Staff and Trustees

Michelle Grogan Chief Executive Officer

I joined Trafford Carers Centre in April 2014. I've held a couple of roles within the last 7 years from fundraising to Centre Manager to my current role as CEO. I felt so fortunate to be given the opportunity to join the team, as I had been a young carer for my brothers with cystic fibrosis. I feel very passionate about supporting carers of all ages and I am really proud of the team we have in place and their knowledge and experience. In my personal, time I love spending time with my family, we enjoy taking little breaks together and visiting the local parks.

Simon, Deputy Chief Executive Officer

I joined Trafford Carers to undertake fundraising and to work on the contract with the local authority to provide the service to Carers. I am now the Deputy CEO leading on delivering our services.

I have had caring responsibilities when I was younger for my Mum. I helped my sister part time, caring for my Mum and Dad as they got older.

I like working at TCC as all the team just want to make life better for Carers.

I enjoy collecting art, walking my two very oddball dogs, drinking too much posh coffee and of course being part of my wild and wonderful family.

Jules, Carer Support and Engagement Manager

Hi, I’ve worked at Trafford Carers Centre since August 2018. Initially, I joined as the Senior Young Carers Officer, I then spent 9 months in the post of Deputy CEO before moving into my current role of Carer Support & Engagement Manager in April 2022.

The variety of roles I’ve been in has given me a good understanding of our carers’ needs and the importance of listening to ensure that we do the best to meet those needs.

I love meeting up with people and enjoy nothing more than organising and hosting get-togethers with friends and family.

Jill, Caseworker

I joined Trafford Carers Centre as an Adult Caseworker in February 2019, when I was covering a maternity post, however 3 years later I am still here! I was a Young Carer to both of my Parents and therefore understand the impact of the caring role and how valuable the support from a service like Trafford Carers Centre can have on your life.

Since I only work part time, I am able to find time to recharge my batteries by going for a relaxing swim, while my children are at school.

Judith, Caseworker

I joined Trafford Carers Centre in October 2021, as case worker. In recent years I worked as a mental health social worker. both with adults and young people. I am very happy to be part of the case work team at Trafford Carers Centre and feel my own experiences of being a carer for my mum provided an insight in to the joys and the difficulties of caring for a loved one.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog - a rather energetic spaniel. I also enjoy learning, being social and engaging in community activities.

Janine, Caseworker

I joined Trafford carers around 8 years ago as a caseworker, I really enjoy being able to help carers, provide advice, support and funding to give them a much needed break. It lovely to see the difference Trafford Carers Centre can make to a parent or carer. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, in the garden or walking and spending time with my family.

Angela, Volunteer Coordinator

I joined Trafford Carers in 2016. I have had a few roles from a Therapeutic Therapist, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, and now, Volunteer Coordinator. I am lucky to have been given the chance of the various roles and it has given me a good understanding of our Charity. I enjoy boating holidays with my husband. I enjoy socialising and spending time with friends. We have a fully restored 1974 mini clubman and enjoy showing it in Classic car events.

Anne, Caseworker

I have been at TCC for a number of years having initially started helping on a course designed to help people understand the complex nature of being a carer - based on my own 'experiences ' of caring for one of my son who has complex needs. I am now a caseworker and enjoy helping other people with a huge variety of issues that arise form the situations they or their loved ones are in. Outside of work, I am kept very busy within my own family - when I have 'spare time' enjoy the theatre / watching bands or being outside up a hill preferably with friends and a pint at the end of it!

Shay Garry, Senior Young Carers Officer

I joined Trafford Carers Centre in October 2018. I was appointed as a Senior Young Carers Officer. Approximately 15 years ago I started working with Young Carers and since then I have worked in Manchester, Stockport, Oldham and now in Trafford. I was a Young Carer myself at the age of 13 when my father had a massive stroke and left him paralysed for the rest of his life. I understand the sacrifices that Young Carers often make and so I have made it my goal to try to make things better for them by giving them as many opportunities to take a break from their caring role and to meet up with other Young Carers who have had similar experiences.

