6th Annual Link Worker Day Conference & Awards 2024

Christiana Melam MBE is the award-winning founder and chief executive of the National Association of Link Workers (NALW). A published author and visiting lecturer, she holds a master's degree in public health and health promotion and is pursuing a PhD in social prescribing. Her accomplishments include being recognised in the Health Service Journal’s 50 Most Influential Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic People in Health Power list for three consecutive years and on The Telegraph's 100 Female Founders watch list. She was honoured with an MBE for her services to social prescribing in the King’s New Year Honours List 2024.

Dr Shriti Pattani, has worked in the NHS for 33 years and has combined the specialities of Primary Care and Occupational Medicine.

She currently works as the National Clinical Expert in Occupational Health and Wellbeing for NHS England and as a Consultant in Occupational Health and the Clinical Director of a large acute Trust in London. She is the immediate past president of the Society of Occupational Medicine.

Shriti is passionate about extending the availability of health and work advice to ALL people of working age including those who are self-employed, unemployed, economically inactive and persons with disabilities who have health conditions which impact on their ability to work.

She was awarded an OBE this year in recognition of her services to Occupational Health.

Professor Patrick Vernon OBE, is the Chair of the Birmingham and Solihull NHS Integrated Care Board (BSol ICB). Patrick initially took up the role on an interim basis in January 2023 and was appointed as permanent Chair in January 2024. Patrick was the first Non-Executive Director to be appointed at the BSol ICB and was appointed to specifically lead inequalities (in fact he was the first NED lead for inequalities to be appointed in the country). He received an Order of the British Empire in 2012 for his work on tackling health inequalities and ethnic minority communities. In 2019, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award for campaigning and advocacy work by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation.

Patrick is a former Non-Executive Director for Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and Healthwatch England. In 2020 Patrick established the Majonzi Fund, which is providing grants to families and community organisations to hold commemoration events for individuals from Black and racialised communities who have died from COVID-19 during the pandemic. Alongside his work for the BSol ICB, Patrick also chairs the Walsall Together Partnership Board working to create happier partnership working in the locality.

In August 2021 Patrick was appointed by Wolverhampton University as Honorary Professor of Cultural Heritage and Community Leadership for the Department of Community Development. In 2020, Patrick was selected by British Vogue as one of Britain’s top 20 campaigners and was included in the 2020 power list of 100 influential Black People in Britain. Also in 2020, Patrick co-authored 100 Great Black Britons. Patrick is a sought-after broadcaster, public speaker and writes blogs and articles for the national and international media on healthcare, cultural heritage and race.

Rachel became Chief Executive of the Patients Association in 2017, bringing with her over 20 years’ experience of health and social care in the not-for-profit sector.

She has overseen a significant period of change at the Association. Rachel is a member of the NHS Assembly and also a member of several national health bodies.

Margaret Ikpoh is a GP Partner at Holderness Health, a practice for 36,000 patients in East Yorkshire and has worked there for 12 years. She is the current Royal College of General Practitioners Vice Chair for Professional Development.

She is the practice lead for research and has had previous roles with the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber as a research champion for First5 GPs and AITs.

She is also the former Associate Director for Primary Care for Hull York Medical School and is a GP Trainer.

Currently she co-chairs the regional Primary Care Workforce Group with NHS England & Improvement for the North-East and Yorkshire Regional People Board.

At the RCGP, she has been involved in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Task groups and was awarded Fellow of The Year at the 2021 RCGP Inspire Awards ceremony.

Stephanie Tierney is a Health Services Researcher. She has been studying social prescribing since 2018, receiving funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research and UK Research and Innovation for this work. Her research has focused on the link worker role in primary care and the cultural sector’s contribution to social prescribing. She leads a network of academics, clinicians, providers, policy makers and members of the public with an interest in social prescribing called the Oxford Social Prescribing Research Network

Neil is a General Practitioner at Thistlemoor Medical Centre, where he has been since 2008, and has helped the organisation grow to be the largest Training Practice in Peterborough, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ for its innovative approach and care of patients on several occasions. He cares for a population who speak little English and who have some of the largest challenges in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. He has an interest and a degree in healthcare management which he utilised as accountable officer at the Cambridgeshire wide Clinical Commissioning Group and has led the GP federation (collection of GP practices across Peterborough and Wisbech) since 2018. He co-chairs the Place based board which brings together the hospital, community services, primary care and the voluntary sector. Neil is passionate about reducing health inequalities and is keen on improving things for the residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Neil is also Clinical director of the Central Thistlemoor Thorpe road PCN; Chair of Greater Peterborough Network (GP Federation) and Co-chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System North Place Board; and Deputy Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Gina is originally a pharmacist with experience in community and hospital pharmacy. She recently completed her MBA degree from Anglia Ruskin University. She started working as a asocial prescriber in 2021 while studying her MBA as She is is passionate about finding new innovative ways to address health inequalities through service transformation and using data insights for quality improvement. She also chairs health and wellbeing forum in Peterborough voluntary sector, to bridge the gap between the community and the health sector. She has been leading the population health management project in Thistlemoor medical center which won the practice team award by RCGP and the primary care award.

