OPAL_ADVOCACY - Key Persons
Advocacy Coordinator, Opal Joined OPAL in 1999. Angela is a qualified advocate and is responsible for OPAL's independent advocacy service, prioritising requests for help, allocating advocacy referrals to advocates and working with advocacy clients to help them understand the choices they have so they can make informed decisions.
Lunchtime Assistant, OPAL Joined OPAL in 2019. Becky helps out at lunchtime to make sure everything is ready on time for people to enjoy the meal they have chosen, and often helped to prepare!
Programme Manager, OPAL Joined OPAL in 2001. Cath is responsible for managing the day service; making sure that everything is in place for people to choose and engage in activities, learn skills and have fun. Cath is also a qualified advocate and works with people to help them speak out and make informed choices.
Board Member, OPAL Cynthia has been a Trustee since 1987. Cynthia worked for Oldham Education Department for many years and as Trade Union rep at her place of work.
Board Member, Opal Joanna joined the Board in November 2018. She is a Child Protection Social Worker with extensive experience in health and social care in Oldham, working with people with learning disabilities and complex needs, as well as children and families. Joanna completed a work placement with OPAL as part of her social work degree and volunteered with the charity after completing placement.
Chair, OPAL Appointed as Chair in 2008, Jonathan is a Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Employment Law at Salford University. He has previously been a HR Director, Manager and Consultant, working across all three sectors. Specifically Jonathan has worked within the transport and construction industries, as well as carrying out HR projects within the public and voluntary sector.
Board Member, OPAL Les has been a Trustee since 2012. A town planner by profession, Les worked in Local Government for 46 years finishing as Director of Environmental Services for Oldham Council. Les subsequently became a Planning Inspector for 10 years. Les is currently Treasurer of the ACE Centre which provides assessments and equipment for people with communication difficulties. He is also a Trustee of Heritage Trust North West and Greater Manchester Building Preservation Trust, a school governor, assistant churchwarden and Rotary club member.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Social Worker
- Registered Social Worker
CEO/Social Worker, OPAL Joined OPAL in 2014. Michelle is a registered social worker and was recently appointed as our new CEO. Michelle is responsible to the Board of Trustees. Her role is to make sure that OPAL delivers the strategic priorities approved by the Board. She is responsible for the day to day management of the charity ensuring that people with a learning disability and autistic people are at the centre of everything OPAL does. Michelle is also a Stage 1 and 2 Practice Educator, assessing the practice of social work students on placement.
Job Titles:
- Registered Social Worker
- Social Worker / Social Action Coordinator
Social Worker/Social Action Coordinator, OPAL Joined OPAL in 2018. Neil is a registered social worker and is delivering the 'Learning Disability Friends' project. This involves recruiting people in community groups and organisations who are willing to learn more about learning disability and autism so that they feel more confident to welcome and work with people. This only takes an hour and support is available from OPAL. Neil also works on the day service and will be developing volunteering and social action opportunities for people to take part in all sorts of activities and worthwhile projects
Day Service Coordinator, OPAL Joined OPAL in 2008. Steph is a qualified Further Education teacher and member of the day service team,; planning and organising activities with group members and helping people to choose how they want to spend their time with OPAL. Her artwork and creative skills help to produce fabulous fun displays for our centre, and our social media feeds!