Accreditation Status
- Instructor Member ()
Course Accreditation Status
Instructor Profile
Personal Details
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile and expressing an interest in Mental Health First Aid training.
I am a registered midwife and 12 years ago, I brought my passion for both midwifery and mental health together. I am very proud to work as a Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife (BSc) working for one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK.
Providing professional leadership and expert advice, I act in a consultative capacity and provide specialist advice across the maternity service. I am passionate about breaking down the stigma associated with mental health, and I work to raise awareness of mental health and support staff to improve the identification and referral of women with mental health needs.
I coordinate my own clinics and offer appointments on a one-to-one basis. I complete assessments in relation to mental health and wellbeing, and work alongside other agencies and colleagues to ensure women receive the best care in line with national guidance, such as health visiting, social care, and the coordination of consultant perinatal psychiatric clinics. With additional training in Adult Mental Health Studies, I apply the principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and utilise my training as a Mental Health First Aider to offer women and families the appropriate support, advice, and information – which requires me to communicate complex and sensitive information. Following safe practice principles, I include individuals in the decision-making process regarding their care. I also develop guidance and pathways, provide on-going evaluations of the service, and lead change in clinical practice in line with evidence-based care and best practice.
As a member of the safeguarding team, I also provide individualised support within my specialist role. I am a trained safeguarding supervisor and provide both group and individual supervision to my midwifery colleagues.
I have yet to figure out how I can bring my other love of interior design into my job role, but I am working on it!
Working as a freelance trainer I take pride in delivering mental health training and menopause awareness courses with passion, understanding and integrity. I have worked across a variety of sectors from, Health, and education, to automotive and retail and quite possibly everything in between! Travelling nationally I have met some amazing people, equally passionate about breaking stigma around mental ill health and keen to gain a deeper understanding and empowered to support others who may be struggling with their mental health.
As a visiting lecturer, I am honoured to be able to educate and assess undergraduate and postgraduate students on the subject of mental health with a particular emphasis on perinatal mental health.
I have completed post-graduate certificates at masters level in both adult mental health studies and also perinatal mental health.
I learned very early in life of the impact mental ill health can have on individuals, families and friends. I think as a result of these early experiences, my desire to talk about mental illness openly and honestly has, and remains, a driving force in my professional and personal life. I was keen to become involved in the work MHFA England are promoting and became a Mental Health First Aid instructor.
To care for others, I hold the strong belief that we must care for ourselves. For me, that starts with good food and good friends, with the odd weekend getaway to enjoy our beautiful country. I also have two dogs, Rupert and Mollie, and we love walks in the park, although on a cold and wet day there is generally an argument or two about whose turn it is to walk them!
Work Experience
Current:
Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife at one of largest NHS trusts in UK.
Working within safeguarding team.
Safeguarding supervisor.
Visiting Lecturer / Assessor Birmingham City University.
Free-Lance Mental health instructor :
Facilitating a variety of bespoke mental health, well being and resilience training nationally.
Delivering MHFA courses.
Creating and providing bespoke perinatal mental health training.
Creating and providing bespoke suicide and self harm training.
Menopause awareness training
Sectors include; Heath, Education, Further Education, Retail, Civil Service, Leading Charity Organisations, Banking, Housing, Automotive, Local authority.
Mental Health First Aid instructor
Qualifications
Midwifery BSc
Degree
Class: First
Adult Mental Health Studies
PGC level 6
Perinatal mental health
PGC level 6
Mental Health First Aid Accredited Instructor MHFA England
Safeguarding Supervisor
Menopause Champion
Mental Health First Aider
Ongoing CPD
Contact Me