meet our board members…
Manjeet Dhesi
Manjeet Dhesi is a dedicated solicitor with over 25 years of experience specialising in claimant occupational disease, personal injury, and civil litigation. Throughout her career, she has passionately advocated for individuals affected by workplace accidents or injuries caused by others, demonstrating a strong commitment to securing justice for her clients.
Manjeet brings a unique combination of legal expertise and compassion to her role at No More Pretending. Her professional journey has provided her with deep insight into the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by individuals, especially those navigating life-changing injuries or emotional and financial distress following accidents.
Her extensive experience in client care has involved supporting individuals through mental health challenges, financial hardships, and family welfare issues, equipping her with a valuable understanding of the social and personal obstacles people encounter. Working with diverse clients has also given her a profound respect for cultural differences and the importance of tailoring support to meet unique needs.
Manjeet has firsthand experience of the far-reaching impacts of alcohol dependency, not only on individuals but also on their families. This insight fuels her dedication to the mission of No More Pretending and its efforts to provide culturally sensitive support, advocacy, and resources to those affected by alcohol-related challenges in South Asian communities.
Manjeet is committed to collaborating with the board to shape strategies that uphold cultural values while maximising the organisation's impact. Her passion for social justice and her wealth of legal knowledge make her a vital asset in advancing the objectives of No More Pretending.
Dr. Pragnya Gill
Dr. Pragnya Gill is a chemist by profession and a retired educator with extensive experience in teaching and leadership roles across schools and further education colleges. Throughout her career, she has contributed significantly to student learning and the development of health and wellbeing programs on a national scale.
After retiring from formal education, Dr. Gill served as a training officer for Cornwall Citizens Advice, following her training as an adviser. This role brought her face-to-face with the realities of debt, housing issues, homelessness, and the cost-of-living crisis, deepening her understanding of the challenges affecting mental health and well-being in communities.
Dr. Gill dedicates her time to various voluntary activities, including shared reading programs for young children and the establishment of mutual aid groups. Her roles within these initiatives have spanned public information, finance, and literature management, reflecting her broad skill set and commitment to community support.
A passionate advocate for personal accountability and positive role modelling, Dr. Gill embraces her concept of "PSA" (Problem, Solution, Action) as a framework for addressing challenges with humility and prudence. She believes strongly in fostering hope, unity, and a willingness to learn, especially within communities affected by alcohol dependency—a journey she understands personally as a recovering alcoholic.
Dr. Gill is inspired by the mission of No More Pretending and the ethos of Nekta Drinks, which dedicates a portion of its profits to running No More Pretending. She values the role of non-alcoholic drinks in creating a sense of unity and hope, offering a transformative path for struggling individuals and communities.
Deeply moved and honoured to contribute to this vital work, Dr. Gill brings her wealth of experience, compassion, and vision to help drive the mission of No More Pretending.
Roxanne Mahroof
Roxanne Mahroof is a dedicated healthcare professional currently serving as a Band 7 Lead Nurse for an Alcohol Care Team. With a background in cardiology, she has transitioned her focus to addiction care, bringing a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her role.
As a nurse with lived experience, Roxanne is deeply committed to understanding and addressing the emotional and mental health challenges that often underpin excessive alcohol use. Her holistic approach to care allows her to see the whole patient, emphasising the importance of emotional well-being, a healthy lifestyle, and a supportive environment in fostering recovery.
Roxanne's advocacy extends beyond the clinical setting; she has visited the House of Lords and Parliament multiple times to support and discuss addiction-related issues. Her dedication to the nursing profession is also evident in her fundraising efforts, including running the London Marathon to support the Cavell Nurses’ Trust.
As a mother of four, Roxanne values family deeply and credits her personal experiences with inspiring her commitment to addiction care. She has supported family members through their recovery journeys and takes pride in their progress toward healthier lives.
Roxanne finds peace and balance in her spare time through yoga, running, meditation, and exploring spirituality. These practices reflect her belief in the power of self-care and resilience.
Roxanne is particularly drawn to the mission of No More Pretending, appreciating its focus on providing support to individuals from all walks of life without profit-driven motives. She is honoured to join the team, bringing her expertise and passion for patient-centred care to advance the organisation’s vision of recovery and transformation.