Fairer Health for All Fellowship - Cohort 1


In February 2024 we welcomed 16 Fellows from a wide range of backgrounds onto the Fairer Health for All Fellowship Programme. Working in community settings and Primary Care, our Fellows are released from their substantive roles to work on a self-chosen project focusing on the themes of equity, sustainability and/or inclusion. We are delighted to introduce our Cohort 1 Fellows and their project ideas below.

For a document summarising all of our cohort 1 projects, please click here.

Aisha Aro Lambo - Project Manager, VCFSE

I stand as a beacon of change, skillfully merging my artistic passions with a profound dedication to empowering my community. With a Masters in Public Relations and Digital Communications from the University of Salford, I have excelled in the art of communication and digital storytelling.

My career is a rich tapestry of experiences in the arts, media, and communication, driven by my innovative mindset and unwavering resilience. In my role as Project Manager at Wonderfully Made Woman, I am not just overseeing projects; I am actively leading the charge in societal transformation. My work is pivotal in boosting confidence and providing comprehensive support, enabling women and girls to flourish in all aspects of their lives. My professional journey is a powerful demonstration of how passion, combined with a commitment to community involvement, can create significant impact. 

My work transcends the boundaries of a conventional career, reflecting on my deep belief in the transformative power of creativity and my dedication to making a meaningful difference in the community.

Aisha's project is called Voices for Health and centres around women's heath equity advocacy and improving health literacy through educational materials which aims to create a meaningful impact within Wonderfully Made Woman and the community. This program seeks to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by women in migrant communities through accessible and culturally sensitive community workshops, advocacy campaigns and a resource hub in order to improve health outcomes, reduce medication misuse and build a stronger community engagement in healthcare.


Alexandra Guy - Strategic Partnership Lead, Housing

I’m a Strategic Partnerships Lead at Home Group, a national housing association who also provide care and support services. We support people facing a range of challenges including homelessness, mental health conditions and learning disabilities, and I’m responsible for developing our services across the North West.  

I’ve spent my career in housing, initially as a housing support worker and then in a local authority’s homelessness team. Working alongside people who are experiencing a housing crisis has given me a thorough understanding of the importance of accessible, person-centred and culturally competent services, as well as an appreciation of the importance of joining up services to create better outcomes.  

It's fantastic to see Greater Manchester’s commitment to working in genuine partnership with peers from other sectors. Through my project, I’m hoping to get a better understanding of what this strategic commitment to collaboration looks like at an operational level, and how this can enable a truly preventative model of healthcare, that reaches all parts of our communities, particularly in the context of the current financial pressures.

Alexandra's project is focused on mental health, poverty and health inequalities and seeks to explore the relationship between socio-economic factors and contracts with NHS services. Alex is exploring the hypothesis that socioeconomic triggers prompt mental-health related setbacks among vulnerable groups, leading to increased pressures on the NHS.

Alice Coren - Charity Director, VCFSE

I run a small charity for women in Wigan, where we provide creative space for where I work alongside lots of brilliant women who are often having difficult times because of the systems around them. 

I've worked in social care for over 15yrs, including roles in domestic abuse services, dementia care, care quality and homelessness. Way before that I did graphic design and art, even ending up in Australia freelancing. I never found it easy to stick with a situation because of my poor mental health, so it's taken a while for me to find a purpose that's helped me stabilise. 

MY current role does a good job of bringing together my diverse work and life experiences, so I'm glad I can finally be useful. 

I have two kids and a dog, a love of horror films and can't wait to see what life throws me next! 

Alice's project involves investigating whether community peer support differs in efficacy from clinical peer support in relation to women living in Wigan. This involves generative conversational work with women involved in the community-based peer support, alongside case studies from NHS peer support services. In addition, Alice will source practice studies from other peer support projects to develop a resource of good practice.

Bethany Mitchell - Operations Manager, Primary Care

My name is Bethany, but people call me Beth. As an Operations Manager for GTD, I am passionate about putting patients first and making a difference to people’s lives, so when the opportunity came up, I was keen to apply for the Fairer Health for All programme.  

I have worked within different roles at GTD, and I recently secured my role as Operations Manager for GTDs Specialist Services team. Over the last 2 and half years I have helped provide primary health care to people who are seeking Asylum in the UK. 

Working within this service has provided me with an in-depth knowledge on the Asylum process and the inequalities people face. Being a care giver gave me an insight into inequalities experienced within Greater Manchester and has pushed me to want to make a difference. I am excited to start my fellowship and cannot wait to gain the knowledge and skills required to help tackle discrimination and injustices that lead to health and care inequalities.

