to govern the activities of the Charity. If recruited as a Trustee, we will provide ongoing training and development in your role as a Trustee. Direct out of pocket expenses will be paid.

Experience within legal, financial, social care, or social work settings would be beneficial. The board as well as welcoming professional expertise are committed to the concept of diversity in its membership. We welcome applications if you have been or are service users, or a carer.