THRIVETRAFFORD - Key Persons

Bernadette Elder

Job Titles:
  • VCFSE Sector Support Consultant
Bernadette Elder is the VCFSE Sector Support Consultant for Thrive Trafford delivering capacity building and funding support with organisations. Bernadette has over 13 years' experience of working with communities supporting individuals to come together to generate positive action including developing neighbourhood action plans, programmes of learning, and implementation of small grant schemes. Bernadette was the Community Development Manager for the award winning New Deal for Communities (NDC) Regeneration Programme in Salford, where her priority was to ensure community organisations would be sustainable post NDC funding, working with Pulse Regeneration on a programme of VCFSE Sector support. In April 2011 Bernadette took up the role of Coordinator for Inspiring Communities Together in Salford. Current work includes offering a volunteer qualification, setting up Community Forums, acting as community partner for Community First funding, support local residents to have a voice using social media and a community newsletter. Bernadette delivers the capacity building for organisations in Trafford, including supporting groups through the Trafford Quality Mark and the Small Groups Healthcheck.

Caroline Lewis

Job Titles:
  • VCFSE Communications & Service Delivery Manager
Caroline Lewis is the VCFSE Communications & Service Delivery Manager for Thrive Trafford delivering and managing all of the communications, social media campaigns and promotions for the service as well as providing support to local groups around funding opportunities, managing the volunteering service and coordinating the quarterly Volunteer Managers Network meetings. Caroline has over 10 years' experience of working with local Trafford communities, groups and volunteers across the Borough supporting the development of the local VCFSE sector. Caroline has previous experience of working across different sectors in a range of marketing and events coordination roles, including health, charity, private and media sectors.

Chris Hart Dan

Job Titles:
  • Contract Manager
  • Managing Director of Pulse Regeneration Limited
  • Shelston Bernadette Elder Caroline Lewis
Chris Hart, Managing Director of Pulse Regeneration Limited is a recognised social entrepreneur and experienced community regeneration practitioner. Chris established Pulse Regeneration in 2001 with the vision to improve quality of life by creating self-sustaining communities. Chris is the former Chief Executive of the Eldonian Group Limited in Liverpool, a nationally recognised model of best practice employing over 150 people mainly from the local community, the development of over 400 community owned homes, and having won World Habitat Award status. Chris's role also included the development and management of social enterprises, including a day nursery, community sports centre, village hall, managed workspace, care home, neighbourhood wardens and a joint venture property company. Chris has acted as voluntary Chair of the Anfield Breckfield Community Partnership; is a Non-Executive Board Director for Accent Regeneration & Community Partnerships; and has previously acted as Chair of the Development Trusts Association (now Locality) North West having also served on the Board nationally. Chris is the Contract Manager for Thrive Trafford and has an overview of the six delivery themes, including developing the model for Third Sector Representation, and liaises directly with the Trafford Partnership and Trafford Council, including as a member of the Strong Communities Board and South Locality Partnership.

Dan Shelston

Job Titles:
  • VCFSE Sector Development Manager
Dan leads on our partnership development work and supporting early help in communities. Dan has many years experience of public sector transformation in Trafford and Greater Manchester, including the development and establishment of Trafford's Community Collective. Dan's previous experience includes Community Lead at Trafford Housing Trust, and Leisure Industry consultant working on projects such as the Olympic Velo Park and National Football Centre.