COUNCILLOR STEVE STRATTON
Stephen has lived and worked in the Maldon District for many years, eventually settling in Burnham-on-Crouch.
He trained as a mental health nurse over 35 years ago, and worked in clinical practice as a staff nurse and charge nurse at Severalls Hospital Colchester, Runwell Hospital Wickford, and the Linden Centre Chelmsford.
After completing a BA (Hons) in Heath, Stephen worked as a lecturer in health and social care at Chelmsford College. More recently he obtained his master’s degree in Medical Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Stephen has previously served as a Mental Health Act Commissioner and a Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, investigating complaints and standards within the NHS. He was also appointed as a Local Education Authority School Governor in Chelmsford.
Stephen has served with HM Forces, both in the Parachute Regiment and the RAF Reserves.
In 2004 and in 2005 following the Indian Ocean Earthquake, he worked as a medic with the Royal Thai Army on the border of Burma and Thailand, and subsequently with the Disaster Victim Identification Teams tasked to the devastated area.
Stephen is passionate about inequalities in health, particular men’s mental health.
He has engaged in political activism in the past, including NVDA (Non-Violent Direct Action) as a positive means of bringing about positive change. He is an outspoken animal welfare and environmental advocate.
Stephen is currently a PhD student at the University of Essex, researching Coptic Christian Tattooing.
He is currently serving on the Town Council on the:
- Allotment Committee
- Health and Well-being Group
- River Crouch Coastal Community Team
- Station House Management Group
- Tourism Group
- Steve is also serving as the Conservation Co-ordinator.