Meet the i-act team
i-act are always keen to hear from you, and you may contact us via the contact page on the 'about us' tab.
If you wish to contact our Board of Directors, Strategic or Research team - we' d love to hear from you - please email: info@i-act.co.uk and mark the email for the attention of the Directors, Strategic or Research team.
Peter J. Green
Chartered Psychologist
CPsychol. Bsc Psy, BPS, PG Dip HRM, CIPD, PGCLT, FHEA
Pete is a Chartered Psychologist and the research and development lead at i-act. Pete is also an Academic Associate at Cardiff Metropolitan University working in partnership with the i-act research team at Doctoral level.
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Delivered mental health and wellbeing training for over 18 years.
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PhD Academic Associate at Cardiff Metropolitan University in partnership with KESS and i-act, researching the effectiveness of mental health literacy programmes.
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Worked as a therapist and counsellor.
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Accredited and approved i-act instructor delivering throughout the UK and internationally.
Prof. Christoffel Grobler
MBChB, DOH, FC Psych, MMed Psych, MD.
Medical Doctor and Psychiatrist Head Clinical Unit: Elizabeth Donkin Hospital Associate professor: Walter Sisulu University
Research associate: Nelson Mandela University
Lead for i-act in South Africa
Dr. Stoffel Grobler is a Medical Doctor and Psychiatrist in South Africa, with more than 20 years of experience in both psychiatry and workplace mental health. With a background in occupational health, Dr. Grobler has, since the start of his career, been interested in the effect of the workplace on the mental health of an individual.
As independent medical assessor for the insurance industry, Dr. Grobler has become passionate about prevention of disability due to mental illness, and he believes that educating and equipping employees and managers with knowledge about mental illness can help prevent disability. Dr Grobler is an accredited i-act instructor and the lead for i-act in South Africa.
Prof. Anne Harriss
Professor of Occupational Health
President of the Society of Occupational Medicine
Accredited i-act instructor
Anne is Emeritus Professor of Occupational Health and an experienced, engaging, educator and trainer. She is the recipient of several professional awards including winning the award of Innovations in Occupational Health in both 2011 and 2013.
She is a Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow. She
became President of the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) in 2020. She co-authored the 2020 SOM systematic review covering the mental health of nurses and midwives. She has worked with a range of organisations including the police, universities, hotels, pharmaceutical industries, NHS and local authorities. Don’t let the title of Professor lead you to expect a dry, academic delivery. She makes learning fun.
Dr. Beverly Nelson
Educational Psychologist
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Accredited i-act instructor
Bev is a Senior Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University and is also a qualified Educational Psychologist. She has worked with many children, young people and adults who have experienced challenging circumstances that have resulted in poor mental health. Using her knowledge, experience and the i-act framework, Bev works with students, helping to them to improve their own mental health and wellbeing and to
develop ways for them to support their peers.
Janis Chau Suk-Han
Training and Development Manager at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Association in Hong Kong
Accredited i-act Instructor (delivering in Chinese and English)
Lead for i-act in Hong Kong
Janis is an experienced mental health social worker and is the Training and
Development Manager at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association in Hong Kong.
Janis is responsible for organising the staff training and development within the
association and is thrilled to be delivering the accredited i-act training for their own staff and also to other public and corporate organisations in Hong Kong. Janis is passionate about mental health and wellbeing issues and is excited to be delivering the i-act training in Hong Kong and for Chinese speaking community.
Emma Saccomani
Approved freelance
Lead for i-act in Australia
As well as benefiting from the experience of holding senior positions such as a Trustee and an Inclusive Service Panel Member, Emma has also been commissioned as a consultant for her skills in Learning and Development by numerous organisations. As an approved i-act instructor, Emma is on a mission to get workplaces and communities putting mental health and wellbeing on their agenda. Emma is passionate about enabling others to find a way to grow and thrive, not ‘in spite of’, but due to our challenges, Emma believes that we are more capable and courageous than we might think, we just need the right guidance, emotional intelligence and tools to hand.
Ben Edwards
Approved i-act instructor
Lead for i-act in United Arab Emirates
Ben is the Lead Learning and Development Consultant at Ignite Training (Dubai) and delivers the international version of the i-act training in Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates. Ben has over 15 years of experience delivering and designing training programmes in the UK and in Dubai. He is passionate about making the learning interactive and enjoyable.
Joanne Lombardi
Project and Digital Manager
BA (Hons), BTEC Nat Dip
Joanne is a project and digital manager at i-act and works to promote i-act across the UK.
email: jo@i-act.co.uk
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Experienced Graphics and Communications Manager
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BA in Design University Of Wales
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Project and digital manager at i-act
Rhys Hartley
Accounts and Events Manager
CIM: Cert PM, BA (Hons)
Rhys is the accounts and events manager at i-act and provides customer support to our corporate clients.
email: rhys@i-act.co.uk
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Experienced Events, Marketing and Client Relations Manager
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BA (Hons) in Events Management
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CIM: Certificate in Professional Marketing – Level 4
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Accounts and Events Manager at i-act
Jen Green
Exhibitions Manager
HND
Jen is the exhibitions manager at i-act and works throughout the UK and internationally facilitating i-act events and exhibitions.
email: info@i-act.co.uk
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Experienced Senior Manager
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Experienced Office and People Manager
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Exhibitions Manager at i-act
Florence Brandt
i-act International Team
Accredited i-act Instructor
BA (Hons) Psy, DELTA,
Florence is part of the strategic i-act international and implementation team and is also an accredited i-act instructor.
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Highly experienced facilitator, learning designer and trainer
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Master trainer in Facilitation skills
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Holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology
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An accredited i-act instructor, delivering the i-act training across the UK and internationally
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Part of the strategic i-act international and implementation team
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Has a background in education and received a Merit level on the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults - DELTA (Master's level)
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Andy Marshall
Action Learning Team
Accredited i-act Instructor
Andy is an experienced course designer and facilitator of equality, diversity and inclusion training. Andy is also an accredited i-act instructor delivering across the UK.
