What is the Strategic Alliance?
The South East London VCSE Strategic Alliance brings together diverse Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations from across south east London to enhance our collective power for transforming the local healthcare system. We are working together to strengthen the VCSE sector for the benefit of all people and communities. Read the VCSE Charter to discover how our Alliance is transforming healthcare through collaboration and innovation.
Meet our Alliance
Meet the VCSE leaders working together for a stronger south east London.
Alzheimer's Society
Jackie Swapp is a dedicated leader at Alzheimer’s Society, bringing a wealth of experience in supporting people affected by dementia. Before joining Alzheimer’s Society, Jackie held key roles in various health and social care organisations, where she focused on enhancing care quality and support services for vulnerable populations. With a deep commitment to improving the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and their families, Jackie works tirelessly to advocate for better care, raise awareness and drive forward initiatives that ensure every individual impacted by dementia has access to the resources and care they need.
Barnado's Positive Futures, London Region
Barnardo's in South East London works to transform the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families. Their services focus on improving mental health, tackling child poverty, supporting young carers, and providing safe spaces for those facing challenges at home or school. With a commitment to early intervention, Barnardo’s collaborates with local communities and services to create a supportive environment, helping children and families overcome adversity and achieve brighter futures.
Bromley Third Sector Enterprise
David Walker is Chief Executive Officer at Bromley Third Sector Enterprise (BTSE), which strives to unite the third sector to benefit local communities and is responsible for the delivery of Bromley Well. With extensive experience in the charitable and public sectors, David has a strong track record in program delivery and policy work, including roles at Career Academies UK and the Association of Colleges. Recently elected as a councillor for Deptford ward in Lewisham, David is dedicated to driving positive change and enhancing opportunities for all.
Bexley Voluntary Service Council
Jattinder Rai is the CEO of Bexley Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), with extensive experience in the voluntary and community sector. Her leadership is driven by a commitment to empowering local communities and strengthening the voluntary sector’s impact across Bexley. With a background in community development and strategic partnerships, Jattinder is focused on building collaborative networks, supporting local organizations, and championing initiatives that address the diverse needs of Bexley's residents.
Community Links Bromley
Christopher Evans is the Chief Executive of Community Links Bromley (CLB), bringing extensive experience in the voluntary sector to his role. His career has been dedicated to strengthening the voluntary and community sector, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change. At CLB, Christopher is committed to empowering local organisations, providing essential resources, and ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and supported. His leadership is key to enhancing the resilience and impact of Bromley's voluntary sector.
Community Southwark
Anood has over 15 years of experience leading strategy development and delivery across the political, public, and voluntary sectors. She is deeply committed to London and its diverse communities, with a strong drive to create a fairer society where everyone can shape their own future. Anood is a prominent community campaigner and served as Leader of the Opposition at Southwark Council for ten years, during which she supported hundreds of individuals and organisations through casework, campaigns and advocacy.
Community Hospice
Kate Heaps is the Chief Executive of Community Hospice, a vital organisation providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for the people of Greenwich and Bexley. Driven by a deep commitment to improving palliative care services, Kate leads with empathy and innovation. Her visionary approach has expanded the hospice's reach, implementing community-based programs and fostering partnerships to enhance patient care. A passionate advocate for accessible hospice services, Kate actively engages with policymakers and healthcare professionals to promote dignity and quality of life for those facing terminal illnesses. Her dedication extends to supporting families and caregivers, ensuring holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional needs.
Kinaraa
Barbara Gray, former Mayoress of Lewisham, founded Kinaraa in 2021 to address challenges faced by the local Black African and Caribbean community. With a background in policy and community engagement, Barbara's journey from personal assistant to community leader has been marked by perseverance and advocacy. Inspired by Maya Angelou and her own experiences, she focuses on amplifying community voices, influencing policy, and promoting equity. Through Kinaraa, Barbara combines innovative research with lived experience to empower Lewisham's Black community and drive systemic change. Her work spans consulting with policymakers, storytelling, and nurturing future generations of leaders.
Lambeth Links
Christopher French is the Director of Lambeth Links, a community organisation in London dedicated to improving healthcare services for LGBTQ+ communities. With a background in public health and social advocacy, Christopher has spent over 20 years championing equality and inclusion. His expertise in community engagement and policy development has been instrumental in shaping Lambeth Links' initiatives, which focus on access to quality healthcare, education, and support. Christopher is deeply committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, and he continually advocates for marginalised voices in the healthcare system.
