Appointments bring new carers voices to Falkirk’s health and social care board

Local carers, Elaine and Sharon, have been appointed as new representatives on Falkirk’s Integration Joint Board.

Following a collaborative recruitment process supported by Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre and the Carers Voices Group, the Board appointed the new members during its meeting on Friday 31 January.

The appointments have been made to fill Board vacancies from previous carers representatives, Carol Ann Harrower and Frank Donnelly.

Fiona Collie, Chair, Falkirk Integration Joint Board said: “We have appointed two new carers representatives to the Board, welcoming Elaine and Sharon to share their knowledge and advocate for people providing care for their loved ones in Falkirk.

“I wish to thank our previous representatives, Carol Ann Harrower and Frank Donnelly, for their valuable contributions over the past few years. Their dedication, commitment, and passion about improving local support and services has not gone unnoticed.”

Elaine Beveridge, Carers Representative

Caring responsibilities have come and gone throughout Elaine’s life, supporting her dad, mum, and husband at different stages. This has provided a range of experiences accessing local services and advocating for loved ones’ support and care. Professionally, Elaine is a retired Police Inspector, with 30 years’ experience working in the local area, bringing strategic expertise and an understanding of multi-agency approaches to supporting people in Falkirk.

Sharon Mwale, Depute Carers Representative

Sharon is an enthusiastic member of the local community, using her experience of caring for her own children to support other carers in the local area. As a member of the local Carers Centre for 7 years; representative on the Partnership’s community-led support programme board; and treasurer for carers charity RISE Forth Valley, Sharon is well accustomed to being a voice for people with caring responsibilities. She also brings an understanding of the public sector landscape, through more than 20 years’ working as a qualified accountant in range of settings, including at a local authority.

Both representatives have been appointed to their posts for up to three years, joining members from Falkirk Council, NHS Forth Valley, and voices from service users, third sector organisations, and staff on the Board. Further information about the Integration Joint Board and its members, can be found on the Board webpages.