Andy has dedicated his life to assisting others in learning and in improving their lives and has done so across a diverse range of people: from ‘lifers’ in prison, to CEOs of major companies. His ability to build rapport, communicate complex ideas and guide changes in behaviour is the foundation of his work as a facilitator.
Bethan Roberts
Action Learning Team
Accredited i-act Instructor
Bethan is an experienced facilitator and mindfulness practitioner. Bethan is also an accredited i-act instructor delivering across the UK.
Bethan is a highly experienced facilitator of mental health and wellbeing training. Bethan has been a mindfulness practitioner for many years and also works with Bangor University teaching mindfulness. Bethan is an accredited i-act instructor delivering the i-act training across the UK.
Linda Francis
Accredited i-act Instructor
Dip L&D, CIPD, Dip in T&LLL, CMI L5, MA in Coun &Psy
Linda is the Learning and Development Delivery Manager at Sandwell Council and, as an accredited i-act instructor, delivers the i-act training to her colleagues at the council.
With a masters in counselling and psychology, Linda has a sound understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues. As an Associate Member of the CIPD and vast experience of delivering training, Linda enjoys delivering the i-act training to her colleagues at Sandwell Council.
Emma Coward
Accredited i-act Instructor
Dip L&D, CIPD
Emma is a HR Business Partner for one of Wales's largest public bodies and, as an accredited i-act instructor, delivers the i-act training to her colleagues.
Emma is highly experienced in people and change management and as a member of the CIPD, has a vast experience of delivering training. Emma enjoys delivering the i-act training to her colleagues within the public sector, in her capacity as a HR Business Partner.
Jo Green
Accredited i-act Instructor
BA (Hons)
Jo works within the public and voluntary sectors and is also an accredited i-act instructor.
Jo is highly experienced within the field of equality and diversity and has a vast experience of delivering training within both public and private sectors. Jo enjoys delivering the accredited i-act training and is passionate about promotive positive mental health and wellbeing.
Sophie Isaacson
Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator
Accredited i-act Instructor
Sophie works within the private and voluntary sectors and is also an accredited i-act instructor.
Sophie is highly experienced within the third sector and also volunteers at her local sheltered housing. Based in Scotland, Sophie enjoys delivering the accredited i-act training and is passionate about promotive positive mental health and wellbeing.
Samantha Mason-Evans
Advocate for Mental Wellbeing
Accredited i-act Instructor
Sam has vast experience working within the voluntary sector and is also an accredited i-act instructor.
Sam is highly experienced within the third sector and has a background in support work. Based in the South East, Sam enjoys delivering the accredited i-act training and is passionate about making a positive difference to peoples lives. Sam is often invited as a guest speaker to various events, such as the AA recovery networks.
Anne-Marie Gawen
Approved freelance i-act instructor
As a Wellbeing Trainer Anne-Marie delivers in many different Corporate settings, whether International Law Firms or Construction Industry, Academia or Engineering, IT or Communications. The workplaces may vary but the powerful messages of making our workplaces as positive as they can be is the same. Having Employees who are flourishing and enjoying positive wellbeing is good for the bottom line too - saving employers money due to high turnover, absenteeism or presenteeism. Always delivering with compassion and humour, Anne-Marie has knowledge from working in the field of mental health too - inspirational training.
Debbie Jarman
Approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act training at Castlebridge Hospitality as Head of Human Resources & Development
Debbie is a self-motivated, fun, engaging, HR professional with over 15 years’ experience. Debbie has the ability to analyse situations and provide advice and solutions confidently. With a demonstrable record of building relationships and engaging staff, she thrives on solving problems, translating ideas into action and delivering change that adds real value to the business. Debbie has HR business partnering and people development experience, which has been gained in both standalone and team environments within fast-moving, multi-site customer facing organisations.
Sarah Daniel
Approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act training as a Staff Wellbeing Officer at Cardiff University
As an experienced Human Resources Professional and one of Cardiff Universities Staff Wellbeing Officers in the University’s Central Staff Wellbeing Service, Sarah delivers the i-act training to her colleagues at Cardiff University. Sarah is passionate about promoting positive working environments and supporting those experiencing a mental health or wellbeing issue.
Joan McGregor
Approved i-act instructor delivering thei-act training as the Director of Fairfield Care Scotland
As well as qualifying as a registered general nurse, Joan also holds a post-graduate degree. As the Nursing Director for Fairfield Care Scotland, Joan is committed to maintaining excellent provision of care and standards and she has also worked as a Scottish Care Inspector for Older People. Joan is passionate about creating and maintaining healthy working environments and is committed to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing within the workplace.
Helen Harries
Approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act training as the Organisation and Staff Development Officer at Cardiff University
As a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) and with an NOCH in Mediation, Helen’s role as Organisation and Staff Development Officer also involves delivering the i-act training to her colleagues at Cardiff University. Helen is a member of Cardiff University’s Time to Change staff steering group and has offered support to members of staff experiencing mental health issues and her work has helped to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and promote positive working environments.
Having worked as a Recovery Support Tutor, Roxanne is passionate about supporting others in mental health recovery through essential components to reinforce hope empowerment and social inclusion. With her added experience as a Theatre/Artistic Director and Drama Teacher, Roxanne brings energy, passion and real engagement to her training courses. Roxanne holds a BA in Theatre, Arts and Drama, a Btec in Education and Training and a Certificate in Counselling.
Roxanne Noel
Approved freelance
i-act instructor
Katie Behrens
Approved freelance i-act instructor
After training as a GP, Katie also worked as a Medical Advisor for The Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Whilst working as a GP, a large proportion of Katie’s work involved supporting patients with psycho-social issues. Katie now works with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust improving Workplace Mental Health.
Tony Haynes-Gould
Approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act training as Learning and Development Officer at Linc Cymru
Tony is a highly committed, versatile and dedicated professional, holding management experience in hospitality, learning and development, and the care sector. Tony delivers thei-act training at one of South Wales’ largest housing associations and care providers, Linc Cymru. Tony has a passion for delivering exceptional service whilst developing members of his own team to achieve their full potential. Tony holds a Level 7 Advanced Award in Employment Law (CIPD) and the Preparing to Teach in The Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) Level 3 award.
