District Councillor Faith Heptinstall

1. How long have you held your role?

I was elected to Wakefield Council to represent Ward 5, the Crofton, Ryhill and Walton Ward in 2012.  This includes Havercroft, Notton, Wintersett and Chevet.

2. What does your role involve? What responsibilities do you have?

All Ward councillors represent their residents in taking up issues and problems on their behalf.  These can be wide ranging from environmental issues, bin collections, to housing and social care issues.  Councillors also work with community groups, organise events, support partners and other agencies in providing the best possible services for our residents.

In addition to working across the Ward, I am a member of the corporate parenting committee and sit on the children’s improvement board.

I am the portfolio holder for Adults and Health and as such I have additional responsibilities.  This is a large portfolio and includes adult social care and public health. I also work with health colleagues across the Wakefield District and further afield.

I am Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board whose role is to work with the public, partners and stakeholders to determine the health needs of our District.

3. What are your favourite parts about the role?

I enjoy being within the communities I was elected to represent.  I have lived and worked within the communities I represent all of my life (and working life). Meeting local residents and being able to support across a range of issues is really rewarding.  It is good to be able to make a real difference for local people.

4. How and why did you become a councillor?

My working life has always included helping and supporting residents.  I have been a member of the labour party since I was 18 and I have been a Parish Councillor in another part of the Ward for about 18 years. These (and my own life experiences) led me to wanting to do more for local people. I put myself forward to go on the panel of candidates as a labour party representative in 2011 and was elected in 2012.

5. What is the best way to contact you?

You can call or text me on 07960001497

Alternatively my email address is fheptinstall@wakefield.gov.uk

Or via the Facebook Page ‘Working for You in Ward 5’

Myself and my ward colleagues also have surgeries around the Ward throughout the month where you can call in and see us in person.  We visit Crofton Parish Centre on the first Wednesday of the month 4 til 5 pm. We also visit all the 5 Parish Councils within our ward, including Crofton on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.

1. My interest outside politics

I love spending time with my family.  When I get the chance I like to lose myself in a good book…

Faith Heptinstall’s official profile can be found here.