Beth's project centres around creating a person-centred programme of support that meets the needs of vulnerable migrants, refugees and asylum seekers within Greater Manchester. This involves establishing pathways for people living in hotels, creating a single point of access to help people navigate the health care system, including connections into the VCSE sector and access to primary and secondary health care.


Hilaria Asumu - Ambassador, Organ Donation/Charity Chair, VCFSE

I am a councillor for Walkden South, Salford and have worked in England for several years, both in the public, private, and third party sectors. I'm a former chairperson of the Black and Asian Police Association in Greater Manchester Police.  

Not only am I a serial entrepreneur, but I have also founded kidney charities in both the UK and Nigeria. These charities provide vital advocacy services for people from the UK Black community who are suffering from kidney disease. After falling gravely ill in 2008 and again in 2010, I was diagnosed with kidney disease and received a transplant in 2018.  

I waited for 10 years before receiving a transplant and I actively involved in the black African community in Greater Manchester and other counties across the UK. I've worked with several charities like Home Start, Salford and Trafford, supporting women living with domestic violence and support people navigating government systems and addresses issues related to law enforcement, social services, employment, healthcare, and education.  

In appreciation of my donor family following my transplant, I dedicated myself to advocating for organ donation within the Black community in partnership with the NHS Blood and Transplant team, and also volunteered as a peer educator with Kidney Research UK. My campaign has taken me to various locations, such as the London Assembly and Parliament, among others. In addition, I'm actively involved in several NHS health committees both at local and national levels.  

My primary campaign focuses on raising awareness about blood and organ donation within the Black community. It also highlights the importance of a law introduced in 2020 to tackle health inequalities. I also encourage people to register as organ donors.

Hilaria's project is focused on developing a targeted communication strategy that improves and promotes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) early detection. This includes better communication strategies from within the healthcare system (GPs) to the Black African Community in Salford and the improvement of CKD health literacy within this community.

Khadijat Idowu Morafa - Director, VCFSE

As a passionate results-driven Project Manager and Community Leader my journey is marked by a proven track record of successful project and event management. Across diverse backgrounds, I led, in educating and fostering positive social impacts in bridging the disparities in our healthcare and social levels. Armed with a master’s degree and a professional membership in the Addiction Society and Mental First Aider Society, I bring a holistic approach to resolving issues that seemed unsurmountable in our systems, dealing with issues utilising reasonable tactics that pull resources and the community together. 

As the Founder of a CIC since September 2017, I have overseen various projects lifecycles addressing community needs and fostering positive change. I have built and managed partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and volunteers, leading and inspiring a matrix-managed team across different sectors. My expertise extends to developing and executing fundraising strategies, implementing various strategies to reduce substance misuse, crises, and promoting peace and harmony within families and the community. I have also facilitated community inclusion and orchestrated training platforms for culturally appropriate counselling, therapy, and support services. 

My collaboration skills with the residents, healthcare professionals in my previous role as a Covid Chats and Community Health Advise and Talks (CHATS) Coordinator for the NHS and Population Health Team in Manchester City Council was awe-inspiring. Many lives were saved through accurate information dissemination to residents to ensure reliable information and resources were allocated during and post Covid-19. My keen skills, energy and enthusiasm, in developing and delivering complex operational strategies to change have relinquished many taboos which are stumbling blocks to achieving residents’ best health. The energy, enthusiasm, and passion to support, manage, and develop diverse communities enabled a successfully built strong network; collaboration with local stakeholders, agencies, and community partners, leading to program growth and sustainability. 

My skills encompass business communications, teamwork, vendor management, analytical skills, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, project planning, community engagement, social impact, and community outreach. 

Driven by a commitment to community well-being and positive change, I bring a wealth of experience and skills to contribute effectively to the fellowship program.

Idowu's project will explore and establish a holistic health centre in underserved areas of Gorton, Abbey Hey, Openshaw or Moston, Clayton areas. It aims to address health inequalities, promote sustainability, and foster community inclusion, focusing on accessible healthcare and education for marginalized and vulnerable populations. This will include food hub and family hub sessions, which are popular sessions that will continue to bridge the gaps in health care and therapy, meditation and counselling. 

Laura Cousins - GP, Primary Care

I am a newly qualified GP working in Oldham, having previously worked in Bolton and trained in London. 