Sandra McCombie
Approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act training as the Business Support Manager for Fairfield Care Scotland
With a BA in Business Management and qualified in Health and Social Care, Sandra is passionate about investing in the promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing within the workplace and has seen the human and business benefits of doing so. As a highly organised, empathetic and confident trainer, Sandra delivers engaging, enjoyable and highly effective training. Sandra delivers the i-act training as part of her role as the Business Support Manager for Fairfield Care Scotland.
Helen Whelan
Approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act training as a HR Business Partner at Instron
Helen is a Durham CIPD graduate and experienced HR professional with solid background in finance, further education and manufacturing sectors. Helen currently works a HR Business Partner and delivers the i-act training to her colleagues at a leading international company manufacturing materials testing systems, Instron. Helen is passionate about creating positive workplaces through coaching managers to have conversations with employees who are exhibiting symptoms that could be indicators of mental ill health, to enable them to have early, supportive dialogue around their wellbeing and their performance. Working for an international company, Helen hopes to deliver the international version of i-act to her colleagues in the company’s offices around the world.
Victoria Brookbank
Approved freelance i-act instructor
Having been a CEO for a mental health charity and a team leader at a financial consultancy in the City of London I can personally vouch for the benefits mental health training brought to my daily working life in supporting myself and my teams. It can be a tough as managers are expected to have all the answers and employees expected to have the self-care skills. Often this isn’t the case.
As an experienced manager and leader in both corporate and third sector settings, I understand the various environments and challenges employees at all levels face. I therefore, I have a passion to be part of the body of people who contribute to improving an individual’s wellbeing within the life they lead particularly at work.
Highly experienced mental health professional. Skilled and trained in group facilitation and 1-2-1 support. Highly experienced in delivering corporate learning design. Specialist workplace mindfulness instructor at Mindful Community. Former CEO of a mental health and wellbeing charity. Background in corporate leadership. Wellness Coach for workplace stress. Psychotherapy training from Regent’s University, London.
Kate Rodde
Approved i-act instructor
Kate has many years experience of leading and mentoring teams of varying sizes in changing and rapid-growth businesses as well as working within or closely with top management. Many of these roles have been in international environments in places as diverse as France, Israel and Singapore, mostly across technology, pharmaceutical and food sectors.
Lucky to have had an amazing assortment of colleagues who have taught her much about the various challenges that can confront employees in bringing their whole selves to work, she is passionate about encouraging and enabling people to do their best work, as well as sharing great tools to facilitate their professional lives.
Rachel Kisley
Approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act training as Senior Learning and Development Officer at Sandwell Council
Sarah Page
Approved i-act instructor
With a BSc in Occupational Hygiene and a PGDip in Occupational Safety, Sarah is passionate about ensuring the health and safety of employees. Working within the Prospect Trade Union as a National Health and Safety Officer and as a HM Inspector and Policy Advisor for The Health and Safety Executive, Sarah has gained excellent expertise and experience. Sarah is passionate about supporting organisations to aim higher to effect greater influence in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing within the workplace and she supports organisations to tackle the stigma and discrimination that harms so many. Sarah delivers the i-act training as a freelance instructor.
Hannah Smith
Approved i-act instructor
Hannah is an enthusiastic, empathetic, and engaging being, she has a wealth of knowledge and skills with over fifteen years of experience in leadership, HR, training, and specialising in workplace resilience and wellbeing. Hannah is a board member for a psychotherapist association and she is commissioned as a consultant by a diverse range of organisations to support changes in behaviours and responses to mental health, resilience, and wellbeing in the workplace. Hannah’s quest is to support organisations to better their understanding of their employee’s emotional needs by recognising the human in every process and change. She is passionate about creating cultures to nurture good mental health and grow the resilience of employees using this as a platform for achieving success.
Adelle Shaw-Flach
Approved i-act instructor
Adelle has over 25 years working at a senior level in the health and education sectors. Her knowledge and experience in promoting and developing both healthy, empowered individuals and communities means that she is now ideally placed to work with businesses and organisations across all sectors. Her mission is to embed culture change through a strategic approach to the creation of a healthy workplace. She specialises in helping senior managers develop their leadership skills in order to tackle challenges related to improving engagement. She currently is working within the science and professional sector assisting companies with issues such as high staff turnover, absenteeism, presenteeism, poor morale and performance.
Andy Hind
Approved i-act instructor
Andy is a former Head Teacher, with over 25 years of educational experience, and is now a senior consultant with an independent consultancy company, supporting over 500 organisations in the U.K. Europe and Asia. Andy is passionate about the role of wellbeing and mental health, the links between these and organisational effectiveness and in supporting leaders and managers in creating healthy, vibrant workplace cultures. Through a range of thought-provoking and challenging professional learning and development approaches, he looks to assist organisations in looking
inwards, reflecting on their current status and growing towards being genuinely effective learning organisations. Andy is a qualified performance coach and is a registered consultant for a number of national organisations, including NCTL.
Sara Billington-Cox
Approved i-act instructor
Sara is an approved i-act instructor and delivers the i-act training to her colleagues in her capacity as the Learning and Development Delivery Manager at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Sarah has good listening skills, an empathetic approach and is passionate about positive mental health and wellbeing.
Matt Longley
Approved i-act instructor
Matt is the co-founder of an organisation that promotes wellbeing and mental health for crew members in the Entertainment sector. He also advises the film and TV industry on improving workplace mental health.
Matt is an experienced Chemical Engineer with management experience in not only the chemical industry but also rail, equipment hire and the entertainment sector. Matt is passionate about promoting positive work places on order to improve mental health and wellbeing across the freelance/self-employed entertainment sector as well as the construction and process industries.
Dave Moran
Accredited i-act Instructor at Edwards Ltd
Dave is an experienced Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Manager and an accredited i-act Instructor working for Edwards Ltd. He has vast experience within Manufacturing, Automotive and Public sector businesses.
Dave is based in Cardiff but travels internationally. He aims to deliver the i-act courses within the UK and Internationally as an in-house i-act instructor as part of his role at Edwards Ltd.
