Meet the team

Faruk Desai, MBE
Chief Executive
Tel: 01772 906422
Email: admin@prestonrec.org.uk

Faruk has a substantial wealth of knowledge and expertise in Race Equality and Diversity and has been active in this field for over twenty years. Throughout these years he has been involved with numerous statutory, voluntary and community groups at a local, regional and national level.
 
Nafysa Patel, BA (Hons), MA
Race Hate Officer
Tel: 01772 885128
Email: nafysa@prestonrec.org.uk

Nafysa has been managing and specialising in delivering a casework service for victims of racism across Preston and Western Lancashire for over 4 years. She works in conjunction with key agencies to increase levels of reporting and to provide a co-ordinated response to all aspects of racism.
 

 

Laura Geraghty, BSc (Hons)
Assistant Race Hate Officer 
Tel: 01772 885128
Email: laura@prestonrec.org.uk
 
Laura assists Nafysa on RHAP.  Laura provides support to victims of racism, dealing with casework.  Laura also liaises with agencies to ensure that the level of reporting hate crimes is increased. 
 
Laura also works to raise the profile of the Racial Equality Council.
 
Christine Reed, BA (Hons) Dip Sol
Discrimination Solicitor
Tel: 01772 906871
Email: creed@prestonrec.org.uk
 
Christine provides FREE legal advice, assistance and representation for victims of discrimination across all equality strands - Age, Disability, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation - in the field of employment and access to goods and services.
 



Naomi Heath, LLB (Hons)
Human Rights Officer
Tel: 01772 906422
 
Naomi is working to raise awareness of human rights within the Lancashire region.  She engages with local equality and community services and the public sector and provides free training seminars on human rights legislation.
Rebecca Gardner
Administration Officer
Tel: 01772 906422
Email: rgardner@prestonrec.org.uk

Rebecca has worked for the REC since 1991. She assists the Race Hate Awareness and Prevention Officers and the Discrimination Service Solicitor. Rebecca also manages the accounts for the REC and deals with general Administrative duties.
 
Bernadette Stephenson
Administration Officer
Tel: 01772 906422
Email: bstephenson@prestonrec.org.uk

Bernadette has worked for the REC since 2002. She assists the Board and Staff, deals with general enquiries and any appointments. Bernadette also deals with bookings for the Unity Community Centre.