I have a special interest in Women’s/Sexual Health and also Emergency Medicine. On moving up north, I noticed a stark contrast between awareness and early diagnosis of certain conditions, in particular HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. 

I conducted a project to help increase the testing and diagnosis of HIV at my practice in Bolton, and although there was improvement, there is still a way to go. I hope to be able to further develop these ideas and roll out my project to a new area during this fellowship, in order to encourage earlier diagnosis and therefore improve outcomes for patients with diseases like HIV in the North West.

Laura's project explores the impact that opportunistic HIV testing in primary care in Oldham can have on an area of alleged low prevalence to bring the testing rates and late diagnoses more in line with that of the national average. The project involves the education of staff and work to increase the proportion of patients being tested for HIV annually.

Liam Hanley - Health & Wellbeing Manager, VCFSE

As Wellbeing & Health Manager at Bolton CVS, I work in partnership with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Council’s Public Health department to ensure that the voice and experience of the VCSE sector is more fully embedded in the health and care system. 

The role seeks to improve connectivity at a time of significant organisational change, with the key aim of addressing health inequalities and making services more responsive to the needs of communities across the borough.

Liam's project centres around engaging Bolton’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to support a key public health campaign to reduce levels of smoking across the borough. This will explore harnessing the power and connections of Bolton’s thriving VCSE sector to reach communities who have, until now, been resistant to smoking cessation campaigns.

Lindsey Kent - GP, Primary Care

I fell in love with Manchester in 2016. This is the place where I trained as a doctor, the city I call home and where I have always practiced as a GP. 

Working from within Manchester’s many different communities to improve health for all is where my passion lies, and I’m excited to undertake the Fairer Health for All Fellowship in 2024. Prior to living in Manchester, I spent time in Spain, Chile, Denmark and Cambodia. 

I now have experience of working internationally with groups who are often excluded from healthcare or face challenges accessing it, as well as with agenda-setting organisations such as the WHO. These experiences led me to combine my GP training with academic study, examining ways to improve access to primary healthcare. 

I believe firmly that making research accessible to the people who could most benefit from it, and co-designing projects with them, is essential. I look forward to using my diverse skill set (spanning the humanities, medicine and public health) to bring down the barriers to good health which exist in Manchester.  

Lindsey's project idea is called Take Part, Take Heart: A culturally tailored programme to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and promote living well. This project aims to address the higher rates of CVD risk factors (such as obesity, hypertension, smoking) amongst adults in her PCN in Manchester.

Peace Temptope Nyamja - Health & Wellbeing Development Manager, VCFSE - Currently on maternity

I am a seasoned Health and Wellbeing Development Manager with a strong commitment to promoting health awareness and improving health outcomes within the Caribbean and African communities in the United Kingdom. Currently serving in a key role at the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), I hold a Master's degree in Global Public Health and boasts essential experience in healthcare development and community engagement. 

With a profound passion for health-related services, public health, research, and development, I actively contribute to the planning, research, and implementation of a diverse portfolio of health projects, programmes, events, and activities. In my role, I collaborate with a dynamic team, engaging in co-designing and developing healthcare pathways with users and partners to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach.

At CAHN, I am dedicated to preserving the healthy lifestyle of Caribbean and African communities within the UK. My enthusiasm and commitment shine through as I spearhead initiatives aimed at eradicating health inequality and enhancing health and wellbeing through extensive research and health promotion efforts. 

My previous role as a Community Engagement Lead, I played a pivotal role in community research, training, and co-designing and delivering community projects to local groups. My focus on preventive measures and lifestyle choices tailored to improving health has left a lasting impact on the communities I serve. 

With a forward-looking approach aligned with the vision of CAHN, I am poised to continue making a positive impact within the Caribbean and African community. My dedication to improving health outcomes and eradicating health disparities reflects my unwavering commitment to creating a healthier and more equitable society.

Peace's project  focuses on enhancing the health and wellbeing of Black Caribbean and African young people in Greater Manchester through a culturally tailored community-based social prescribing approach. This includes 3 distinct activities focusing on Green & Art activities such as gardening, nature walks and art therapy, Performing Arts and Physical Activities such as group sports and fitness classes.

Philippa Murphy, GP Partner, Primary Care

I am a GP working in Oldham and a mum to three young children. I am passionate about providing patient centered holistic care and I enjoy working with the primary care team to achieve this.  

I studied medicine at the The University of Leeds and completed my GP training with Pennine North West. Since qualifying in general practice two years ago I have acquired a partnership position in a local practice and completed the NHS Mary Seacole leadership programme. I have a keen interest in public health and endeavor to use my role in primary care to promote heath equity.  