Anthony is the Wellbeing Advisor at Education Support and has enjoyed a twelve-year career working in mental health and wellbeing in the public, private and third sectors.
Anthony qualified as a teacher (PGCE), specialising in health promotion, and has delivered health and wellbeing training for over twelve years. He has supported many businesses and employees in implementing mental health and wellbeing strategies which have included training, policies, and support processes. During his career Anthony has worked within NHS Public Health, Cardiff University, Local Government, Military College, and within the education sector.
Anthony Priest
Wellbeing Advisor at Education Support. Approved
i-act Instructor
Sheree Williams
Approved freelance i-act instructor
As the Director of a training and development consultancy, Sheree is passionate about creating resilience within others and within communities through education and training. Sheree has 30 years’ experience of working within the field of mental health and wellbeing and has extensive experience in leading and mentoring teams of varying sizes. She has worked at executive, senior and project management levels and has been responsible for developing, monitoring and maintaining many different mental health services.
As former managing director for a pan-Wales organisation holding the licence for a world-wide mental health literacy programme, Sheree was responsible for the development and management of the programme in Wales, liaising with numerous stakeholders ensuring the smooth running of the project.
Sheree also sits on a board of trustees for a small charity that focuses on supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing and supports individuals who have been caught in the ripple effects of suicide.
Glen Ridgway
Approved freelance i-act instructor
Glen is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Health and Safety professional. He recovered from a major depressive episode in 2008 to develop his previous employer’s award-winning mental health matters strategy. Now an independent consultant Glen is helping other organisations to establish their own mental health strategies.
Glen’s own experiences with mental illness are the core to his passion on this subject. He uses his own experiences to illustrate how mental illness is not a barrier to success. His is a story of hope that can help to inspire others to be open about their own struggles.
Glen has developed and delivered mental health training programmes across the globe and believes that i-act, with its focus on giving managers the tools they need to promote and support mental wellbeing, meets the needs of organisations small and global.
Bill Cunningham
Approved freelance i-act instructor
As a highly experienced training and development consultant, Bill has a background in psychology and has a keen interest in helping ordinary people understand the subject, particularly in the context of mental health. He has been delivering courses throughout the UK and Ireland since 2007 and has also trained many trainers to deliver mental health awareness training, both in England and in Ireland. He is a member of the British Psychological Society and the Psychological Society of Ireland. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Hazel Faulkner
Approved freelance
i-act instructor
Hazel is a qualified nurse and occupational health professional based in the North West of England delivering the i-act training as an approved freelance i-act instructor. Hazel has worked within the NHS for 34 years, first in clinical posts and later at Senior Management level. Hazel is passionate about mental health and wellbeing issues and has a friendly and approachable training style.
Sue Carlick
Approved freelance i-act instructor
As the director of a Welsh training and consultancy business and with over 13 years of experience, Sue works with a range of organisations delivering mental health and wellbeing programmes, both for the workplace and within the community.
Sue has extensive experience working alongside many of the Trade Unions, The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Adult Learning Wales delivering a range of mental health and wellbeing courses/workshops.
Sue has also held Operational Management and Quality Assurance positions within mental health organisations and has vast experience working within the voluntary and third sectors.
With a genuine passion and an empathetic understanding, Sue enjoys working with companies and community groups to support and guide them towards a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues.
Stephne is a Talent Development Partner at Welsh Water and is their accredited i-act instructor, delivering the i-act training to line managers.
Stephne has worked in the utilities industry for over 7 years and is highly experienced in delivering training. As well as being a wellbeing champion, Stephne is responsible for all technical, IT and soft skill training to include management development. In addition to this Stephne looks after equality and diversity and is passionate about working with and empowering managers to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
Stephne Puddy
Approvedi-act instructor delivering the i-act training as a Talent Development Partner at Welsh Water
Rob Donnelly
Approved i-act instructor
Rob has had 35 years of experience working in a corporate environment wearing many different hats working under pressure and to tight deadlines. Rob is also a Master Cognitive Therapist having worked with a vast array of clients including managing directors and front-line workers. During his 14 years as a therapist, Rob has acquired a good level of knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and how to best to approach and support someone experiencing mental ill health. Rob is very much a people person and his ability to make complicated things seem simple helps him deliver training that people will both learn from and enjoy. Rob has a real passion for learning, and this helps him to deliver quality training but also making it fun.
Bernadette Davies
Accredited freelance
i-act instructor
As well as benefitting from over 20 years experience of working within mental health service provision, Bernadette has been awarded a PG Diploma in Social Work and an MA Leadership in Public Service. Bernadette has worked in senior roles in the third sector as well as in a consultant role with national mental health organisations and a leading London University.
Bernadette is passionate about taking training into the workplace and into the community to
raise awareness and reduce stigma around suicide; mental health and wellbeing.
Bernadette has been delivering training to a wide spectrum of customers including the
Armed Forces; Universities; large corporates; smaller enterprises as well as community-
based groups.
Jane McNeice
Accredited freelance
i-act instructor
Jane McNeice is a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Human Resources professional, with a degree in Criminology. Jane has experience in delivering mental health courses, suicide prevention courses, and resilience training courses. Her area of interest is mental health and employment with specific knowledge of vocational rehabilitation through a post graduate qualification and managing vocational support programmes.
After working in the field of workplace wellbeing since 2008, managing NHS projects, and a social enterprise, Jane now delivers the i-act training courses, through her own training and development consultancy, as a freelance accredited i-act instructor. Jane is passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues though mental health literacy courses.
Through training programmes such as i-act, Jane believes it is possible to make a significant positive difference to workplace mental wellbeing.
Julie Bugden
Approved i-act Instructor at Cardiff University
Julie is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Cardiff University and delivers the i-act training to staff within the university.
Julie studied social work (DipSW) and community studies (BA) in Cardiff and has worked within mental health roles for over 20 years.
Julies has worked within direct tenancy support at the mental health charity MIND and has managed the MIND mental health supported accommodation service. Julie has also worked as Student Mental Health Adviser at Cardiff University.
