Kevin Peltonen-Messenger

Chief Executive, The Care Forum

Kevin was appointed CEO of The Care Forum in 2020, following a career dedicated to championing inclusion, co-production, and person-centred practice.

Prior to this, he led Drug and Alcohol Treatment Pathways in Bristol as a Service Manager, with a strong emphasis on embedding person-centred approaches and promoting meaningful involvement of people with lived experience. His background includes roles in statutory advocacy, clinical services, and the criminal justice system, with a consistent focus on improving outcomes for underrepresented and marginalised communities.

Kevin has held leadership and Board-level positions across a range of settings, bringing strategic insight and a deep commitment to equitable, community-led approaches.

Based in the South West, Kevin has a strong understanding of the region’s health and care landscape and is passionate about addressing inequalities at a local and regional level. His work is rooted in the values of inclusion, collaboration, and social justice.

The Care Forum provide the Healthwatch input to Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB.