Maria Tunmer, Health & Social Care Manager

My role as Health and Social Care Manager at Kingston Voluntary Action is to act as the key contact point between the voluntary sector and the statutory agencies represented on the Kingston Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board and to ensure that the voluntary sector is informed and involved in health and social care related planning and implementation strategies.

I also co-ordinate the Kingston Community Development Network.

I have been in post at KVA since April 2002. Before taking up my post at KVA I worked in Public Health at Kingston and Richmond Health Authority, focusing on healthy communities; and at Kingston Race and Equalities Council where for three years I coordinated an annual All Nation's Health Fair.  Following a mid-life career change to pursue a passionate interest in all health related matters, I completed a BSc Joint Honours Degree in Health Studies and Sociology, a City & Guilds teaching certificate and further postgraduate studies in community and health related subjects.

In a personal capacity I have been a Trustee of Refugee Action Kingston since 2004. When I am not working I enjoy cooking, walking and gardening, and I particularly value spending time with my grandchildren.