Julie has experience in homelessness, older people, disability (including neurodiversity) and youth engagement projects, working with a variety of people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. She has vast experience of supporting, parents, carers and relatives of those with mental health issues.
Julie has strong passion and understanding regarding the complexity and diversity of mental health and how it impacts on different individuals and groups. Personal experiences of mental health issues add to her depth of understanding.
Julies current role as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Cardiff University enables her to work with line-managers and staff to promote positive wellbeing, offer support, and deliver training to help increase confidence and awareness concerning workplace mental health and wellbeing.
Sanchia Aronberg
Accredited freelance
i-act instructor
With a background in learning & development and a qualified performance coach, Sanchia Aronberg has a natural love of people. After 15 years in corporate environments at organisations such as Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Auckland, New Zealand, Knight Frank and Sanlam Financial Services in London, she now runs her own business.
As a performance coach and i-act instructor she is very comfortable dealing with issues such as high staff turnover, stress management, poor morale, performance and other issues on a group or individual basis. She does this by bringing her extensive knowledge and toolkit from coaching, L&D and running her own business. All sessions are facilitated in a fun, conversational and supportive way.
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Highly experienced facilitator, learning designer and trainer
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Former Learning and Development professional
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Experienced and qualified Performance Coach
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Former Samaritans listener
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An accredited i-act instructor, delivering the i-act training across the UK and
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internationally with links in New Zealand and South Africa
Richard Meredith
Accredited i-act instructor at Edwards Ltd
Richard is a Senior Health & Safety Manager at Edwards Ltd. Richard is based in the UK and delivers the i-act training to his colleagues in the UK and internationally, often online. Richard is part of the in-house i-act instructor team (alongside fellow instructor Dave Moran) as part of his role at Edwards Ltd.
His interest in mental health and wellbeing stems from suffering a psychosis in 2000. Although this was the hardest period of his life, in retrospect he considers it was the best thing to have happened to him. The experience increased his empathy and demonstrated that, although it is not always possible to bounce back to where you were, you can bounce forwards to a better place altogether. Needless to say he is very passionate about mental health and wellbeing and is looking forward to delivering i-act courses to friends & colleagues across the Edwards Vacuum global organisation.
Susanne Hudson
Accredited i-act instructor
FCIPD, Dip Hyp GHR
Susanne is the Human Resources Manager for national surveying services companies IETG Ltd and 40Seven Ltd and as an accredited i-act instructor, delivers i-act training to her colleagues. She has worked in HR for over 20 years across a variety of industries including construction, financial services and retail, as well as supporting SMEs with core HR issues and delivering training.
She has seen first-hand how stress at work can impact on all areas of people’s lives and has committed to improving her own development in mental health and wellbeing. This includes training as a hypnotherapist to support individuals on a one to one basis and running workshops and training within businesses.
Keith Lynch
Wellbeing Officer at Cardiff University
Accredited i-act instructor
Keith is one of Cardiff University’s Staff Wellbeing Officers, working as part of the Safety & Staff Wellbeing Team. Keith is passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people he comes into contact with and has written and delivered many training courses. He is especially interested in Stress Management and Resilience and how to help people take action and realise positive change in their lives.
Keith has also been fostering dogs for 15 years, coming into contact with 200+ dogs during this time. It’s both a challenging and rewarding experience that forms part of Keith’s personal wellbeing toolkit.
Karen Woodman
Freelance trainer
Accredited i-act instructor
Karen has worked in a variety of industries – including as a PA, primary school teacher and TV Production Manager/Producer. However, she’s always had an interest in mental health and wellbeing – she volunteered at Samaritans for several years and currently runs a local Action for Happiness group, as well as being a support volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Care. This led her to train as an i-act instructor as she believes strongly in the positive difference that helping people to manage their mental health can make to their own wellbeing and to workplaces as a whole. She’s currently delivering the i-act training courses online as a freelance instructor, but is hoping to also run face-to-face courses in the future.
Stephanie Bagshaw
NLP Coach and Counsellor MBACP
Accredited i-act instructor
Stephanie is a qualified counsellor, coach, trainer and wellbeing consultant working
within management systems and wellbeing services. As a freelance accredited online i-act instructor, Stephanie provides a proactive approach delivering i-act across the UK within many different organisations. Stephanie is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) which enables her to provide professional support when needed. As an i-act instructor and NLP coach Stephanie will motivate and empower you as a manager, employee or frontline worker to feel confident with the knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues. Stephanie enjoys working
with organisations to demonstrate how the i-act tools help to develop a positive mental health and wellbeing culture within your workplace. Stephanie has over 20 years’ experience as a health and social care worker, working with children and their families in various settings, from early years, parenting support, schools’ transitions and youth counselling.
Lisa Van Os
Training Coordinator
Newport Mind
Accredited i-act instructor
As the Training Coordinator at Newport Mind, Lisa is passionate about tackling the stigma
around mental illnesses. Lisa is a highly experienced facilitator, learning designer and
trainer and an accredited i-act instructor, delivering the i-act training across the UK.
Having spend twenty years in the education sector, Lisa has spent the last four years with
the mental health charity Mind as a wellbeing worker, family resilience worker and training
coordinator. Lisa works with many different organisations to help them build mentally healthy workplaces and promote a better understanding of workplace wellbeing. Lisa is passionate about encouraging conversations around mental health and well-being and equipping people with the tools and understanding to be able to offer further support and signposting.
Using her own lived experience has helped Lisa to engage organisations and individuals
with conversations about mental health and wellbeing which they may have previously
found challenging to have. Lisa is therefore looking forward to delivering the i-act courses
to as many people as possible.
Dave Pegg
Accredited i-act instructor
With thirty years post-graduate experience, Dave is a keen advocate for promoting
positive wellbeing in the workplace. For the past twenty years, working in an occupational health setting, Dave has experience working with a diverse cross section of organisations. Having promoted physical fitness across three fire and rescue services, Dave is now keen to promote positive messages around mental health and wellbeing. As a former prison officer, Dave would like to see a more proactive approach to staff wellbeing within this sector. With personal experience of poor mental health, Dave wishes to help others avoid this and looks forward to passing on his own personal and professional experience of mental health and wellbeing to as many people as possible.
