I have worked in various roles in mental health since 1997, including working directly with older people, giving employment support and advice and delivering mental health training. Between 2002 and 2008 I was employed as a Health and Safety Inspector for the HSE where my main interest was the management of stress at work.
I have been an approved instructor in Mental Health First Aid since 2008 and also spent two years until 2011 delivering training as part of the Time to Change campaign to reduce stigma and discrimination around mental health. Since 2010 I have been involved in developing a project called Working Minds within Brighton and Hove City Council. Working Minds provides a support and advice service for employees of Brighton and Hove City Council who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health. I also provide Stress Awareness training for staff and a course on Managing Stress for line managers.

I am a qualified yoga teacher and have taught yoga classes across Brighton and Hove for 15 years and have also taught yoga in mental health services. I hold primary certificates in Stress Management, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Health Coaching. I am a member of the International Stress Management Association and have an affiliated membership of IOSH (Institute of Occupational Health and Safety). Continue reading →