About me: Councillor Carolyn Heaps

I was first elected as a borough councillor in Eastbourne representing Old Town in 2007. I was elected as county councillor for Old Town in June 2009, following the retirement of Councillor Maurice Skilton who served Old Town diligently for many years.

But how did I get here?

I first moved to East Sussex in 1981 following my nurse training in Liverpool. I worked in intensive care at Eastbourne District General Hospital and then moved to St Mary's Hospital, Old Town to work in the coronary care unit until 1994.

Since 1994 I worked in primary care in GP practices around Eastbourne running coronary heart disease clinics and diabetes clinics. I currently have the flexibility of working freelance for a firm who organise medicals for clients.

I have always been interested in politics, having done GCSE British Government and Politics at school, but I never thought I would take it any further.

Following treatment for breast cancer four years ago, I decided I wanted to serve my community in a more practical way and I was delighted to be accepted by the Liberal Democrats as a prospective councillor.

My community

Old Town is a diverse community. We need to ensure everyone feels valued as part of that community. I feel that our young people need a stronger voice and positive activities that challenge them and enable them to fulfil their true potential.

I also realise that there are many older members of our community who feel lonely and vulnerable. I would like to see that their needs are also met. There are many families in Old Town and I have pledged to ensure that facilities such as play areas and leisure facilities will be maintained to a high standard. We have wonderful schools in Old Town and I am passionate about keeping high standards in education.

I love meeting people and hearing their perspective on issues and feel privileged to be able to assist them in their various problems. The hardest thing about being a councillor is that we can't always solve every problem, but often people are just happy to have been listened to with empathy.

My home life

I am married to Martin and have two married grown up children.

Being a councillor, a nurse and mother is a bit like being a plate spinner – constantly trying to keep everything going without a sudden crash! A good sense of humour is essential.

I have belonged to a fabulous church family at Kings in Eastbourne for many years and my faith is very important to me. I have many friends who keep me grounded and I think it is very important to make time to have fun as well.

My spare time

I am an active member of Kings Church and love to cook for the youth groups. I enjoy reading and have belonged to a book club in the past, I enjoy walking and going to the theatre and cinema and am learning to knit and crochet.

I love entertaining and enjoy having friends to stay. We enjoy our holidays and travel widely whenever possible.