Davey Shields
Accredited i-act instructor
Davey is a compassionate and committed mental health advocate & trainer whose goal is to give people the tools to support positive mental health in the workplace and beyond.
Currently working in the third sector and with extensive experience in public speaking, facilitation and training, Davey is particularly passionate about using lived experience to tackle stigma and to
enhance the impact of training.
With ten years working in the TV & Film Industry, Davey works hard to create real change that supports both staff and production in improving the mental health and wellbeing of the industry. In addition, Davey runs his own mental health charity which delivers funded i-act training courses for those who may be unable to afford it, and hence ensure financial restrictions are not a barrier to
attending the i-act course. The charity particularly works with males, the LGBTQ+ community and with groups who may be more likely to need support due to a mental health or wellbeing issue.
Jane James
Accredited i-act instructor
Jane is passionate about the benefits of mental health and wellbeing fluency in business and the community and has designed and delivered workshops and courses to the corporate and charity sectors in London for over 10 years. As an accredited freelance i-act instructor, Jane delivers the online practitioner and manager i-act courses to a wide range of organisations. Jane is committed to supporting employers to ensure their
workplaces are operating at optimum levels of positive mental health and wellbeing, resulting in healthier workplaces, increased bottom line, brand reputation and staff retention with the wide-ranging tools i-act delivers.
Lyndsey Barton
Accredited i-act instructor Allied Bakeries
Lyndsey has been PA to the Regional General Manager at Allied Bakeries in Stockport for nearly ten years. Lyndsey’s role includes co-ordinating the staff training and development across the organisation. After completing the one-day i-act managers course in October 2019, Lyndsey decided to train as an i-act instructor so that she could roll out the accredited i-act training to all staff at Allied Bakeries. Lyndsey is passionate about improving and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the organisation. Allied Bakeries is committed to breaking down any stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing issues and to providing everyone with the confidence and skills in how to support our friends and colleagues, as well as how take care of ourselves.
Ling Salter
Accredited i-act instructor Wellbeing Mentor at Compassionate Cuppa
With a background in Health and Social Care, Ling has worked in many different settings including within mental health, substance misuse, prison and learning diversity services. After qualifying as a mental health nurse, Ling is now a Wellbeing Mentor for the community interest company, Compassionate Cuppa. Ling is passionate about supporting people to enhance their mental wellbeing, both within in the community and within the workplace. With professional and personal experience of mental health issues, Ling is able to guide her i-act course participants through the i-act course with empathy, reassuring and understanding. Ling delivers the online i-act course within the UK, and internationally, to a range of organisations and social enterprises.
Kelly Mordecai
MCIPD
Occupational Development and Learning Manager
Tai Tarian (Housing Association)
Accredited i-act instructor
Kelly is the Organisation Development and Learning Manager at Tai Tarian Housing Association in South Wales and is passionate about health and wellbeing. Kelly is an experienced and credible human resources professional with over 25 years’ experience working within various sectors. Kelly was a triple award winner at the Wales HR Awards 2018 and won the HR Star (winner of winners) award for her contribution to health and wellbeing in the workplace and the community. In 2017, whist leading on health and wellbeing within her organisation, Kelly achieved the Platinum Corporate Health Standard. Kelly strongly believes that for us to effectively unlock the engagement, potential and performance of people, we need to truly incorporate health and wellbeing into everything we do, and hence, will be rolling out i-act to all staff within her organisation to further achieve this aim.
Diane Gibbons MCIPD
Accredited i-act instructor
Diane’s professional experience includes commercial and independent roles within the John Lewis Partnership, in Retail Management, Human Resources and Non-Executive Assurance. Having worked in people related functions for over 30 years and, as a Chartered Member of the CIPD, Diane has a strong track record in supporting business leaders to create a healthy workplace culture, develop teams and enhance business performance. She has a reputation as a trusted and empathetic adviser and coach, who quickly establishes effective working relationships whilst achieving results. All of this, she is committed to bringing to her role as a freelance instructor for i-act .
Raatha Ganesh
Accredited i-act instructor
Raatha is a dynamic facilitator and executive coach who specialises in storytelling and creative learning methods to foster learning and behavioural change. Throughout her 12 years of business consulting and talent development across Asia, Raatha has found herself energised by others’ growth and is always on the lookout for signs of it in every interaction. Raatha credits the authenticity she brings to her facilitation to her own growth and the lessons learnt through her experiences. Advocating for a proactive approach to positive mental health and wellbeing are cornerstones of Raatha’s expertise. To support this, Raatha brings in a coaching mindset to her workshops, alongside being an Emotional Intelligence practitioner and a certified i-act instructor.
William Burt
MSc, MBPsS, FRSPH
Accredited i-act instructor
Will has a sound understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues, having achieved a distinction in his Psychology Master’s degree and trained in counselling skills. As an accredited i-act instructor, Will builds on this solid foundation alongside his developing practice as an ecotherapist. Will has twenty years’ experience working and managing teams in sales-focussed business arenas. Having supported others with common mental health issues in these especially high-pressure and stressful work environments as well as enduring some himself. Will is passionate about helping organisations to raise their standards in workforce support and wellbeing, regardless of context. Through his academic research and his own lived experience, Will is keenly aware of the societal and organisational stigma still associated with mental health issues. It is his hope and belief that promoting positive mental health and wellness will reduce the number of people in the workplace who feel they have nowhere to turn, or that they will be judged negatively if they discuss how they are truly experiencing life. As a highly professional and enthusiastic, yet compassionate trainer, Will delivers engaging, enjoyable, and highly effective training.