Anant Jani is a Research Fellow at the Heidelberg Institute for Global Health in Germany and the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. He focuses on understanding how we can improve population health by addressing social determinants of health. He is currently working on two large Horizon Europe projects exploring how we can redesign our food systems so that all Europeans can eat healthier and more sustainable diets (feast2030.eu) and how we can use novel financing mechanisms to fund interventions that promote health and prevent disease (Invest4Health). Prior to his research positions, Anant Jani worked in Europe and the Middle East to help healthcare systems within these countries to redesign their healthcare systems to focus more on value-based healthcare. Anant Jani has a PhD in immunology from Yale University.

Dr. Mastracci is a Canadian Vascular Surgeon currently working as a Complex Aortic Surgeon at Barts Heart Hospital, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, East London, United Kingdom. She works in both the departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiovascular Prevention, and leads both the Endovascular Aortic Service and Social Prescribing Programme for the East London Cardiovascular Prevention Group (ELoPE). She is an Honorary Associate Professor at University College London in the Department of Surgical and Interventional Sciences. She was born and raised in Fonthill, Ontario, Canada and she did her medical and surgical training at McMaster University in Canada. She has a fellowship in both General and Vascular Surgery from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. After training, she did an additional fellowship in Complex Aortic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where she remained as a Consultant Surgeon for 7 years, with an appointment as an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University. She moved to the United Kingdom in 2014, and has worked in London since that time.

Dr. Mastracci’s research interests cross two streams. She has long been interested in the treatment of complex aortic disease, and does clinical research focusing on outcomes after complex endovascular repair, and the imaging of diseases of the aorta. Most recently she has been interested in the clinical presentation of aortic dissection, and has worked to build a clinical system of remote monitoring to apply mobile digital technology to the treatment of this challenging disease, as well as the integration of fusion imaging in the intraoperative treatment of aortic diseases. Her second more recent area of study has been furthering the understanding of the role of social deprivation on the outcomes of cardiovascular disease, and is currently working to build, and study, a platform for social prescribing in Secondary Care.

Eirian is currently working as a Research Assistant at the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University. Prior to this she was the link worker for the Mouth Matters in Mental Health Trial, where she supported individuals with mental health difficulties to access a dentist. Eirian has also worked as a research assistant on the Mental Imagery for Suicidality in Students Trial (MISST). She is an author on the published research protocol papers for both trials. Prior to working in research, Eirian worked on acute mental health wards as an assistant psychologist delivering both group and individual therapeutic work to service users.

Sandra is an experienced Chief Executive with a strong change management and project development background along with extensive experience in strategic financial planning and performance management. Sandra has worked at a senior level both in the VCSE sector and in the NHS and has considerable experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders. Sandra is passionate about developing and creating programmes to support people to improve their health and wellbeing particularly in the area of health inequalities

Sandra has an MBA from Newcastle University and a post graduate diploma in Information Rights Law and Practice from Northumbria University.

Casey is a Senior Social Prescriber with 20 years’ experience in support work across different sectors over the years, from Youth work within Council substance misuse teams; Housing association, Troubled families agenda support; Home-start and Young people’s mental health, before starting her role as a Senior Social prescriber.

Casey is passionate about personalised care and believes in utilising and building community assets to support people and appreciates the dedication and resilience of all those in paid and unpaid roles who do this. Casey advocates for multiagency working as a key to delivering a holistic service to those accessing Social prescribing

Jennifer is a qualified Nutritional Therapist, NLP Practitioner and Trauma Informed Wellbeing Coach, with over 8 years of coaching experience. For the last year and a half she has been working for the NHS as a Health and Wellbeing Coach. This has allowed her to follow her passion for people by providing coaching for all. Her mission is to offer compassionate, whole-person support that enables individuals to feel empowered to take charge of their own health and wellbeing in an environment that feels safe yet inquisitive. She offers coaching through 1:1 sessions and integrated into group programmes.

