Laura Edwards

Laura is an Innovation Consultant, skilled at bringing together lived experience and professional experience.

Providing a different perspective based on her understanding of the VCSE sector, she works in Rochdale and Wigan to create community-led early family help systems that local families trust. She also embeds Living Well across Greater Manchester.

Laura’s varied career began supporting young carers and their families by developing new support programmes, working within the safeguarding arena, and creating a young carers voice network throughout Greater Manchester. 

Able to build connections with and between local communities and stakeholders, Laura was elected as a Salford councillor for her community, where she served as vice-chair of the children’s services committee and on the authorities Corporate Parenting Panel. Laura then worked for an MP and Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Social Care.

Championing the wellbeing of young people, Laura delivered mental health and behaviour programmes in primary and secondary schools.

Most recently, Laura worked for a social enterprise delivering social innovation and change in Salford and Greater Manchester. She facilitated, managed and led a range of projects, including co-production to reduce health inequalities, community-led asset mapping, and enabling local communities to reimagine the purpose of their town centres.

Laura has always held deep faith in people and sought out changes that make people’s lives better. As a teenager, she brought her own lived experience to campaign for better mental health services for young people. She is deeply committed to using co-production approaches to bring people together, build deeper insight into all experiences, and to collaborate to create better solutions.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys visiting the Merseyside coast with her dog.

Email Laura