Our staff
At Healthwatch County Durham, our team are passionate about making sure everyone’s voice counts when it comes to health and social care.
Meet the team
Our dedicated team works across the county to listen to local people, gather feedback and help shape better services for everyone. Below you will find details of our core staff team, including contact details. Our work is also supported by volunteers - details of our volunteer team can be found at the bottom of this page.
Gail McGee
Julia Catherall
Senior Engagement Officer
0191 916 9847 (Direct)
07761 205705 (Mobile)
julia@healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk
Julia works closely with local communities, health and care services, and partner organisations to ensure people's voices are heard and used to improve services across County Durham. Having been part of the Healthwatch County Durham team since 2013, Julia enjoys the variety her role brings, from attending meetings and engagement events to providing information, advice, and signposting support to residents. She finds the greatest reward in helping people and seeing projects through from gathering feedback to influencing positive change. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, travelling with her partner, attending live music and theatre events, and making memories with loved ones. Inspired by her late Nanna's independence and resilience, she brings the same commitment and compassion to her work every day.
Lynsey Kim
Senior Engagement Officer
0191 9169833 (Direct)
07761 205639 (Mobile)
lynsey@healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk
Lynsey is passionate about ensuring local people’s voices are heard and used to improve health and social care services. Lynsey’s work focuses on community engagement, including projects with the Deaf community and research into experiences of Adult Social Care, gathering feedback that helps shape recommendations for commissioners and service providers. Drawing on a background in education, social prescribing, and health and wellbeing, Lynsey brings a strong commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and positive outcomes for individuals and communities. Lynsey particularly enjoys meeting people from across County Durham, listening to their experiences, and working alongside a supportive team to drive meaningful change. Outside of work, Lynsey enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the countryside with her dogs, cooking and baking, and visiting the theatre. Inspired by the kindness, resilience, and generosity she sees in others, Lynsey is motivated by the belief that positive change starts with listening to and supporting people.
Chloe Bradbury
Claire Sisterson
Ethan Lowerson-Marshall
Communications and Administrative Coordinator
0191 916 9247
ethan@healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk
Ethan leads on digital communications, marketing, and administrative support to help ensure local people stay informed about health and social care issues. Drawing on a background in journalism, digital marketing, community and youth work, Ethan manages the organisation’s website, social media channels, e-newsletter, and promotional materials, creating engaging content that raises awareness and shares the impact of Healthwatch County Durham’s work. Ethan enjoys combining creativity with communication, as well as exploring new digital trends and technologies. Ethan particularly values being part of a collaborative and supportive team, where different skills and perspectives come together to make a positive difference. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys cooking, exploring new places, testing his knowledge at pub quizzes, and unwinding with a good box set. Passionate about storytelling and amplifying local voices, Ethan is inspired by empowering people and providing the space to share their experiences and ensuring stories are heard.
Our volunteers
Healthwatch has an important statutory power that entitles its authorised volunteers to enter and observe health and social care services as they are being delivered. It provides an opportunity to see and hear how consumers experience a service and to collect their views and those of their relatives and carers.
We have 25 enthusiastic and supportive volunteers (including our Board members):
Enter and View Representatives
- Jean Ross
- Anne Glynne
- Mervyn Hockin
- Andrea Lambell
- Paul Stokes
- Rosemary Chessum
- Paulette Burgess
- Julie Brown
- Judi Evans
Engagement Volunteer
- Pat Nelson
- David Boal
- Mary McGee
- Dr Shaikh Saad Hameen
- Hannah Wright
- Amelia Dupuy
Healthwatcher
- Anne Thompson
- Pamela Spurrell
Interested in volunteering?
Volunteering with us can help you develop skills, gain experience and make a difference to your community.
We're looking for passionate individuals who want to be proactive and dedicated.