Marie is the Chair of the NALW Council and Social Prescriber with Fareham & Portchester PCN. She has been a member of NALW for five years. Prior to this Marie was a Community Development Manager. She developed projects and successfully sourced funding to deliver change to four community centres in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, local authorities and local businesses. Marie has chaired several community led organisations across Hampshire. Marie enjoys travelling on cruise ships, going to the theatre and live music events.

Laura studied at Glasgow University gaining a B.A in Community Development.

Her work roles, spanning over 20 years, have included youth work/detached street work, mental health project support worker and a health improvement practitioner with NHS N.E Glasgow. Laura has been a community links practitioner for 4 years.

Georgi is known for her curiosity and passion towards ‘what matters to you’. As a Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapist and a Leader of Personalised Care within the Sussex MSK Partnership Central, Georgi focuses on holistic care in practise; supporting, and influencing change devoted to careful, kind care at an individual, service, system and neighbourhood level. Her published research in conceptualising the biopsychosocial model and therapeutic alliance has supported the depth of her work. Georgi’s recent innovations have included ‘what matters to you’ conversations within Community Appointment Days and development of a Care Navigator service within MSK, focusing on harnessing community power and what truly matters to people.

Ryan works for Humber Teaching Foundation Trust and has worked in health and social care since 2010. Ryans first involvement in SP was the development of East Yorkshire’s first SP service, embedding across the county in Gp and community venues, which continued to grow and is in its 8^th year currently. Ryan also manages a further two PCN Social prescribing projects. Finally, the International medical graduate SP model started in 2022 working with 4 sites to expanding to its current state providing SP care over 40 sites including the Yorkshire + Humber, The North East, Buckinghamshire and Thames Valley regions.

Debbie works for Humber Teaching Foundation Trust and has worked in the NHS, specifically within Medical Education and training, for over 15 years. Debbie’s first insight into the world of social prescribing came in 2021 when she was asked to work alongside Ryan Nicholls to create and deliver a brand new service aimed at supporting IMG GP trainees. The last couple of years has seen a rapid growth for the service which now supports IMG doctors in training across all of Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East. Debbie’s passion lies in seeing the positive difference that social prescribing can make to the lives of trainees and their families.

Lydia champions personalised care across all parts of the NHS. Having worked in NHS Quality Improvement, as well as in the VCSE sector she has experienced first-hand the impact personalised care makes to individuals. Lydia works in general practice seeing patients face to face either at home, in the community or in GP surgeries. She is also an Advisory Board member for Cumbria Education Trust, a trustee for a local Early Years provision, and a keen volunteer for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Lydia has a special interest in supporting patients living with long term pain, unlocking their potential to live healthy, full lives.

Colette Mason is Programme Manager for the Links Worker Programme with The ALLIANCE.

She has been with the ALLIANCE for 10 years, starting life as a Community Links Worker based in a Primary Care setting in NW Glasgow. This pilot project in Scotland helped to shape and inform delivery starting with only 7 CLWs. Colette now manages and oversees all the ALLIANCEs CLW Programmes across Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire. This comprises of 5 Senior Officers, close to 100 CLWs, based over 100 GP practices, 2 Foodbanks and 2 thematic posts working with the Asylum Seeking and Homelessness populations plus 2 new energy efficiency officers.

Colette sits on the GPs at the Deep End Steering Group as the representative for CLW.

With over 30 years of experience in healthcare across NHS, private, and military settings, Carole is a seasoned Senior Nurse dedicated to quality care, patient safety, and continuous improvement.

Carole has held leadership roles in General Practice and Primary Care Networks, driving initiatives to enhance clinical governance and prioritize patient safety. As a National Professional Advisor for the CQC, she has shaped policies and standards, providing expert guidance on governance and service delivery. Additionally, led successful Covid vaccination clinics and promote staff development.

Known for her adaptability, resilience, and a passion for mentorship, committed to fostering the growth of healthcare professionals both clinically and academically.

Tom is the Director of the Personalised Care Centre at Birmingham City University, with expertise in integrated and personalised health care. Since 2016, he has led initiatives in research, evaluations, and training, collaborating closely with NHS England to improve primary care integration. He manages nationally accredited CPD courses and has trained over 400 professionals in care coordination. His previous roles include Policy Advisor for NHS England and consultant with the World Health Organisation in Copenhagen. With a robust background in health policy research and strategy, Tom has made significant contributions at local, national, and international levels.

Melanie Venables has worked in health regulation for more than fifteen years, initially at the General Medical Council, where she was Head of Corporate Business Planning, and now at the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), where she has been Head of Accreditation since 2020. She has recently completed a MBA at Aston University. From July 2024 she will take up the role of Director of Policy and Communications at the PSA.