We are delighted to have two co-chairs for the Local Community Partnership in Croydon Central West (Broad Green, Fairfield, Addiscombe West, Selhurst, Waddon and South Croydon).
We welcome having such passionate and experienced individuals on board!
You can read their autobiographies below.
Craig Dyer
I was born in Brixton and raised in Thornton Heath, attending St Andrew's CE High School in Croydon.
Growing up in a single-parent household, I experienced many of the challenges that young people in our communities continue to face today, including negative influences, poor choices and involvement with the criminal justice system at a young age.
Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of how easily people can lose direction when they lack positive role models, opportunity and support.
Rather than allowing my past to define me, I used it as motivation to build a better future for myself, my family and my community.
I co-founded and now run Croydon Martial Arts Academy CIC, a community-focused martial arts gym based in the heart of Croydon Old Town on Surrey Street Market.
The gym exists for much more than sport—it provides a safe, welcoming space where young people and local residents can build confidence, discipline, resilience and positive relationships. Through mentoring, coaching and lived experience, I work alongside people to help them recognise their strengths and realise their potential.
I believe communities already possess many of the answers to the challenges they face. My role has always been to help people discover their own abilities, build supportive networks and create opportunities that enable them to succeed.
I have developed strong relationships with local organisations and residents by leading with honesty, consistency and trust.
Carol Trower
Carol’s involvement in one of the earliest council-supported community projects in Croydon gave her a lasting passion for community empowerment and development and a sense of the importance of a holistic approach to health and well-being and encompassing multidisciplinary approaches to benefit both individuals and the community.
As a qualified nurse, midwife, and health visitor, she co-ordinated several community development projects. Her community involvement as a volunteer has included Brownie Leader, School Governor, and Cruse Bereavement Counsellor.
Serving as a Director of Croydon Almshouse Charity (for 32 years) and Chair of both the 'HR' and 'Relief in Need' committees has given Carol great insight into the hundreds of voluntary and charity groups throughout Croydon.
Since the launch of the Local Community Partnership initiative in Croydon, Carol has regularly attended meetings borough-wide, absorbing the commonality and wonderful diversity. During this time, she has developed relationships with a number of locality members and co-chairs.