The Network Advisory Group (NAG) is made up of registered members of the NGCN, plus its officers and exists to advise and guide the development and operation of the Network, so that it meets its aims and objectives and is effective in supporting its members, operating within the agreed NGCN Constitution and Policies.
Specific tasks for the NAG are to:
1. Discuss with the Network Convenor and others and contribute/advise on developments in the Network and its activities.
2. Consider and advise on draft strategies, plans, budgets, project and funding proposals and policies prior to their presentation to the Registered Membership of the Network for agreement.
You can read its full Terms of Reference here.
Current members of the NAG (apart from the Network Support Team)
Simon Floyd: I am a community theatre producer, director and performer. I founded and direct the award-winning Norwich based theatre company The Common Lot and over the years have produced many locally inspired, original theatre events with and for the people of Norfolk. I also help to run a newly founded community art and growing space in North Norwich: The Common Plot.
David Garrett: I’m Head of Knowledge Transfer at Garden Organic. My role involves overseeing the charity’s outreach projects around the UK, including the county-wide Norfolk Master Composters and various other community growing initiatives. My focus is on environmental education; empowering people and communities with the skills and confidence to make positive environmental choices.
Dr. Sarah Hanson: I am based at UEA, and involved in community based, prevention research especially with marginalised groups. My focus is inequalities, with a special interest in walking (especially in groups) and the health benefits of the outdoors. I am especially interested in taking an Asset Based approach to Communtiy Development and focusing on what makes us well.
Sally Ann Medler: I am a Gardener’s daughter and Farmer’s wife. I set up the care farm in 2013 at Home Farm, Lingwood then expanded it in 2015 after taking on an additional farm tenancy. I have worked within care for over 40 years in hospital, residential, day centre and supported living settings, including recruiting and managing volunteers to support individuals with disabilities, Citizen Advocacy, befriending and community based activities.
Professor Tim O’Riordan: I am President of CPRE Norfolk and President of Norfolk Association of Local Councils. I am working on a wellbeing initiative for the Norfolk ALC and a charter for sustainable localism for the Norfolk Lieutenancy. i am very keen to see regeneration for society and especially for young people in Norfolk and beyond, as well as regeneration for land use in all of its forms and locales.
Ann Shreeve: As a carer for someone living with a serious mental health difficulty, I know how connecting with nature helps us to become calmer and feel better. I drew on these experiences to champion the improvement of mental hospital ward gardens and worked with patients, staff, and volunteers to design and make a ‘healing garden’ at Hellesdon Hospital. I am currently a carer representative on the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust group overseeing the design of new wards at Hellesdon Hospital, with a special interest in landscape design. My working life involved primary education; teaching, advising, inspecting and action research in Norfolk schools.
Judith Wood: I have worked in the NHS as a Chartered Physiotherapist and subsequently as a Commissioner, Practice Manager and now Director. I am a passionate advocate for integrated approaches to delivering care that work across traditional boundaries and have helped to develop services that are patient/client focused.
I am happiest when outside or in my kitchen. I get great personal benefit from my garden, our beaches and coast, and walking outdoors. Exercise has been a long term interest and the benefits to physical and mental health are well recognised. So finding ways of helping people move, experience nature and growing good things is why I’m involved in the Network.
I am now the grandmother of nine lovely superstars and all love nature, gardening and being outside!
Norfolk Green Care Network 