Lewisham Local
Dr. Gülen Petty is the Chief Executive Officer of Lewisham Local, bringing over 15 years of experience in community development and social initiatives. A long-time Lewisham resident, Gülen has led various local charities, contributing to the borough's growth. She is passionate about empowering communities and mobilising resources, and is committed to driving bold, meaningful change. Under her dynamic leadership, Lewisham Local is poised to continue flourishing, building on its strong foundations to make a lasting impact on the lives of residents.
Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network
Alan Robertson is the Chief Executive officer of Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN), bringing a wealth of experience from over 25 years in the charity sector. His background includes leadership roles in housing, mental health, and international development. Passionate about social justice, Alan is committed to empowering refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. At LRMN, he focuses on enhancing services, fostering partnerships, and advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalised communities in Lewisham and beyond.
METRO GAVS
Andrew Kerr is a Programme Manager at METRO GAVS and a Doctoral Candidate at King's College London. At METRO GAVS, he leads initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of diverse communities, combining his expertise in project management with a deep commitment to social justice. Passionate about fostering inclusive environments, Andrew's work centres on delivering impactful services and driving positive change through innovative programmes that address the unique needs of marginalised groups.
South East London Mind
Ben Taylor joined SEL Mind in 2005 and became Chief Executive in 2012. With over 20 years of leadership experience in mental health charities and a background in social work, Ben is deeply committed to social justice, the power of the voluntary sector, and the importance of peer support. His focus includes fostering inclusivity, building strong partnerships, and leading with compassion. Ben also serves as a Trustee for Bromley Third Sector Enterprise and is the voluntary sector mental health lead for South East London.
The Motherhood Group
Sandra Igwe is a leading Black maternal health advocate and the Founder of The Motherhood Group, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting the Black maternal experience through community events, workshops, and peer support. She's also a Trustee for Birthrights Charity and co-chairs their National Inquiry into Racial Injustice in Maternity Care. Sandra authored 'My Black Motherhood', where she amplifies Black mothers' voices, advocating for better understanding and care in the healthcare system.
Dr. Miriam Donaghy is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MumsAid, a charity providing specialist therapy for mothers experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. With a background in psychotherapy and over 20 years of experience, Miriam is deeply committed to supporting maternal mental health. She combines her clinical expertise with a passion for empowering women, ensuring that MumsAid offers compassionate and accessible care for mothers and families across London.
Re-Instate
Simon Hart is the Founder and Director of Re-Instate, a London-based charity supporting individuals with mental health challenges and learning disabilities. With a background in social work and community development, Simon has over 30 years of experience in the social care sector. He previously worked in various roles focused on mental health and social inclusion before establishing Re-Instate. Simon is passionate about empowering vulnerable communities through employment, training, and social inclusion initiatives, transforming lives across London.
Young Mums Network
Fiona Small is the Founder and Director of the Young Mums Support Network, an organization dedicated to empowering young mothers by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. With a background in community engagement and social enterprise, her work focuses on delivering impactful programs, from mentoring and skills development to mental health support, ensuring that young mums have the opportunity to succeed both personally and professionally. Fiona is a passionate advocate for young mothers, championing their rights and voices at local and national levels.
South East London Integrated Care System
Tal Rosenzweig is the Director of Voluntary Sector Collaboration and Partnerships for the South East London Integrated Care System (ICS). With over 15 years of experience in the Women's Sector, Tal has held various strategic and operational roles that underscore her commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Tal is dedicated to ensuring that the voices of voluntary and community sector organisations are fully integrated into the ICS, fostering collaboration and driving system-wide change across south east London.
Voluntary Sector Collaboration and Partnerships
South East London Integrated Care System
Amie Winter-Jackson is the Business Support Officer for Voluntary Sector Collaboration and Partnerships for the South East London Integrated Care System (ICS). Amie has previously worked in television and digital media, creating engaging content for a diverse range of audiences. She has also volunteered for a number of community projects across the UK and overseas, from education initiatives and telephone befriending, to homeless night shelters and addiction recovery. Amie provides day to day coordination, project-management, communication and administrative support for the SEL VCSE Strategic Alliance.
Get the latest south east London Alliance updates straight to your inbox
Join our growing community of VCSE organisations and statutory partners to hear about the latest resources, events, training and opportunities to get involved in strategic collaboration to drive change.
Explore our Work
