Public constituency - Hull

Isabel Carrick

I recently retired after more than 20 years working in public health, with responsibility for commissioning sexual health services, infant feeding, health visiting, and school nursing services. I am passionate about improving health for all and want to continue to contribute to the development of local health services. I am aware of the existing health inequalities faced by the people of Hull and value this opportunity to represent the population of the city to promote, protect, and improve health for all.

I was a Hull City of Culture volunteer in 2017 and have continued to take up a wide range of opportunities through HEY volunteering. Since retiring, I have been volunteering at the PATT foundation charity: growing trees, vegetables, and flowers, and experiencing the physical and mental benefits of working with the soil.

Brian Swallow

My early experiences with mental health challenges—both my brother and a close friend faced significant struggles—sparked my lifelong interest in understanding causes and exploring therapeutic approaches. At 25, I left my job as a telephone engineer in Manchester to pursue a degree in psychology at Hull University, a city I’ve called home ever since.

After graduating, I held various roles in the voluntary sector, including Director of North Humberside Mind, where I completed a professional qualification and an MA in Social Work. This led to a career in academia, where I taught Social Work, Counselling, and Psychology in both Further and Higher Education settings. My last position was at the University of Lincoln, teaching Health and Clinical Psychology. During this time, I also completed a part-time Doctorate in Psychology, collaborating with Hull Women and Children’s Hospital to investigate the psychological and social needs of women suffering from severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. I developed Hull’s undergraduate program in Psychology with Clinical Psychology and contributed to postgraduate programs like the IAPT and the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

I am a strong advocate for moving away from traditional clinical diagnoses and focusing instead on individual symptomatology. Every person’s needs are unique, and care should be tailored accordingly, addressing psychological, social, and health needs holistically. I believe deeply that mental distress often stems from the inequalities and poverty that many people face.

A few years before retiring, I took up the bass guitar and am still learning (albeit with some difficulty!). I’ve played in bands in the past, though I haven’t performed live since before the pandemic. My musical tastes are diverse, spanning classical, folk, blues, jazz, and pop. Occasionally, I also sing in a male voice group.

In my free time, I enjoy gardening, especially growing vegetables. My wife and I cherish our holidays and time spent with our children and friends.

Julian Barnard

It’s easy to criticize from a distance. Having been a teacher governor I know that it is possible to productively represent the views of the public and occasionally ask a searching question that can lead to change. This perspective led me to apply and learn more about how a Foundation trust actually works. Maybe, in time, I can contribute a view from the service user, ask questions and feedback.