Becca
I came on board with Parental Minds in 2020, during Covid, as a Listener; I have since trained as a parent carer peer support worker, an autism peer support worker, and as a peer support supervisor.
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 Parental Minds 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.
I enjoy reading, baths, sea swimming and walks in the countryside, and time with my small grandson.
Sara
I feel very passionate about the power of peer support, about creating safe spaces where people feel heard, understood and validated. Where people can make connections with others on a similar journey, share stories and share hope. After connecting with Parental Minds myself, looking for support with my own children, I was delighted to join the team, in 2022, as a Parent Carer Peer Support Worker.
In 2023 I was trained by Jenny Langley and Dr Pam McDonald in The New Maudsley Approach, supporting caregivers who are supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. In 2024, I attended the 2 day NHS training on ARFID (Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.)
With my training and my own lived experience of eating disorders, I deliver The New Maudsley Approach parent carer workshops on a regular basis. I also provide all caregivers of someone with an eating disorder, ongoing 1:1 support, for as long as they need it.
I was recently appointed Director of Peer Support and I’m really excited to be a part of this incredible organisation and continue to support caregivers to feel heard, respected and supported.
Mags
My journey to Peer Support hasn’t taken the conventional route.
My passion has always been to support others and I thought that this would be through teaching, this was not to be the case.
Whilst on a pause, I found the advert for the Peer Support Role with Parental Minds. I have followed its journey from the outset and always felt that it would have been a service I could have benefitted from myself as a caregiver and I was drawn to their approach.
I joined the team 18 months ago and every day I learn something new.
I am part of a team where reflection and autonomy to express my thoughts is integral to my day to day role, which has been translated into my own approach at home too. I find it a privilege to be part of the lives of those other caregivers who have felt able to reach out, whether that be in person at our Hubs, on the phone or in our WhatsApp groups.
Validating what is happening in their lives in that moment whilst empowering individuals to be curious about their situation as well as accepting that sometimes change can take time can be some of the most valuable messages we share with others. It really is wonderful to be part of such a fabulous support network that continues to evolve and grow.
In my spare time, some of the things I enjoy doing is to spend time with my family, drink wine and eat potatoes.
Vicky
With over 20 years of experience parenting a neurodiverse and gender-diverse family, I’ve developed deep compassion and insight into the challenges faced by individuals and families living with disabilities, neurodiversity, and mental health needs. This lived experience has shaped both my personal and professional journey, allowing me to connect meaningfully with others navigating similar paths.
My career has included roles such as teaching assistant, special school governor, DIAS volunteer, EHCP coordinator, and parent liaison support worker. I’ve also worked in children’s social care for Devon County Council. Today, I’m honoured to be part of the Peer Support Team at Parental Minds and as act as an Ambassador for Devon Information Advice and Support (DIAS).
I am a passionate advocate for children, adults, and families, and my work is rooted in trauma-informed, compassionate practice. I believe in the transformative power of lived experience and the strength that comes from peer support.
My journey with Parental Minds began when I reached out for support myself—and the impact was so powerful that joining the team felt like coming full circle. Every day continues to be a learning experience, and I feel privileged to be part of such a kind, compassionate and nurturing organisation.
Outside of work, I enjoy anytime spent outside, travelling in my motorhome with my partner and our golden retriever, and my guilty pleasures include wellness podcasts, golden retriever reels, and singing along to country music.
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, Parental Minds has given me the opportunity to make a difference in an otherwise closed-down world.
Brittany
I first began with Parental Minds as a freelancer back in 2021, creating illustrations for resources. Since then, my role has grown to include creating a wide range of materials, supporting with presentation design, and helping to share our work with the community through print and social media.
Alongside my work at Parental Minds, I’m an illustrator with The Plum Agency, creating children’s picture books for a variety of publishers. I’ve also shared my knowledge as an Associate Lecturer on the Illustration BA: Children’s Markets course at the University of Plymouth.
My favourite form of self care is unwinding with a good movie and a sweet treat!
See more of Brittany’s work here
Lorraine
I originally trained as a youth and community worker, and after many years working with young people and families I moved into evaluation and research, working as a researcher at Exeter University for 15 years.
I’ve now migrated back to what feels like my natural home, working in a voluntary organisation that is grounded in our own experiences as parents and caregivers, and is about coming alongside each other to share knowledge and offer support. I feel privileged to be part of a passionate team that continually develops and grows, trying new works of working to best support parents and families. We’re keen to promote the voices of parents and caregivers in shaping services and policy, and I coordinate our participation work (e.g. in NHS parent forums), and collaboration in research projects. As a parent of two (now grown-up) children, and a single parent for many years, I got through because of the support I received from other parents and friends, and I’m still learning all the time. I’m now a trained listener, and I co-ordinate our low-cost counselling service.
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.
Visit Simon’s Site Review UK website 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”