Patrick Wolter

Chief Executive Officer (Leatherhead)

Patrick is a trained Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in mental health, in both statutory and third sector organisations.

After taking over the role of Chief Executive Officer at Mary Frances Trust in 2011, Patrick has been leading on strategic changes to keep up with wider developments within the mental health system, further develop the organisation and bring it to the current modern and successful MFT that it is today.

On a daily basis, Patrick works closely with the Management Board, staff and the Advisory Board to respond to continuous and rapid transitions within the mental health sector and to make sure our services meet the changing needs of the people of Surrey. Patrick also facilitates three monthly peer support groups: Bipolar, Hoarders and LGBTQ.

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys taking part in outdoor activities and cultural events. Patrick is also a member of a local choir in Surrey as singing helps him look after his own emotional and mental wellbeing.

E: PatrickWolter@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

John Anderton

Head of Operations (Leatherhead)

John joined us in July 2017 to ensure that our services are run smoothly and as efficiently as possible. He also focuses on exploring new areas of development and growth for the charity.

To keep well, John has started running which he finds really helps in keeping his head clear and staying happy. For our 25th anniversary, he embarked on a self-imposed couch to 25 miles challenge to raise funds for and awareness of our organisation, and challenge mental health stigma.

E: john@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Christine

Programme Manager (Leatherhead)

Christine joined us in 2013, where she leads our team of Area Co-ordinators who design and build our groups, courses and activities in order to support people with their mental wellbeing. She also researches, plans and applies for funding for new projects to meet the needs of specific groups so that MFT can offer the best support to as many people as possible. 

Christine spends a lot of time meeting new people and building partnerships with other organisations as this helps to raise awareness of our work and reduces some of the stigma around mental health.

To maintain her wellbeing, Christine likes to read and take time out to be with family and friends whenever possible. She also loves to cook, sew and is trying to learn how to draw!

E: christine@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Kathy

Finance and Administration Manager (Leatherhead)

Kathy has worked with MFT since 2009 in various roles and is now responsible for the overall financial management and administration of our charity. She looks after our accounts, budgeting, procurement, HR, databases, etc.

To keep fit, both physically and mentally, Kathy likes to do Pilates and to run.

E: kathy@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Biba

Fundraising Officer (Leatherhead)

Biba joins MFT in September 2021 as our Fundraising Officer. She looks after all aspects of our fundraising as well as developing and maintaining positive long-term relationships with our community supporters.

For her wellbeing, Biba enjoys long walks or a run with her dog, watching her teenagers play sport and going for a paddle on her new SUP whenever the weather allows.

E: biba@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
M: 07877 846392

Caitlin

Recovery and Connect Worker (Leatherhead)

Caitlin joined MFT in April 2021 as a Recovery and Connect Worker as part of a pilot project with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. In her role, she supports people in the community who have a pre-existing mental health concern or one that has been created/exacerbated by COVID-19 until they have built resilience and are ready to access ongoing community services.

Caitlin studied Psychology and university and was previously working as Wellbeing and Recovery Practitioner for a substance misuse charity supporting individuals in custody with their recovery from addiction. She also worked as a Programmes Facilitator for the same organisation, running an accredited programme in custody.

To look after her wellbeing, Caitlin loves going for walks, socialising with friends, and cooking!

E: caitlin@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Connie

Communications Lead (Leatherhead)

Connie joined us in August 2018 and looks after all aspects of our communications (press relations, stakeholder engagement, internal communications, digital communications, social media, web content, newsletter and awareness campaigns) as well as our marketing and events. She recently led the work on our rebranding – getting our new logo and website off the ground.

To maintain her wellbeing, Connie practices mindfulness meditation and has recently started running and gardening. In her spare time, she tries to find the time to pursue her many passions (reading, writing and interior decoration) when she isn’t too busy looking after her little ones!

E: connie@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Dina

Receptionist/Administrator (Leatherhead)

Dina joined MFT in March 2022 as our Receptionist/Administrator. In her role, she performs a variety of administrative tasks, including dealing with enquiries, booking clients onto activities and courses, processing new referrals and general administration tasks.

To look after her wellbeing Dina likes to spend time with her family and friends, go for walks and practice Pilates. She also loves to cook.

E: dina@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Emma

Administration and Communications Assistant (Leatherhead)

Emma joined the MFT team in June 2022 to support different aspects of the charity. She provides general administration support to help with the smooth running of the organisation as well as assisting with social media and the charity's website.

