Becca
Over the years, as a pastoral care volunteer, enabler, and friend, I have journeyed alongside others through their experiences of the highs and lows of life, often involving their own, or their children’s mental health issues and additional needs, and as a parent myself, there have of course been personal battles and struggles.
As a trained Listener, I passionately believe that everyone deserves their story and their feelings to be heard and acknowledged, so when I was invited to get involved with Parent + I jumped at the chance to listen and support the whole person, to enable people not to be reduced to the separate roles they are sometimes perceived as by agencies – “parent”, “caregiver” or “advocate”. I am continually awed by the strength and encouragement that people journeying together can find and offer one another.
Brittany
After beginning as a freelancer for Parental Minds, Brittany now works diligently to put together resources and advertise events as a full member of staff. She handles administration, keeping databases up to date, assisting with workshops, and answering emails. She is the team’s graphic designer, creating flyers, posters, resources and leaflets.
She also works as an illustrator for The Plum Agency, producing children’s books, and is an Associate Lecturer in Children’s Markets at the University of Plymouth.
See more of Brittany’s work here
Duncan
Loving father to an autistic daughter & husband to a neurodivergent wife – Duncan has become an advocate for the SEND community through his Caring Role and his YouTube channel: PDA Dad UK. Duncan is also an Ambassador for The PDA Society, DIAS, Devon Carers and The Parent Carer Forum. Duncan is also a passionate musician – his neighbours state: “He’s loud, not talented”
Sara
I’m really excited to be joining Parental Minds as a Parent Carer Peer Support Worker. I moved to Devon from Hertfordshire in 2010 and started my own business as an Ofsted Registered Childminder. I set up and ran this alongside Home Educating my two children through the primary school years and obtaining my level 3 NVQ in Children and Young People’s Workforce.
It was whilst home educating my children, I discovered my love and appreciation for the outdoors, nature and the benefits of exercise, fresh air and a beautiful view for my own mental well-being. I especially love a long walk with my little dog Teddy.
I have lived experience of supporting someone with Eating Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and Selective Mutism and I know how overwhelming, frustrating and lonely it can feel. I’m looking forward to being able to support other parents and carers along their personal journeys.
Sarah
My name is Sarah Coldrey. I live in Chudleigh but am originally from Southampton. I am married and have an 8-year-old son and a 2-year-old Cavapoochon (yes that’s a real thing) called Dotty.
I am fortunate that my work experience has given me a lot of tools to support my son including being a sleep practitioner for 7 years. I am also a qualified Children’s and young people’s wellbeing practitioner (CYPWP) which means I have experience in low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children experiencing anxiety and depression.
One of the biggest things I have learnt so far as a parent is how important effective communication is and how essential it is for us as parents to be regulated and take care of ourselves. I feel incredibly lucky to have joined Parental Minds as their ethos and resources align so much with my own and I feel I will learn a lot being part of this organisation.
In my spare time I like to weight train at the gym and socialise with friends.
Sheila
Every person in the world has their own story. Attentive listening can be the most healing experience a person can have. For people to feel their story is heard is transforming; to be privileged to hear their story is a gift. For me, as a volunteer, Parent+ has given me the opportunity to make a difference in an otherwise closed-down world.
Jack Gunns
Jack Gunns is a multi-talented and highly creative designer with a degree in ‘Industrial Design’. Finding creative solutions, knowledge of programs and a natural flair for illustration are my strengths.
Having worked internationally in diverse roles including Team Leader on ICS programs in Ghana & Teaching EFL in Shanghai. Currently working as a Graphic Designer for Barton Willmore and freelancing in logo & illustration.
Simon Anderson
Simon Anderson is a professional website content writer/editor and SEO expert, based near Exeter, Devon. He has 18 years experience in writing for the web and other Internal Communications skills. Since February 2019, Simon has been working as Site Review UK, using his professional skills to optimise the online content of small businesses and organisations across the UK. He’s been particularly busy during the Covid-19 pandemic and has helped proof-read some of our resources.