Accreditation Status
- Workplace Instructor ()
- Instructor Member ()
Course Accreditation Status
Instructor Profile
Personal Details
Mindufl Aid - www.mindfulaid.org
I currently work as a professional leader with broad experience in facilitation, mentoring and coaching. I have been running mental health awareness training sessions for over ten years and now combine that with delivering Mental Health First Aid courses. I was a key member of a Governmental campaign to challenge the stigma of mental health in the media and featured in two award winning BBC documentraies where I shared my experiences of mental illness, also making numerous contributions to magazines, radio and online platforms. I predominantly work in the Adventure industry and have now led over 40 expedtions on six continents for clients from a variety of backgrounds and ages. I haved designed and delivered personal development programmes for at risk youth with funding from the National Lottery. I am pioneering the introduction of Mental Health First Aid in the adventure industry and have recently been named a of the World Challenge Medical, Health and Well-being Panel (an expert consultant), providing a lead on Mental Health issues along with advice and guidance.
In 2007, I recovered from a serious mental illness by cycling over 4,000 miles through SE Asia. I fundraised over £10,000 for Rethink with my video blogs featuring on Sport Relief and shown to a national audience (2007). In 2010 I was awarded a prestigious award from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (2,178 miles) to promote the mental health benefits of outdoor activity. I successfully completed my aims through a successful blog and subsequent media work. I was inducted as a Fellow by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson upon my return in 2011. In 2012 I was recognised for my work in Mental Health and made a Torchbearer for the Olympic Games and made numerous media contributions about mental health during this time. In 2017 I walked across the entire length of Jordan as part of my continuing mission to inspire people to realise their full potential through challenge, adventure and discovery.
Work Experience
Director & Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Mindful Aid, 2010 - Present: Worked with a variety of clients to deliver the Standard Mental Health First Aid course nationwide. Recent focus has been on delivering the course to the outdoor industry and campaigning for mental health training to become a requirement.
Mental Health Consultant, World Challenge, 2017 - Present: A named member of the World Challenge Medical, Health and Well-being Panel (an expert consultant), providing a lead on Mental Health issues along with advice and guidance. Regular review of World Challenge Risk Assessments, Policies and resources pertaining to Mental Health for both the pre-departure phase and the support provided during an expedition
Contributing Author, Country Walking Magazine, 2011: I wrote a series of articles for Country Walking Magazine called ‘Peace of Mind’ aimed a raising awareness of mental health and promoting the mental health benefits of outdoor activity. Most recent article written featured in Professional Mountaineer on the need for MHFA.
Key Member, SHIFT, 2004 -2011: Key member of a seven year Governmental initiative called ‘Shift’; created to tackle stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues. Their aim was to create a society where people who experience mental health problems enjoy the same rights as other people. Responsibilities included running mental health awareness training sessions and partaking in public speaking events. Mental Health Trainer, Mental Health Foundation, 2011-2015 Delivered mental health training to hospital staff nationwide on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation. Training was designed for and delivered to staff who would be offering primary support to someone experiencing mental health distress. Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Mindful Aid, 2010 - Present Worked with a variety of clients to deliver the Standard Mental Health First Aid course nationwide. Recent focus has been on delivering the course to the outdoor industry and campaigning for mental health training to become a requirement.
Mental Health Trainer, Mental Health Foundation, 2007-2015: Delivered mental health training to hospital staff nationwide on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation. Training was designed for and delivered to staff who would be offering primary support to someone experiencing mental health distress.
Qualifications
Ba Politics & International Relations
Mental Health First Aid Instructor
NCFE Level 3 Bushcraft Leadership
Mountain Leader Award (Summer)
BCU Level 1 Paddlesport Coach
British Canoe Union (BCU) Foundation Safety and Rescue
Certification in Expedition Medicine (2 day First Aid Course)
Level 2-Award in Food Safety Catering
PADI Divemaster
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