To look after both her mental and physical wellbeing, Emma likes to grow food at her allotment, spend time in nature and enjoys crafting. In her spare time, she volunteers and fundraises for various baby loss charities.

E: emma@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Emma's working days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9am-4pm.

Faith

SUN Group Facilitator

Faith joined MFT in June 2022 as a SUN (Service User Network) Group Facilitator with Lived Experience. In her role, she will be supporting people experiencing difficult emotions often associated with personality disorders. She will be assisting people to identify what is both helpful and unhelpful in their lives with a view of them establishing new and positive ways of interacting in the world, building on resilience and empowerment to face life with confidence.

Faith has trained as a Mental Health First Aider, a Crisis Volunteer (Counsellor) through SHOUT’s training programme and has recently completed a Level 2 Counselling Skills course. She has used her knowledge to work with children and adults experiencing crises of all kinds, assisting over 700 people move from a hot moment to a cool calm one.

To maintain her own mental health and physical wellbeing, Faith enjoys being in nature, writing short stories, drawing/painting and attempting to sing along to Jazz, Soul and Funk.

E: faith@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Glyn

Service Manager (Leatherhead)

Glyn joined MFT in August 2021 to look after the charity’s portfolio of services including Safe Haven, SUN, Recovery Connect, In-Reach and Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

Prior to this, Glyn has been working in services for adults experiencing wellbeing and mental health issues in Sussex for around 15 years. These services included community day services, specialist personality disorder, crisis support services and Recovery college - also delivered by the third sector organisations.

To maintain his wellbeing, Glyn does a lot of walking, reading and spends time with family and friends. He has a motorbike that he enjoys riding (he is a fair weather rider) and a caravan which he likes to explore the UK and continent with.

E: glyn@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Halima

GPimhs Community Connector (Epsom)

Halima joined MFT in January 2021, after completing her postgraduate training as a Mental Health Practitioner at the University of Sussex. She is trained in delivering a wide range of evidence-based psychological interventions. Halima has worked within mental health services since 2014, across both acute and recovery services.

Halima works alongside a network of GP practices in Epsom as a Community Connector. Her role includes supporting patients to explore the factors affecting their wellbeing, as well as signposting to appropriate services. She has a passion for working in mental health and feels it brings purpose to her life. She finds it rewarding to help people keep well in their communities, reducing social isolation and empowering individuals.

To maintain her own wellbeing, Halima enjoys spending time with her niece as it helps her to be present in the moment! She enjoys painting, listening to chill-step and cherishes her 'me-time'. She likes to play Badminton and is currently learning the piano. Random Fact: Halima is obsessed with butterflies and the colour purple!

E: halima@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Hannah

In-Reach Worker (Leatherhead)

Hannah joined MFT in April 2021 as an In-Reach Worker, as part of a new pilot project with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. In her role, she supports people being discharged from hospital and works with individuals, families, carers and health professionals to help people get back into the community as well as support them with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Hannah studied Psychology at university and has previously worked as a Support Worker for people with learning disabilities and as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner in the NHS. She is also a Samaritans listening volunteer.

To look after her wellbeing, Hannah enjoys listening to music, playing video games and spending time with friends and family. She also loves animals, especially cats!

E: hannah@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Heather

In-Reach Worker (Leatherhead)

Heather joined MFT in September 2021 as an In-Reach Worker as part of a pilot project with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation. In her role, she provides pastoral and practical support to patients upon discharge from hospital by supporting them to access community services. She works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to affect positive change in people as they develop the skills needed to manage their mental health in the community.

Heather studied Music Performance and Music Psychology at Kingston University and have background experience in Music Therapy and Forensic Mental Health. She previously worked in Psychiatric hospitals and Forensic rehabilitation projects across London as a Complex Needs Recovery Worker, supporting adults recovering from substance misuse, drug addiction and challenging psychotic behaviour.

To look after her wellbeing, Heather enjoys family life, nature walks and loves the blissfulness of sitting in silence surrounded by her potted plants to quiet her mind after work.

E: heather@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Jack

Safe Haven Peer Support Worker (Epsom)

Jack joined the Safe Haven team in June 2022. In his role, Jack supports people experiencing mental health or emotional crisis who need support by offering a welcoming confidential environment and a safe space to talk. Sometimes this may involve signposting to appropriate support services to help maintain mental and emotional wellbeing.

