Public Health Spotlight S2 EP1 – Trafford Council

Shaping Community Health in Trafford: Director Helen’s Approach to Leadership, Partnership, and Prevention

We’re back for Season 2 of Public Health Spotlight, and we’re kicking things off with a powerful conversation. In this first episode of the new season, host River Simmons is joined by Helen Gollins, Director of Public Health (DPH) for Trafford.

With a remarkable career spanning from frontline research to leading Trafford’s public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Helen offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of serving a diverse and dynamic local population.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of public health leadership, collaborative strategies across Greater Manchester, and the dedication that drives meaningful local initiatives.

Helen’s Inspiring Public Health Career

Helen’s journey to becoming DPH is a testament to her commitment, adaptability, and genuine desire to serve. She began her career in public health in 2009, joining the national public health training scheme following research and intelligence roles in both London and Manchester. Her early training included placements with NICE, Stockport, and Manchester, providing her with broad experience across a range of health systems and settings.

Since joining Trafford in 2014 as a public health registrar, Helen has steadily progressed through the ranks. Her leadership came to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she stepped into the DPH role at a time of national crisis just as Trafford was reporting some of the highest case rates in the country. Drawing on her training and the support of her team, she navigated this period with resilience and resolve. Her reflections highlight the importance of preparedness, varied experience, and emotional resilience in taking on senior leadership roles.

Proudly Serving Trafford’s Diverse Communities

Trafford is a borough of contrasts home to iconic sporting venues like Old Trafford and the Lancashire Cricket Ground, alongside vibrant community hubs, historic industrial areas, and neighbourhoods spanning the full socioeconomic spectrum.

Helen emphasises the richness of Trafford’s population and how its diversity informs a highly localised, flexible approach to public health. From affluent areas requiring tailored dementia and alcohol support, to communities experiencing deprivation where vaccination uptake and physical activity are key priorities, her team adapts strategies to meet specific local needs.

Under Helen’s leadership, Trafford takes a truly collaborative approach working with grassroots organisations, health providers, and regional stakeholders to develop sustainable, inclusive health programmes.

Partnership and Shared Learning Across Greater Manchester

One of the most powerful themes throughout the conversation is the strength of public health collaboration across Greater Manchester. Helen describes the “onion model” of the Greater Manchester Public Health Network a layered structure linking the ten local DPHs, population health teams, academic institutions, and regional organisations.

Meeting regularly, the network pools intelligence and experience to address shared challenges such as health inequalities, tobacco control, and the development of preventive services. According to Helen, the success of the model lies in strong personal relationships, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to tackling the broader determinants of health.

The close working culture forged during the pandemic has endured, helping the region respond more quickly and effectively to ongoing public health challenges.

Advice for Future Public Health Leaders

To those aspiring to the role of DPH, Helen advises readiness, self-awareness, and investment in leadership development. She encourages professionals to build peer networks, seek out mentors, and maintain a focus on prevention and systems leadership.

Her advice is clear-eyed but encouraging: the role is challenging, but the impact is profound. “If you feel like you’re ready… do go for it, because it’s a brilliant, brilliant job.”

Final Reflections

Helen’s story offers listeners a candid, inspiring view of what it means to lead local public health. It’s a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to people and place.

Click the link below to listen to the episode, or find Public Health Spotlights on your preferred podcast platform. Stay tuned for future episodes showcasing the individuals and teams who are making a lasting difference in communities across the UK.