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity broaden my knowledge of public health and to pursue a project in the local community which promotes promoting fairer health for all.

Philippa's project will aim to improve the uptake of annual health checks for people with learning disabilities aged 14-17 years old in Oldham, contributing to  improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities. This involves focus groups with students with learning disabilities, parental questionnaires, discussions with education SEND leads and relevant VCSE organisations, to explore understanding, awareness and barriers.

Philippa Norris, Physiotherapist, Primary Care

My name is Pip Norris and I have 15 years’ experience as a musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapist. I work over two advanced clinical practice posts, at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. I am based in a tier two MSK assessment and Triage service (MCATS) at Withington Community Hospital, assessing complex multi-factored MSK conditions. I have completed my First Contact Practitioner (FCP) verification and work in a GP practice in Wythenshawe.  I enjoy the autonomy to manage and investigate patients, making appropriate onward referrals to secondary care or to activate patients to engage and manage their own health care journey.

Outside of work I have two young daughters who keep me very busy, and I practice regular yoga and play netball.

Pip's project will explore the benefits of targeted work absence support for patients currently receiving fit-notes, to reduce long-term sickness, unemployment or facilitate people back into good work. This involves working with GM initiatives, the WorkWell service and The Growth Company in Manchester to create a pathway of care from fit-note prescription to a generated referral through to the most appropriate initiative.

Saroja Forester, GP, Primary Care

I have been enthusiastic about population health all my adult life, and have mainly worked in underprivileged areas, starting in the East End of London. For the past 21 years I have been a GP in Brinnington, a socio-economically deprived part of Stockport. 

I enjoy championing the cause of people who may benefit from extra support to improve their life chances and finding how to achieve this no matter what the political landscape.  

I look forward to improving my knowledge of the ever-changing  local infrastructure to fully understand the role of different sectors and how they interlink to benefit the local population. By learning how to interact effectively with interested parties, I hope to develop/improve service provision to help even up health across Greater Manchester. I am so passionate about health equity that I even named my dog Marmot!

Saroja's project addresses absenteeism in Brinnington primary schools in Stockport. This involves a literature review of the drivers behind school absenteeism and what existing strategies are in place nationally, examining local data and exploring  interventions. This includes promoting consistency, routine, increasing resilience and health promotion initiatives involving Primary Care services, Early Years workers and the local community and VCSE sector to help embed the importance of attendance in Early Years placements as a valuable and accessible route to achieving school readiness.

Suzannah Carrier, GP, Primary Care

I am a relatively recently qualified salaried GP working in Ordsall, Salford.  

I am particularly passionate about women's health and mental health. I'm from the North-West and have worked across various areas of Greater Manchester, seeing the disparity in provision of service and barriers to engagement with healthcare, and the impact of this on health and wellbeing. What I love about general practice is building meaningful relationships with patients from different backgrounds and cultures and the opportunity to influence local services and advocating for my patients.   

I look forward to developing my own knowledge and collaborating to play a part in improving health equality for people in Greater Manchester. 

Suzie's project is working to provide equitable access to primary care services and improving uptake of breast screening in Ordsall, Salford. In terms of access to GP services, this involves exploring the workforce's understanding of patient experience and access and insights from members of the community and local VCFSE sector. To improve breast screening this involves practical support for patients to attend, promotion, education and inclusion approaches to overcome identified barriers.

Tayyaba Kosar, System Change Facilitator, VCFSE

I'm Tayyaba and I currently work in Action Together, Tameside as the Systems Change Facilitator.  

I run various networks that bring various charities and organisations together to discuss thematic issues that affect those in poverty, ethnic minority backgrounds and refugee and asylum seekers. In the past I have worked on various campaigns on HIV Awareness, Period Poverty and Sustainability. 

I'm really excited to work on this fellowship as I have a keen interest in poverty, health and young people's wellbeing. This fellowship will allow me to integrate my passions and skills into a new area of work which I wouldn't normally be able to do - it's an opportunity which doesn't come along often!

Tayyaba's project is centred around food poverty and how it impacts on health. It investigates how not-for-profit organisations in Tameside can work together to help mitigate and adapt the physical and mental health impacts of food poverty.  Outputs will include raising awareness and education of the community, encouragement to exercise, mapping of support groups and resources and creating a working group/network of organisations to introduce collaborative working, reducing repetition and sharing skills.