Our Trustees
Kahra Wayland-Larty
Chair Person
I’m currently working as a consultant supporting charities and social enterprises to develop more inclusive ways of working. Having led the political work for a national youth charity for many years, I campaigned for investment in community-based youth mental health services, and supported those services to deliver the best quality support for young people. Through this work, I developed a comprehensive understanding of the mental health sector and the areas where statutory services are too often failing people from marginalised communities. I’m a graduate of psychology and have recently returned to study with the aim of qualifying as a counsellor.
Sally Brajkovich
Vice Chair
I am an experienced fundraiser, with expertise in grants fundraising and tendering. Prior to moving into fundraising, I spent 8 years in the NHS supporting service users in community and inpatient settings. Through this work, I developed a strong understanding of the health inequalities faced by marginalised communities. My own lived experience of severe anxiety has driven a long-standing interest in mental health and person-centered care and support. I am a Trustee of the Awesome Foundation Liverpool and volunteer for Liverpool Care Leavers’ Christmas Dinner.
Tracey Dickens
Secretary
I am graduate of John Moores and Salford Universities and have worked in the voluntary sector for the past 20+ years as volunteer and employee. I have worked in education and am continually drawn to working with those needing additional support. I am passionate about reducing stigma and increasing positive life chances for vulnerable individuals and groups and enjoy being part of developing systems and processes that can grow to become self-sustaining over time. I recognise the uniqueness of an individual and how graduated responses to need within services help foster independence, self-esteem, and life skills. I am married to Peter, sharing four children and grandchildren.
Mimoza Gashi (Mimi)
Trustee
I am a Tam Manager for the National Counter Trafficking Centre in Barnardos managing Merseyside and Greater Manchester. We support unaccompanied asylum seeking children who have been identified as victims of trafficking and exploitation within the Modern Day Slavery Act. I have worked in the voluntary sector for over twenty years both nationally and internationally. I have a real interest and passion supporting individuals going through the asylum process and are seeking protection in the UK. Within this, I have worked with different sectors within the health service supporting those affected by trauma and have been diagnosed with PTSD. L8 has been my home from the age of 17 and its one I’m very proud to call it this. I’m very passionate about what MSH stands for and the proactive and advocate work we do for the communities we serve.
Kemi Otubu
Trustee
I have worked in the charity and voluntary sector for over 10 years. However, my main experience has been in mental health and people seeking asylum. I am passionate about injustice, and look to be involved in spaces that not only address discrimination but also empower individuals. Alumni of Operation Black Vote, Civic Leadership Programme. Currently employed in the mental health sector and on a journey to becoming a qualified counsellor.
Ayesha Bell-Gam Woto
Trustee
I am the founder of Toxteth Women’s Centre. I opened the centre to provide advocacy, connect communities and develop life skills for the women of Toxteth. I formed partnerships with Stop the TraffiK, The Poppy Project, Freedom from Torture and NHS bridges. I worked with women who were trafficked into Liverpool. I served on the board for African Hope Refugee School in Cairo Egypt for two years. I am a Medical Research Scientist, I did my undergraduate in Biomedical Sciences, my Masters in Tropical Medicine with a focus on vaccine design for filoviruses. I’m a lecturer at the University of Liberia and currently working on my PhD doing research on Female Genital Schistosomiasis. A disease which impacts 56 million women in Africa making them more susceptible to HIV and may result in infertility. The hope is that findings from my research will help the Health Ministry develop a national pilot program in Liberia. My husband Julius and I have a son who is now a toddler.
Michelle O'Dwyer
Trustee
I am a member of the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Charity Committee. I own a small catering business and a cookery school. Also, Bay Tree Cookery Academy. Since 2018 I’ve been a fundraiser for the Lord Mayors Charity Committee and regularly run events to raise money for the chosen charities.
Matthew Thomas MA
Trustee
Photographer | Artist | Film Maker | Book Maker | Writer With over 35 years experience, Matthew is an award winning photographer who has covered many subjects from live music, bands, to film making (on environmental awareness for Wirral council). More recently, he has just completed his Masters in photography at Falmouth university 2022. Published and exhibited worldwide, he is currently working with Writing on the Wall on the Dorothy Kuya archive.
Janet Cornmell
Trustee
I qualified as a social worker in 1997 and work within the statutory sector within children’s services. Before qualifying, I did various jobs and I am very proud to say I was a volunteer at three different voluntary sector organisations including Mary Seacole House back in the 1990’s. I was born and brought up in Toxteth, and I have a strong on-going personal and professional interest in trying to address chronic inequalities, disadvantage, discrimination, domestic violence and mental health issues.
Sarah Byrne
Trustee
I have worked as a teacher and manager with international students for 25 years. I have also volunteered and worked for local charities for people seeking asylum. At Mary Seacole House, I hope I can use my experience to help support the provision of wellbeing and esol activities as well as fundraising.
Join Our Board
Mary Seacole House is continuously aiming to enhance its board of trustees by seeking the commitment of dedicated individuals who feel that they can make a valuable contribution. The overall aim of Mary Seacole House is to provide services to local people who are suffering mental illness. The area in which we operate has a high black and racial minority population, our client base and range of services reflect this. The trustee’ role is to play a significant part in determining the focus and direction of the charity.
Board members are unpaid and need to be able to dedicate an average of 2 hours per month to attend board meetings. We are particularly interested in people with, mental health, tendering, strategic planning, governance, finance, fundraising, personnel management, legal issues, community matters and marketing experience, but on the whole if you feel you have something to offer please do get in touch.
Email Nisha: HR@maryseacolehouse.com for an application pack
