New Councillor Champions to advocate for borough’s diverse communities
Following the recent elections, Kingston Council has announced its’ new set of advocates to act as champions for key groups and issues across the community.
Councillor Sue Ansari has taken up the role of Disability Champion, Councillor Alison Holt is Women's Champion, Councillor Tim Cobbett is LGBTQ+ Champion, Councillor Diane White will champion the voices of carers and Councillor Thay Thayalan is Minority Ethnic Champion.
There are four Mental Health champions across the council’s key committees - councillors Thay Thayalan, Mark Beynon, Anita Schaper and Griseldis Kirsch. In newly created roles Councillor Andrew Woolridge will take up the role of Early Career Champion and councillors Roger Hayes and Griseldis Kirsch have been appointed Long Covid Champions.
New Disability Champion Councillor Sue Ansari said:
“As councillor champions we have a vital role in representing and working with groups across our community to amplify their voices and help advocate for issues that affect them.
“I am delighted to be taking up my role as champion for disability, working across functions of the council to get the best outcomes for people facing all kinds of challenges. I’m very proud that Kingston is an inclusive and diverse place to live, work and visit and it is our job to maximise the opportunities, choices and independence of everyone here, enabling them to live fulfilled lives."
Councillor Champions
Disability - Cllr Sue Ansari
Women - Cllr Alison Holt
LGBTQ+ - Cllr Tim Cobbett
Carers - Cllr Diane White
Minority Ethic - Cllr Thay Thayalan
Mental Health - Cllr Thay Thayalan, Cllr Mark Beynon,Cllr Anita Schaper and Cllr Griseldis Kisch
Early Career - Cllr Andrew Woolridge
Long Covid - Cllr Roger Hayes and Cllr Griseldis Kirsch