Samantha Fiorini ACIPD
Lead for i-act in Bahrain
i-act International Team
Accredited i-act
Instructor
As a freelance learning and development consultant, Sam has lived in Bahrain for over 5 years, where she has worked locally and globally. Sam has over 25 years’ experience working within people development and learning where she has successfully designed, delivered and supported employee engagement, mental health, wellbeing, leadership, customer service and culture programmes. Sam is passionate about helping people within Bahrain, and around the world, to enhance their knowledge, understanding and awareness concerning mental health and wellbeing issues. With a background in aviation, logistics, event management and coaching, Sam is an accredited online i-act instructor and delivers i-act across the UK and internationally
Sandra Vaughn
Accredited i-act instructor, Chief Executive
Dudley Mind
As the Chief Executive of Dudley Mind, Sandra has a wealth of experience and knowledge concerning mental health and wellbeing issues. Sandra has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years and with two local Mind associations in the West Midlands. During this time Sandra has managed day services, a residential unit and a training department. Having been a youth worker for many years, Sandra now delivers courses within schools, and believes it is important that we are able to promote mental wellbeing to all ages so that we are all supported to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing. As well as working with young people, Sandra also delivers the i-act training for a range of businesses and organisations, and has a good understanding of third sector organisations.
Robert Munns
Accredited i-act instructor
Rob is a wellbeing business consultant with a long and successful career within
corporate sales environments. Speaking openly about disability, and proud to be a beta-male, he can combine his own lived experience of anxiety with achieving business goalsand is uniquely placed to really make an impact to the development of your culture.
From answering difficult questions asked by managers, encouraging everyone topractice self-care, and explore how we can be proactive for workplace wellbeing, therewill be plenty of practical take-aways for you to implement. Rob is passionate aboutcapturing the positive narratives around mental health and wellbeing and encouragingpeople to practice such proactive and positive methods. Join Rob in him in walking the walk when it comes to employees Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Amanda Livingstone
MBA CMIOSH
Safety HUB Manager
Occupational Safety and Health Services
University of Brighton
Accredited i-act instructor
Amanda is a Health and Safety Manager at the University of Brighton, with a strategic lead for staff wellbeing, and, as an accredited i-act instructor, delivers the i-act training to her colleagues at the
university.
An experienced Health and Safety manager for over 20 years, Amanda has been delivering stress training to managers during this time, and in recent years has moved her interest further into the field of wellbeing. Amanda is passionate about improving and promoting positive mental health and
wellbeing throughout the university and creating a positive culture of wellbeing.
Nika Oberholster
Mental Health Care Occupational Therapist
Accredited i-act instructor
Nika is an experienced mental health care occupational therapist. At the start of her career, Nika worked with children who were on the autism spectrum, had learning difficulties or physical impairments. Nika established and developed the Disability Management Unit of a large corporate company in South Africa.
She is passionate about advocating for persons with mental health issues as she believes that disability due to mental health issues are preventable. Nika says: “Managers who are proactive about wellbeing and reducing stigma around mental health play an important part in creating psychologically safer working
spaces”.
Laura Rigden
Accredited i-act instructor
Laura is an Australian born specialist Wellbeing Consultant with an academic background in Neuroscience (second major in Anatomy & Human Biology) and Post Graduate Psychology. She draws on a wealth of international experience in workplace wellbeing to bring the science of
wellbeing to life with humour, honesty and practical lived experience.
Laura worked with a wide range of industries before moving into learning and development and wellbeing consultancy. Currently, Laura works with various clients from small start-ups to FTSE 100 companies providing the i-act (mental health & wellbeing) training, wellness workshops and
consultancy to help their people and their businesses thrive.
Laura enjoys working in a range of businesses, however, specialises in the financial services,
hospitality, creative industries, construction and start-ups.
James Martin
Accredited i-act
Instructor
James is an experienced, award winning mental health campaigner and has lived with anxiety and depression for most of his life. He had an extremely successful 25-year corporate career and using his experience of the difficulties and barriers faced by those with mental ill health, now helps business implement change in the mental health policies.
James is a Time to Change Champion and a Community Ambassador for Movember, encouraging men to be more open about their mental health. He has been recognised for his campaign work, being named ‘Most Inspiring Employee’ at the inaugural This Can Happen Awards in 2019 and the Movember Change Agent in 2020.
Antonia Lam Hoi Yan
Registered Social Worker
Approved i-act instructor
Antonia is a registered Social Worker in Hong Kong and delivers the i-act training to
educators and teachers in Hong Kong.
Antonia works with secondary school students who are experiencing emotional distress and provides stress reduction workshops to educators and teachers. Antonia is passionate about i-act and its proactive approach in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, especially within the education sector.
Phoebe Suet Man Lam
Social Worker and Unit Supervisor
Approved i-act instructor
As the supervisor of the service unit at the Ho Yuk Ching Educational Psychology Service Centre, under the charitable organisation Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) in Hong Kong, Phoebe delivers the i-act training to schools and educational leaders in Hong Kong.
Phoebe has been working as a social worker within schools since 2004, mainly supporting students with emotional needs and enhancing their awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues by providing individual counselling and the i-act for positive mental health and wellbeing training.
Dr. Chiu Hiu Man Christine
Clinical Psychologist
Approved i-act instructor
Christine is a Clinical Psychologist at the Ho Yuk Ching Educational Psychology Service Centre, under the charitable organisation Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) in Hong Kong.
Christine has been involved in the field of mental health and wellbeing for over ten
years, primarily working with youth and families. Christine is one of the i-act instructors at TWGHs, delivering the accredited i-act training to school personnel in Hong Kong in promoting wellness, positive change, and resilience in the workplace.
Yvette Janse van Rensburg
Talent Resourcing Manager/ Executive Coach
Approved i-act instructor
Yvette has enjoyed a successful career within the People and Talent profession and
currently works for a global Real Estate and Facilities Management organisation.
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Experienced in designing broad workplace wellbeing strategies, leading on transformational Culture Design Programmes, developing and unearthing emotional culture strategies, employee engagement programmes, and more.
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Holds a BSc in Human Resource Management and Assoc CIPD professional status
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An accredited i-act instructor, delivering the i-act training across the UK and internationally
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Founding Member and co-chair of the Engage for Success Wellbeing Thought
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and Action Group, providing thought leadership on corporate wellbeing.
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WELL Accredited practitioner, joining the ranks of those committed to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities around the world.
