Cllr Heaton has lived in Launceston since 2002, after returning from abroad.
She joined Launceston Town Council in 2019 and is also a councillor for St Stephen by Launceston Rural Parish Council. Cllr Heaton is a school governor at St Stephens Community Academy and Lewannick Primary School.
Cllr Heaton has a particular interest in healthcare and sits on the Launceston Medical Centre Patient Participation Group as well as being the appointed lay member on the North and East Cornwall Integrated Area Forum. She is also a member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and practices locally.
As a councillor advocate, Cllr Heaton works through the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and works as an independent custody visitor through the same body.
Cllr Heaton is a Causley Trustee, promoting Charles’ Causley’s work and honouring his legacy as a son of Launceston.