I have worked in the NHS for the past 21 years as a mental health nurse, and am currently working as a matron in a mental health unit. I started my NHS career in the local Arundel Unit, based at the William Harvey Hospital.I moved to Ashford in 2002 and have been living in Willesborough from 2008 with my wife and three children. I take great pride in calling Ashford, and Willesborough, my home. I have taken part in a number of fund-raising activities over the years, including running marathons for various charities and a Dragon boat race for the local hospital charity. I firmly believe in an inclusive society that works towards achieving the full potential for every individual in the community.As your Labour Councillor for Aylesford and East Stour I will:  

• Be a visible presence in the community.
• Create a safer environment for the people of Aylesford and East Stour ward.
• Work towards creating more recreational and developmental opportunities for youngsters in Ashford.
• Work with local services and campaign for better access to GP’s and mental health services for the local population.
• Work towards joining up public and voluntary services to help to reduce loneliness among our senior citizens.
• Work towards and aim for sustainable and greener development projects. Campaign against speculative developments plans, that our schools, surgeries and roads cannot cope.

Sojan is a mental health nurse from Kerala, India and migrated to the UK 22 years ago. He has been working as a front line mental health nurse in the NHS since 2001 and currently works as Matron in a local NHS mental health hospital. He has also served many roles in his local ethnic community. Sojan was re-elected as Ashford CLP’s BAME Officer in October 2021.He has recently completed a masters degree in health care leadership focusing on diversity and inclusion in public health care. With his professional background he is extremely passionate about improving access to mental and physical health care services for everyone.Sojan enjoys his work, family and social life, as well as raising money for various charities through running, boat racing and tug of war. He has so far completed 9 international marathons for charity.