Network Staff and Trustees

Julie Humphrey - Network Co-ordinator

My role is is to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Community Network and the outcomes of our Annual Delivery Plan are met.

This means maintaining and building on our diverse membership base of voluntary, community and faith groups in Preston, ensuring we have strong representation on Preston Strategic Partnership at all levels and on all its groups, and facilitating communication and accountability between our representatives and the wider membership.

It's also my job to promote the Community Network and 'champion' the voluntary, community and faith sector throughout the public sector. Our sector makes a significant contribution in delivering services to our local community, partnership working, and bringing in resources to our city which are not available to the public sector. The Charity Commission estimates the overall value of the voluntary, community and faith sector in Preston is about £70 million.

Now meet the Network Executive and Finance Committee Trustees:

Patricia Hesketh-Sullivan (Chair) (Frenchwood Community Association) - Patricia was a founder member of the Inner Preston Credit Union and is a member of Frenchwood Community Association. She has been a Network Representative on the PSP Cultural Forum and is currently serving as a Network Representative on Prosperous Preston Group, the PSP Older People's Partnership Board, the Fifty-Plus Assembly (pan Lancashire) On a personal level, Patricia is a member of two Choirs and is a School Governor. She is also a Foundation Diocesan Governor, a member of the Embroiderers Guild, Harris Book Club, and, University of the Third Age.
Melanie Close (Vice Chair) (Disability Equality North West)
Pat Sumner (Company Secretary) (Preston Older People's Forum) - Pat began volunteering aged just 11 as a Red Cross Cadet. Pat was also Chair of the Student Nurses Assoc. and served as Secretary/Treasurer at the Health Visitors Assoc. Pat trained as a Shop Steward and has undertaken other volunteer roles at Preston Prison and Hospital (WRVS). Pat was one of the original members of Preston Older People's Forum, chairing it for several years. Pat also served on Preston Partnership Board for Older People, and a PCT committee. She was an original member of Preston U3A and was a Treasurer of NHS Retirement Fellowship for 8 years.
Barbara McCombs (PNE Disabled Supporters Club)
Mahmud Amirat (Gujrat Muslim Welfare Assoc.)
Valerie Wise (Treasurer) (Preston Domestic Violence Services)
Ibrahim Member (Baitulmal)
Hussain Mulla (Gujarati Sunni Muslim Community Centre)
Zafar Coupland (Sahara in Preston)