Jack has worked as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant since 2021 and supports students with a range of social and emotional needs. Prior to that, he worked for a medical assistance company and as a tennis coaching assistant, coaching children of various abilities.

In his spare time, Jack likes to tap into his multiple interests, including sports such as football and tennis. Jack also enjoys video games, board games and strategy games such as fantasy football (FPL) and poker. Furthermore, Jack likes listening to music and curating his various playlists on Spotify.

Jan

Co-Production and Community Engagement Worker (Maternity Cover)

Jan joined MFT in March 2022 as our Co-Production and Community Engagement Worker (Maternity Cover). Her role is to promote and facilitate the Advisory Group, which works alongside Mary Frances Trust staff to design, review and improve all aspects of the charity from services and events to strategy and vision.

Jan has worked for councils and charities including working on Mental Health as part of her Healthwatch Manager role and has a background in community engagement, children’s services, training and life coaching.

She looks after her wellbeing by visiting a health centre for a swim and jacuzzi and spending time with family and friends. Her motto is “to be grateful and enjoy the little things in daily life”.

In her spare time, Jan enjoys going to cinema, reading, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.

Jan's working days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9am-3pm.

E: jan@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Jane

Safe Haven Manager (Epsom)

Jane has worked with us since March 2016 as part of our Safe Haven service in Epsom. Her background is in teaching, assessing and supporting individuals to reach their full potential. She finds her work at Safe Haven satisfying and fulfilling.

Her role at the Safe Haven is to support people who are experiencing a crisis with their mental health, to support and signpost them to the most appropriate services and to be a supportive listening ear. She liaises with the team in Leatherhead to make sure all Safe Haven staff have all of the information about what’s currently on offer and coordinates referrals to Community Connections. She also makes sure the Safe Haven is fully staffed at all times and produces statistics for reporting purposes.

She maintains her emotional well-being by taking time out to go to the gym, playing the piano and spending time with her family and friends.

Her top tip for maintaining her wellbeing is to acknowledge her mistakes and remind herself that mistakes are something she shares with every other human on the planet. When she is compassionate with herself, she can be more compassionate toward others.

Her hobbies are travelling, the theatre and going to live music events.

E: jane@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Joe

Community Connections Area Co-Ordinator for Elmbridge (Walton-on-Thames)

Joe joined MFT in October 2021 as Area Co-Ordinator for Elmbridge. In his role, he helps to support people in the Elmbridge area with their mental and emotional health. He's working closely with clients focussing on their wellbeing through one-to-one and group support sessions, activities and courses. His work also includes setting goals to enable clients to visualise and get to where they want to be, including building their confidence, and supporting them in their overall development.

Prior to this, Joe worked as Support & Outreach Worker for a local homeless charity supporting individuals experiencing homelessness into suitable accommodation, as well as tailored support around tenancy sustainment, mental health, addiction, further education, and employment. He has also just completed his Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), as he is passionate about becoming a fully qualified counsellor.

In his spare time, Joe is a football fan and a West Ham fanatic, he likes to go to the gym, loves listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. He has also previously represented his county in Athletics regionally and nationally.

E: joe@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
M: 07961 478625

John O’Malley

Community Connections Virtual Delivery Coordinator

John joined us in March 2018 as our Mole Valley Coordinator, a position he held until September 2021. He is now our Virtual Delivery Coordinator, responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering groups, courses and activities on the virtual programme. MFT have recognised the importance and the need of an online provision, which enables an accessible platform for people to continually gain the support they need, from the comfort of their own home, none more so than during the pandemic.

John is a big believer in linking mental health and physical health, and recognises the benefits that both can have on each other. John loves playing and watching all sports, especially football. Although his playing days are more suited to Walking Football now! He looks after his own wellbeing by spending time with friends and family and going on long walks along the beach.

His favourite quote is “You’ll Never Walk Alone!”

E: JohnOMalley@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Jules

Community Connections Support Worker (Epsom)

Jules joined MFT in January 2022 as a Community Connections Support Worker based in Epsom but covering all areas. In her role, she works alongside the Area Co-ordinators to run activities and groups as well as carry out one-to-one advice and support sessions for our clients.

Prior to this, Jules worked as a police officer in the Metropolitan Police for 10 years. Jules is extremely passionate about reducing stigma and raising awareness around mental health, and has spent the last four years running a small training business specialising in mental health awareness. Jules is an accredited Mental Health First Aid England Instructor and Suicide First Aid Instructor.

