Our Advisory Group enables us to involve local people and voluntary organisation reps in the delivery of Healthwatch Merton and make our processes more transparent and accountable.
Want to be involved? We are seeking local residents and representatives from the voluntary sector with an interest in health and/or social care to join us and make a difference.
Merton’s voluntary, community and faith organisations: Nomination applications are invited from people who are members of a Merton based voluntary, community and faith organisations. Application will be by CV to include covering letter from voluntary, community and faith organisations to confirm they are nominating you on their behalf plus an accompanying statement (no more than 2 A4 sides) explaining your interest, motivation in applying and demonstrating how you meet the eligibility and person specification.
Chair of Healthwatch Merton: Alfredo Benedicto
Alfredo had a long international career in Marketing, Travel and Financial Services before he retired to devote himself to the voluntary sector to improve the quality of the health and social services provided in our community. He is currently a member of the Executive Team and a Trustee of Merton Mencap. He is the appointed governor on behalf of Healthwatch Merton to the St George’s University Hospitals Foundation Trust and, currently, the Lead Governor. He has been involved with HWM for over 8 years and is the Chair of the Advisory Group since 2024. He represents carers and parents in a variety of forums and groups. Originally from Spain he has lived in Merton for the last 31 years.
Patrick Lyster-Todd - (Voluntary, Community and Faith Organisation Representative)
Secretary of Merton's LGBT+ Forum, Merton's LGBT+ community, Head of communications Haig Housing Trust Veterans
Patrick Lyster-Todd has lived in Merton for over 18 years and has a diverse background including 20 years as an officer in the Royal Navy, management positions in the television and hospitality sectors and in support of Veterans in need. He has been keenly involved in the charity sector for over 30 years, including as a successful campaigner and chair, trustee or director for numerous charities and voluntary groups including as a founding director of Pride in London. Currently he heads communications and fundraising at Haig Housing in Morden, the UK's main Veterans housing charity, is the co-chair of the new Veterans LGBT+ charity, Fighting With Pride, secretary of Merton’s LGBT+ Forum and a director of Merton Pride CIC which aims to put on Merton's first Pride event in 2020 at Merton Abbey Mills.
Chelliah Lohendran - (Voluntary, Community and Faith Organisation Representative)
Chair of Merton Seniors Forum and Vice Chair for Merton’s Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum.
Logie was previously a project manager for London Underground on the Jubilee Line extension and Metronet, retiring in 2006. In 2010 Logie was elected as a councillor for Cannon Hill ward. During his four year term he was on the Licensing Planning committee and was the Chair for the HCOP Scrutiny Committee in 2011. He is currently Chair of Merton Seniors Forum, Vice Chair for Merton’s Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum, Chair for Central Road Medical Practice Patient Participation Group, Member of CCG Patient Engagement Group and Dignity in Care representative (authorised to carry out care home inspections and report to the CQC).
Sarah Burrell - (Resident Representative)
Inclusion Consultant & Specialist - Respect, Value & Embrace Difference
Over the past decade, Sarah has worked within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Sarah is delighted to have been invited to join Healthwatch Merton Advisroy Group; Also a member of the Equality & Diversity Committee with South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee at Eventwell. Sarah is passionate about sharing her expertise and is looking forward to being instrumental in supporting positive change.
Gina Vettese - (Voluntary, Community and Faith Organisation Representative)
Awaiting update info
Tony Molley - (Merton Connected Representative - Advisory role)
Merton connected CEO
Chief Executive of Merton connected, Tony is responsible for the overall strategic direction and leadership of Merton connected while playing an active role in supporting Merton’s voluntary sector. Tony is committed to strengthening the sector and improving its resilience while building on strategic relationships with the public and private sector.
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