Devan Storey, Digital Inclusions Officer

Hi there! My mission as Digital Inclusions Officer is to make sure all carers have access and understands how to use the internet. I am also the project manager of this website, it's my baby!

In my spare time,I enjoy keeping fit and healthy, spending time with friends and family and cooking!

Rebecca, Trafford Carers Nurse

Hello everyone, I’m Trafford Carers Centre’s Nurse. As a carer myself, I understand that caring for someone can be rewarding but it can also be very tiring, putting a lot of demand on your physical and emotional energy. I aim to promote the health and wellbeing of registered carers. I work directly with carers and will develop individual strategies for each carer with an aim to reduce the strain of coping with their caring role.

Faith Parker- Project Coordinator Supporting Carers in Hospitals

I am the newest addition to the team, joining in April 2023. Working from Trafford General, I provide support to carers when the person they care for is in hospital. I understand, hospital admission and discharge can cause stress and anxiety for carers and I am here to give support through this. I am very proud to work with carers and have a great admiration for those in a caring role. In my spare time I enjoy going to live music events, spending time with friends and family and being outdoors.

Kerry Blackhurst

I have been very proud to be a Trustee & Director of Trafford Carers Centre since 2018 and I have lived in Trafford since 2000.

A solicitor by profession, I often act on behalf of those with vulnerable or disabled relatives who are concerned about planning for the future, or accessing care and funding for their loved ones. I also undertake work on behalf of charities – advising on the setting up of charities and their ongoing administration. It has been a privilege to be a part of such a fantastic charity as Trafford Carers Centre, which provides such vital support for our local carers.

Rachel Cossey

I have been a trustee since April 2020 and I work as a Regulation Team Manager at the Regulator for Social Housing. I have lived and worked in Greater Manchester since I was 18 and came to university here. I currently live in Stockport.

I am a trustee because I want to want to support carers as I believe they are massively undervalued by society. I have some experience of caring myself and I hope I can use my professional expertise in governance to support the charity.

Lindsey Mallory

I have lived in Trafford for the last 20 years and have more than 25 years of experience of working in the charitable or public sector in operational and management roles and in business development, income generation and commissioning. I currently works for Stockport Council as a Service Manager and support my mum who is an unpaid carer for her brother.

Frederick Barrett

Hi, I’m Frederick (known as Derick) & I have over 25 years experience working in Business & Corporate Banking and 3 years working for an operational charity, in southern Africa. I started my coaching practice in January 2015 and I am currently teamed up with New Level Results (https://www.newlevelresults.co.uk).

I became a trustee of Trafford Carers Centre in 2019 because I really wanted to support the unpaid carers of Trafford and particularly the young carers. These carers provide such a valuable & often under recognised service in our community.

Catrina Walker-Jones

I have lived in Trafford for over 17 years, Chartered Financial Planner and IFA for over 20 years. A member of Symponia and is experienced in giving advice on long term care for the elderly.

I support a number of charities and have volunteered at CAFT. I have first hand experience in providing care for my family and my elderly parents and understand the pressure of providing care for family during difficult times such as long term illness.

I enjoy photography, hill walking and most recently WI.

Akilah Akinola

My name is Akilah (pronounced A-Key-Lah) I am a proud Mancunian of Jamaican and British descent. I have lived the majority of my life in Manchester.

I am passionate about equality, fairness and trying to make the world a better place for us all to live in. I am employed as a Chief Executive of a charity that works to support adults with a learning disability and/or mental health needs, I am also a grandparent, a Local Councillor, a school governor, a volunteer and have been a trustee and non-executive member on a number of boards.

I am excited about joining the board at Trafford Carers as a trustee and hope to bring my skills and experience to further enrich the organisation. I have also been a carer for most of my life.