What is a Citizen Representative?
Citizen representatives bring the voice of the community to the Powys Regional Partnership Board, sharing real experiences and perspectives of service users.
Representatives play an important role in influencing service design and policy decisions.
Support for Citizen Representatives
We provide support to help you succeed in your role, including:
- Induction & Ongoing Training
- Sending information to your network on your behalf
- Collecting feedback or insights from your group or forum
- Providing pre- and post- meeting briefings
- Discussing issues as they arise
- Assistance with expenses (e.g. travel, care)
- Access to a laptop or tablet if needed
What Do Citizen Representatives Do?
As a representative, you will:
- Attend regular meetings of the Powys Regional Partnership Board
- Represent the views of service users across Powys
- Share your knowledge and lived experience
- Report back key updates to your network
Interested in Becoming a Citizen Representative?
We’re always looking for people with lived experience who are keen to influence positive change in Powys.
To find out more about the role and any current opportunities, please contact Andrew Davies, our Health and Wellbeing Participation Officer at info@pavo.org.uk
Hear from Our Citizen and Carer Representatives
Nick Lancaster - Citizen Representative
I am active in disability and sight loss organisations. I volunteer in various roles with Wales Council for the Blind, The Macular Society, RNIB, Guide Dogs, and I am Chairman of Visual Impairment Breconshire. I also sit on the Brecon Beacons National Park Local Access Forum and the Brecknock Access Group, and have connections with Accessibility Powys.
In all these roles, I support people like me with a vision impairment and anyone with a disability to access services and lead independent lives. I achieve this by collaborating with various services and individuals, ensuring that people receive the help they need.
This involves helping all service providers share information, as well as collecting data from individuals and groups to pass back to providers. When I say service providers, I mean departments of, or in the entirety, the NHS, Social Services, various 3rd sector organisations and professional bodies as appropriate.
I use NHS care in Powys and elsewhere in Wales for Vision care. I have utilised the Social Services ROVIs where appropriate and possible. My roles in other organisations mean I am aware of the experiences of others in using services in Powys, assisted by the fact that I am a member of the Patient Participation Group for Brecon Medical Group and also sit as a patient representative on the Eye Care Collaboration Group for Powys.
I have listed above the organisations I am a part of, and in these roles, I ensure that information is shared where appropriate so that they can work together effectively. These roles also enable me to speak directly to members of the public, both one-to-one and in groups, as well as to provide information to newsletters, websites, and social media, sharing relevant public details as appropriate. This works in the opposite direction, as I am often the point of contact for collecting information to be passed back.
I am a member of the RPB for the same reason I am involved in so many organisations, I have a real passion for improving the lives of those with sight loss and, indeed, any disability. I admit that doing these things has helped me personally, but knowing I have and continue to have a positive effect on others’ lives gives me a sense of pride and enjoyment that motivates me to do more.
Heather Bennett Doy-Jones -Citizen Representative
Over the past year, I’ve been volunteering with Versus Arthritis as a lead group volunteer and Shibashi instructor. My aim is to encourage and uplift people living with chronic pain. I’ve seen women who were once too afraid to leave their homes grow into strong, resilient individuals — it’s been incredible to witness that transformation.
I also volunteer with the Welshpool Community Haven, supporting adults with disabilities in building both confidence and practical skills. Before joining the Haven, I was already trying to help a friend with disabilities who felt unable to leave their parents due to fear. By sharing my own experiences and offering encouragement, they are now on a waiting list for assisted living — something they never thought possible.
For seven years, I’ve attended classes at a local arts and crafts centre. These classes have allowed me to meet some amazing people and have inspired me to give back in every way I can. Whether it’s connecting with local social workers to arrange guest talks for my support group, or encouraging others to make a small difference — I’m always looking for ways to support and uplift my community.
I’ve lived with disability for 25 years. I’ve had to access social care and services like reablement and have often fought hard just to have my voice heard — even in meetings about me. I’ve had doctors dismiss my pain as “all in my head” only to later discover clear medical causes. These experiences have made me determined to ensure that others don’t have to fight as hard as I did.
I advocate for fair access to support and services without people feeling lost in red tape. I will always fight for what I believe in and for those whose voices are being overlooked.
As part of my role with Versus Arthritis, they’re about to publish a blog sharing my story to help others who are struggling. I’ve also been invited to London to be part of a video project highlighting experiences of people with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) — I’m one of only four people chosen.
Through Versus Arthritis, I’ve built connections, learned from others, and suggested real changes that could benefit more people. My work with the Welshpool Community Haven is still developing, but it’s helped me see different perspectives and better understand how to navigate the system to support as many people as possible.
I’ve also developed some links with The Hive Welshpool, which plays a central role in our local community.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been told what I can’t do because of my health. I’ve missed out on parties, university, and career opportunities. I want to make sure that no one else feels boxed in the way I did.
I want to help others break free — just like I was helped to do.
I work as much as I can to support people. I’m committed to making the biggest difference I possibly can. I want to change the world, even if just a little, so that one day a child facing similar challenges can look back and know that someone helped make their path easier.
I’m determined — no matter what — to make our world brighter for everyone.
Jean Carter - Carer Representative
I was an unpaid carer for my late mother. I took a year’s career break from teaching to look after my late husband, who died at home after I had returned to work. I then resigned from my teaching post due to ongoing caring responsibilities.
I also cared for my late aunt, who was living with dementia, until she was admitted to a care home.
Currently, I work as a Community Care Worker for a large care company and also as a private Personal Assistant (PA) in a micro-care setting.
As a paid carer, I have been working to improve some care practices and have successfully promoted the importance of shadowing for new staff.
I deliver care in the community and work closely as part of a team with other care professionals.
I have been both an unpaid and paid carer for many years. Prior to this, I worked as a secondary school teacher in Powys for 28 years. I am passionate about promoting caring as a career that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
I hope my commitment to the caring sector is clear — I have continued to work as a paid carer for over three years now, even though I receive a teacher’s pension.