In her spare time, Jules finds that getting outside in nature, particularly walking in the beautiful Surrey Hills, supports her wellbeing. She loves watching TV shows and loves talking about them too, anything from Ru Paul’s Drag Race to Grey’s Anatomy.

E: jules@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Julie

GPimhs Community Connector (Banstead)

Julie is a full-time Community Connector, supporting people from the GP practices in Banstead, who have needs relating to their mental health. Part of Julie's role is empowering people to identify their strengths, and develop their skills to restore and maintain good mental health and wellbeing, and ultimately take steps towards achieving their full potential. Julie networks with other local voluntary services, statutory services, and a diverse group of professionals to make this happen.

Julie is a registered social worker, previously working in a statutory mental health social care team. She worked alongside people living with mental health needs, often supporting their families/carers also. Julie enjoyed visiting people in their own homes, in hospital, supported living settings, and also people who had no fixed abode.

To boost and maintain her physical and mental health, Julie likes to follow her walking routine, plans on starting yoga or pilates, and is determined to master the hula hoop! Julie continues to get involved with her family and friends activities, celebrating the highs, and supporting during the lows.

E: julie@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Justin

Safe Haven Practitioner (Epsom)

Justin joined the Safe Haven team in April 2021 after being part of our Safe Haven bank staff for a year. In his role, Justin supports people experiencing mental health or emotional crisis who need support by offering a welcoming confidential environment and a safe space to talk. Sometimes this may involve signposting to appropriate support services to help maintain mental and emotional wellbeing.

Justin has worked as a Special Educational Needs teacher for nearly ten years and teaches multiple subjects across the curriculum. Prior to that, he worked within the care sector and has taught and supported a wide range of individuals from a number of boroughs.

To maintain a positive mindset, Justin likes to tap into his multiple interests, including producing and playing music, performing live with other musicians within a range of different musical genres, making art in a range of different methods and mixed medias, mountain biking, going to the gym. He is also interested in mechanics and motor-sport and has a motorbike and a classic car.

Kerry

Administration Officer (Leatherhead)

Kerry joined MFT in May 2021 as our Administration Officer. In her role, she performs a variety of administrative tasks, including handling new referrals, client management, maintaining our database and reporting as well as working with partner organisations and assisting the team.

To look after her wellbeing Kerry likes to spend time with friends, family and her two cats. She enjoys being out in the countryside, horse riding and has a keen interest in car racing!

E: kerry@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Lenny

Wellbeing Advice and Information Officer (Leatherhead)

Lenny joined MFT in 2004 and is one of our longest serving members of staff. In her role, she offers free and confidential support and information on any issues impacting on someone’s emotional health wellbeing, from housing and benefits to how to access the mental health services they need. She supports people over the telephone, by email or in person to work through these issues allowing people to create a healthy balance mentally and emotionally, and make informed choices for themselves.

Outside of work, Lenny is also a bereavement counsellor, Gestalt counsellor and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

In her spare time, Lenny likes walking, gardening or taking photographs. She also likes to spend time reading , doing DIY, listening to music, watching films and spending time with her cats. Lenny looks after her mental health by practising mindfulness and meditation.

E: lenny@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Lily

SUN Group Facilitator (Leatherhead)

Lily is working as a Lived Experience Mental Health Practitioner for the SUN (Service User Network) groups, a service for people experiencing difficult emotions often associated with personality disorders delivered in partnership with Surrey and Borders Partnership (SABP). She uses her personal experience with mental health issues to help members of the SUN group to feel heard and understood.

Outside of work, Lily enjoys spending time with her friends and family, taking spontaneous camping trips and exploring through walks with her dog. She also likes to swim in open water when it’s not too cold! Lily spends time volunteering for charities where she works for lawyers on Death Row cases in America and writes to people imprisoned around the world. She is very passionate about making everyone feel cared for despite their history. As well as this, she likes to spend her time doing art, especially pencil drawing portraiture and writing when she has time. She is also a carer for her Mother.

E: lily@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Liz

Safe Haven Practitioner (Epsom)

Liz joined us in 2016 as a Practitioner at our Safe Haven in Epsom to offer emotional support, crisis management and referrals/signposting to those in emotional distress when other services are closed. The service provides a safe place for people to come to either have a one-to-one conversation with a member of staff or a clinician, or to receive support from staff in the main room as well as peer support from other visitors to the Safe Haven.

