Our Trustees
SWAGS+ has seven trustees who meet at least four times a year in person and on computer every month on-line. They ensure that the charity is well run, the accounts are a true representation of the financial matters and to develop ideas for members and their families/carers.
Please contact our Chair-person Terry Stannard-Smith
E-mail: swagsswags1010@gmail.com
Chair-person
Terry Stannard-Smith
I am a carer for a stroke survivor and have been for eleven plus years. I have been an Ambassador and Volunteer for the Stroke Association. I have previously served as a trustee and chairman for a diversity/interfaith charity. I believe that SWAGS+ has achieved great things since coming into being, and feel privileged to be part of its history and its continuing journey.
Vice Chair-person
Elaine Monsen
I am Elaine and I have much experience as a nurse working with stroke patients in the hospital to become a specialist. Latterly employed by the Stroke Association, for many years I was their communication support co-ordinator for Suffolk. Incidentally I supported the formation of working age stroke groups, which has now become SWAGS+
Secretary
Marie Dawson
I'm Marie and I help facilitate the group with experience gained from time as a communication support volunteer with the Stroke Association. I was a part of the founding team of SWAGS+ during my time as a communication support volunteer.
I am driven by holistic approaches to post stroke long term recovery. I am passionate about centralising social and mental wellbeing for survivors and carers.
Treasurer
Adrian Stannard-Smith
I'm Adi, I was an accounts person who did my training in the NHS, my last job was accounting for Climax Stowmarket.
I had a Stroke in 2013, spending 5 months in hospital. I found that being disabled didn’t stop me volunteering. I started with the Stroke Association and have been a communication support volunteer and an ambassador. I joined ‘Songlines’ with Music In Our Bones and I am a trustee for this charity also.
Membership Secretary
Pam Beatty
My name is Pam, I am a lead trustee for our Share Your Journey group at The Key in Ipswich. I have experience as a volunteer at a previous Stroke Association group.
I was introduced to SWAGS+ after my partner had a stroke in December 2016, for whom, I was a full time carer, until he passed away in 2021. SWAGS+ is like a family, where everyone looks out for each other with the offer of help, support and assistance, be it a stroke survivor or carer/family.
Trustee
Georgie Lusher
I joined SWAGS in 2017, after suffering a stroke.
The group has been my lifeline.
I have a huge interest in stroke and life after stroke and I have learnt so much from other survivors in the group.
I have always, from a young age, enjoyed fundraising and helping in the community, my passion has always been to help charities and organisations.
Trustee
Lisa Grant
I had my stroke back in August 2020. Ever since meeting everybody at SWAGS+ I have been able to improve my social skills by talking to like minded people in a comfortable setting.
SWAGS+ has given me the confidence to do things I previously thought would never be able to do again.
I feel very privileged to be involved in something so great and I hope it will long continue to help people of all ages over their challenges.
