I helped set up Changing Minds with others who are passionate about mental health issues and because I wanted to be involved in some creative which included new ideas to help people manage and improve their health in our local communities. I help to support the rest of the team with training and idea development. I have worked in Mental health for over 20 years and have helped develop and manage lots of different types of services.
Why mental health & wellbeing matters to me: I think when we really connect to those around us, our friends and families we quickly come to realise that mental health is a concern and issue for everyone. It may have been something that other people contended with in the past, but a new openness has led to a realisation that mental health issues can be found in all quarters of our society. I have had personal experiences with friends and family members which has deeply affected me, so this is something close to my heart. I have realised that over the years I have been exposed to many helpful ideas which I have used to manage my own mental health. I am interested in passing along these ideas and so involve myself with training Mental Health First Aid and our corporate retreat programme.
Interests:
I have a wide and strange range of interests including
The obvious like football (played charity matches at St James Park – Newcastle) Building & DIY & bespoke ‘Tiny Houses’ (am building some soon) CNC and laser engraving workshops (I have a small workshop) History & the philosophy of science (studied science at Uni) Home education / education system (Home Ed our children) Mindfulness (Have coached mindfulness for 6 years) Mental Health (have worked in this field for 20 years) If any of these things interest you, then we will have a great conversation!
Dreams & Aspirations: I would love to live in a self-built tiny house surrounded by nature, teaching others about the importance of non-material things…like people. Growing my own fruit and veg. More time for voluntary work, maybe in another country.
MEET THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CHANGING MINDS TEAM!