Stephen Jorgenson-Price
Learning and Development Specialist at Cardiff Council
Approved i-act instructor
Stephen has been a Learning and Development Specialist in Cardiff Council for over 10 years, developing and delivering training solutions to a variety of staff in a very diverse organisation. Stephen holds a PGCE qualified and is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (ASSOC CIPD).
Stephen delivers the i-act course to all staff throughout Cardiff Council and to managers at The Council alongside The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) programmes, which Stephen coordinates. Steven has a keen interest in adopting proactive approaches to mental health and wellbeing and is an advocate for this in the workplace. Outside of work
Stephen enjoys fitness and travelling.
Susan Edwards
Approved i-act instructor
Edwards Vacuum
Working within a global organisation, Susan is part of a wider team of approved i-act instructors at Edwards Vacuum who deliver the i-act training to their staff throughout the world, ensuring a consistent and proactive approach to workplace mental health and wellbeing.
Coming from a teaching background, Susan has worked at Edwards Vacuum in Italy for over 14 years and is passionate about improving workplace mental health and wellbeing.
Leo O’Hara
Approved i-act Instructor
BA LLB (Hons). Cert. in Training and Education
Leo is a highly experienced Training Manager, Trainer, Coach and Mentor with over 25 years’ experience gained within An Garda Siochana, the Irish Police Service. Leo has recently retired and now runs his own training consultancy. He is passionate about mental health and wellbeing especially in reducing the stigma around reporting mental health issues and seeking support.
During his career, Leo has trained policemen and women with skills and strategies for dealing with stress and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Leo provided new recruits with continuous assessments, ongoing mentoring, and counselling support during their induction process. He has also been a peer supporter for over 30 years supporting those members of the service who have been involved in traumatic incidents.
Leo is passionate about assisting business and organisations to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing to help create and sustain positive working environments.
Kim Mason-Milward
Approved i-act Instructor
Training Facilitator and Assistive Technology Trainer at Diversity and Ability
Kim is an enthusiastic and passionate Training Facilitator and Assistive Technology Trainer at Diversity and Ability. Kim has a Masters Degree in Inclusive Education and Disability and delivers the i-act courses as part of her role at Diversity and Ability.
Kim strives to support clients and students to reach their potential. She is passionate about proactive approaches in fostering positive mental health and wellbeing within the workplace and enjoys supporting teams to increase inclusion and positive engagement. In her spare time, Kim helps run a community mental health café.
Meghan Reed
Approved i-act instructor
Training and Innovations Lead and Diversity and Ability
As the Training and Innovations Lead and Diversity and Ability, Meghan works with a wide range of organisations in the corporate sector as well as across Higher Education and the Third Sector.
Meghan’s background is in Healthcare and Disability Inclusion and she has extensive experience of delivering bespoke, collaborative and inclusive training sessions that break down barriers and shift the narrative.
Meghan is passionate about wellbeing and supporting positive mental health and uses her own lived experience to challenge stigma and to promote an intersectional approach to supporting wellbeing. Her delivery style is warm and lively, with lots of group participation and discussions.
Meghan is an accredited and approved i-act instructor delivering the i-act courses across the UK and Internationally and is excited to start training you and your team.
Everita Strelca
Approved i-act instructor
Everita has spent over 25 years in the aviation & training industry. As manager of Passenger Services, she found herself fully immersed in the people side of the business.
This has helped to shape her understanding of people from all walks of life travelling under all levels of pressure.
For the last 13 years Everita concentrated on training in the PRM (Assisted Travel) contract which assists people with disabilities to use air transport and has trained staff at airports around the world.
Having first-hand experience of poor mental health, she recognised the challenges sometimes faced in accessing formal support and has worked towards helping people to identify the signs of poor mental health and direct them to various support services early enough to make a difference.
Michael Connolly
Approved i-act instructor
Michael has spent the last 30 years within learning and development, working as a forklift truck instructor in the 1990’s, to Training Standards and Compliance Manager for an international Security/FM company. In his last role he travelled globally helping airports around the world to become more accessible and helped to create some of Europe’s first autism and dementia friendly accredited airports whilst also being a Government advisor on accessibility and anti-slavery.
He has always worked towards helping people overcome societal barriers and ensure equality. Personal experience, as well as those with family, friends & colleagues, furthered Michaels’ interest in mental health and wellbeing issues and he has gained experience and qualifications in many aspects of the subject. Michaels’ aim at MindWise Solutions Ltd, is to make mental health as easy to talk about as physical health, he believes they are equally important, yet mental health still has many taboos which can be put to ground simply by making conversations about our mental health and wellbeing an everyday thing.
Tracy Shand
Approved i-act instructor
International Leader in Education
As an experienced international leader in education, Tracy recognises the need for proactive support for the adults who hold the next generations futures in their hands. As an i-act instructor, she is answering this call.
Living at work was usual for Tracy, as she worked in boarding schools for many years in different countries. With experience in supporting mental health for all, she is currently studying for her PHD as well as being a coach for the School Mental Health Award.
Three words to describe her training – serve, share and care. Together, we can start the conversations to help everyone take the first step.
Louise Ford
Learning and Development Partner at Tai Calon Community Housing
Approved i-act instructor
Louise is the Learning and Development Partner for Tai Calon Community Housing Association, based in Blaenau Gwent, South Wales.
She has nearly 20 years’ experience working within a learning and development setting within the third sector and not-for-profit organisations.
Louise is responsible for organising, designing, and delivering all staff learning and development opportunities within the organisation, and is thrilled to be delivering the accredited i-act training as part of the learning and development framework at Tai Calon.
Louise is passionate about mental health and wellbeing issues and works hard to ensure the promotion of a positive and proactive approach to wellbeing within the organisations culture.
Darren Foote
Employment & Enterprise Coach at Tai Calon Community Housing
Approved i-act instructor
As a former veteran with the Royal Military Police, Darren studied at the University of Wales and qualified as a teacher before working as a lecturer at Coleg Gwent.
Darren now works as the Employment and Enterprise Coach at Tai Calon Community Housing. Darren delivers the i-act training as part of his role and helps and supports people to find employment, upskill, volunteer, and start their own business.