To maintain her emotional wellbeing, Liz makes time for herself each week, despite having two jobs and a family. She also enjoys reading, taking trips in her campervan and swimming.

Lorraine

Safe Haven Practitioner (Epsom)

Lorraine is a qualified Teacher specialised in Special Educational Needs and working with adults who have a wide spectrum of disabilities. In her role at Safe Haven, she supports people experiencing mental health or emotional crisis who need support by offering a welcoming confidential environment and a safe space to talk. Sometimes this may involve signposting to appropriate support services to help maintain mental and emotional wellbeing.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, walking in the Surrey Hills, upcycling furniture and spending time with her family. She has been involved in Martial Arts for many years and supports her family-run Kickboxing Club by volunteering.

Lorraine’s top tip for maintaining her wellbeing is to walk and talk, as being out in nature boosts both your emotional, physical wellbeing and can be an opportunity to connect with family and friends.

Lucy

Safe Haven Practitioner (Epsom)

Lucy joined the Epsom Safe Haven team in September 2017 as a Safe Haven Practitioner. She is passionate about helping others by providing practical and emotional support in this worthwhile and fulfilling role.



Lucy maintains her emotional wellbeing by working week days running a small doggy day care and spending much of the time outdoors walking dogs in the countryside, enjoying peace and fresh air.

In her spare time, she likes to get away in her vintage caravan and always has a jigsaw on the go at home.


Lynne

Recovery Connect Worker – Elmbridge

Lynne joined MFT in May 2022 as a Recovery and Connect Worker as part of a pilot project with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. In her role, she supports people who are under the mental health team; working together holistically to build resilience to access community services and maintain wellbeing.

Lynne has a varied background in performing arts, education and youth work. She has spent the last 14 years supporting people experiencing mental illness and their carers; providing a range of one-to-one, telephone and group support. Lynne was also part of the team who set up Woking Safe Haven providing crisis support to those in distress.

Lynne has lots of experience as a volunteer setting up two charities in Surrey. She was responsible for training helpline volunteers as well as being a listening volunteer herself.

Outside of work, Lynne is a member of a local choir and enjoys being part of their management committee with responsibility for welcoming and supporting new members. She has found singing a great stress buster and a good way to make new friends and bring more joy into her life. Lynne also volunteers to facilitate a mental health support group for carers as part of a network of groups led by one of our leading national mental health charities.

E: lynne@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Matthew

Volunteer Co-Ordinator (Leatherhead)

Matthew joined MFT in June 2022 and manages the volunteer recruitment and engagement process, sourcing, inducting, training and onboarding new volunteers. He is the ‘go to’ person for all matters volunteering within the charity.

He has a varied and interesting background having worked in the not-for-profit and charitable sector for over 30 years from volunteer co-ordinator to project manager and Board member working with small, medium and large UK and international charities. He is a former Trustee of Volunteering England and Positive Action (an HIV Charity).

He has interviewed over 6,000 volunteers, managed two volunteer centres in Surrey and 2,500 volunteers on 60 + community projects throughout the UK, Belgium and Germany (British Army on the Rhine). He is also a specialist trainer to the charity sector.

In his spare time, Matthew likes to travel and has visited 39 countries around the world. He also has an interest in collecting antiques, especially handmade wooden jigsaw puzzles and Chinese artefacts. He looks after his mental health by seeing and entertaining family and friends, and volunteering for other charities from time to time.

E: matthew@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Meklit

GPimhs Community Connector (Leatherhead)

Meklit joined us in March 2020. Prior to that, she did a postgraduate training in Psychosynthesis Counselling in 2011 and ran a private counselling practice both in the UK and abroad for the past nine years supporting people with various life issues.

Meklit is working full-time as a Community Connector providing confidential advice and support based within a network of GP practices in Leatherhead. She will be guiding and supporting patients to explore the issues and situations affecting their lives and their wellbeing – whether that is ongoing mental or physical health problem, stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship, loss, debt, or other issues. She will be supporting patients to reflect on their circumstances and help them design a care plan which can help them manage their lives better or guide them to appropriate resources that can provide them with the kind of help they need, including talking therapies, benefits/employments advice, short courses or an introduction to local community groups.

She looks after herself by walking in nature and doing yoga (since 1996). In her spare time, she enjoys reading, music and doing jigsaw puzzles.

