Heather Gardiner

“**About Heather Gardiner**”

“Born in North London, Heather has lived in Waltham Forest for eleven years, the last two in Chingford. Her working life was spent working for local authorities and charitable organisations, both in and outside of London. She spent many years in Housing Management and Homelessness, working in Camden, Hackney and Norwich before becoming a social worker and working in mental health services.”

“She continues to work part time in social work education. She is a carer, living with an adult son with a severe learning disability who needs full time care. Her two older children live in Waltham Forest.”

“**What Heather tands for**”

“We are privileged to live so close to Epping Forest and other green spaces in Chingford. It’s important that we protect these places for the benefit of nature and our mental and physical health. I’m a keen gardener, and a walk leader.”

“I’m frustrated when people are not listened to or ignored, and have advocated for people's rights. As an unpaid carer, I have personal experience of having to fight for both my son’s and my rights. It shouldn’t be that way.”

“Community is very important to me: when people are ignored or their needs not met, this can cause division in the community. I want to listen, take action where I can and help bring people together.”