E: meklit@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Nic

GPimhs Community Connections (Epsom)

Nic has been working for the North Tandridge GPimhs team since the start of May 2020 but has moved to join the Epsom team in November 2020. Nic will continue to work as a Community Connector supporting patients from local GP surgeries to improve and maintain their mental health through conversation to identify their support needs, coping strategies and bridging into local community groups.

Nic’s interests include ten pin bowling, cooking and Mountain Biking on a Sunday morning. He also enjoys yoga.

E: nicholas@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Parvin

Community Connections Area Coordinator for Banstead, Epsom & Ewell

Parvin joined as a sessional worker in May 2017. Her role was to work with the Black Asian Minority Ethnic groups (BAME) in Ruxley and Court Ward, Epsom through the Longmead "Inclusion for All" Project. Since January 2018, Parvin progressed onto the role of Project Coordinator for Epsom and Ewell, concentrating on the BAME groups as well as supporting the team. She is now the Area Co-Ordinator for Banstead, Epsom & Ewell and sets up courses and activities for people using our services in this area.

Her responsibilities include breaking the stigma of mental health in ethnic communities and supporting them to engage in activities, courses and events. And as a result, helping individuals or groups to gradually overcome any emotional and physical wellbeing issues they are facing in their daily lives.

Parvin always tries to remain optimistic and positive to support her own emotional wellbeing. She practices mindfulness when she can. Supporting others in their journey is something that keeps her going. In her spare time, Parvin loves spending time with her family and going out to fancy restaurants. She engages in courses to develop her knowledge, skills and understanding. As she is passionate about helping people, she does a lot of voluntary work outside of MFT.

E: parvin@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
M: 07380 857 701

Ruby

Community Connections Area Co-ordinator for Mole Valley

Ruby joined us in February 2021 as our Area Support Co-ordinator, supporting the Community Connections team across all MFT areas. Since October 2021, Ruby operates as our Area Co-ordinator for Mole Valley, offering one-to-one support to clients and setting up all groups and courses in the area to support mental and emotional wellbeing. Ruby also leads on our young people’s groups, working with clients directly to establish key areas for support and setting up new activities specifically for 16-25-year-olds.

Before this, Ruby ran education programmes for young people to support skills development and wellbeing, and prior to this as support staff for mental health teams within Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. While working at the BBC, Ruby also managed press relations for a number of documentaries exploring mental health.

In her spare time, Ruby loves to read, obsess over interiors and spend time with friends, family and her cat Ellie.

E: ruby@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
M: 07414 530043

Sharon

Safe Haven Practitioner (Epsom)

Sharon joined the Safe Haven team in April 2021 after being part of our Safe Haven bank staff for a year. Her role is to listen to people's stories who may be in crisis and struggling with their mental health and signpost them to the appropriate support.

Her background is in Further Education as a Student Mentor supporting, engaging with students throughout their journey, listening without judgement, empathizing and encouraging them to follow their own path into the future.

Sharon is able to maintain her own wellbeing with her love of cooking, keeping fit with regular swimming and is deeply involved in supporting her family and friends. She loves going to the cinema and travel.

Sushma

GPimhs Community Connector (East Elmbridge)

Sushma joined MFT in December 2021 as a Community Connector for East Elmbridge. In this role, she will be supporting people experiencing wide and complex range of mental health and emotional wellbeing issues by providing practical guidance and psycho-social interventions. Furthermore, she will be helping people identify other aspects in their lives that are impacting their mental health and support them to access the appropriate community services and resources to improve and maintain their overall wellbeing.

Sushma has studied Psychology at university and she has also obtained a Master’s degree (MSc) in Early intervention in Psychosis from King’s College London. She has experience working with and supporting people in mental health crisis on the mental health crisis line with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

To maintain her own mental and physical wellbeing, Sushma goes on hikes and walks with her family. She also enjoys visiting and exploring museums, exhibitions and galleries by herself or with family/friends. She enjoys cooking and eating delicious foods, both at home and at restaurants.

E: sushma@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Tracy

Finance Officer (Leatherhead)

Tracy joined us in January 2019 and supports the organisation with any accounts and administrative tasks. This is a varied role and includes everything from keeping our database up-to-date and processing the charity’s accounts, to proofreading publications and assisting with the organisation of events.

In her spare time, Tracy enjoys the creativity of arts and crafts. She also subscribes to the Irish proverb: “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything!” as smiling and laughter can have a positive effect on wellbeing, and sleep helps to boost the immune system and reduce stress.

E: tracy@maryfrancestrust.org.uk