Meet The Team

Cara

Ambassador Leader

Hi, my name is Cara. I have two teenage daughters (15 & 18years old). When my eldest daughter was born in March 2005, she was breech and was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia at one day old. I was distraught and the midwives had to call my husband as I was inconsolable. She was treated for 17weeks in a harness, she was only able to be bathed once a week at hospital, this caused me to have anxiety and postnatal depression and I was supported by my health visitor, GP and my family.

In 2007, I became pregnant with my second daughter, and I became so anxious about her being born with hip problems, I suffered with antenatal depression and anxiety. I was struggling to cope mentally and physically, later receiving support from the Mother & Baby unit. Once she was born in Jan 2008, life became really difficult, although her hips were stable and were only monitored for a few months, my relationship with my husband began to suffer and we went through some tough times. I had medication from my GP, 1:1 counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). My symptoms improved but the anxiety never left.

Over the years, I have learnt strategies to cope with this, I am grateful to all the support and care that I received to recover.

In August 2022 I had to retire from my career, due to my ill health and I now have time to help others going through similar situations, in their journey to recovery. I have always being of a caring nature and enjoy listening and helping families. I also have 32years experience of working with children of all ages and abilities.

Mothers Mind Staffordshire is an excellent charity to devote my time too, and encourage mothers to share their worries and thoughts, in their darkest moments, in a safe, friendly and confidential space.

Favourite food: steak and ale pie with handmade chips.

Interest fact: I have raised money for breast cancer since 2015.

Childhood memory: camping in weymouth in a trailer tent. There was a storm and my dad went out in the night hammering pegs in. My cousin slept all way through hurricane winds.

Sally

Founder/Ambassador Leader

I really struggled postnatally with my mental health, so much so I took an overdose. I needed an end to the deep depression and hurt I was experiencing mentally and emotionally. I felt alone, and was slowly going crazy!

I loved my boys but I hated everything about myself and my life. With the professional intervention I received, I was back on track, with counselling, I had the tools needed for a strong and stable management of my mental health. I promised myself, on discharge from the Parent and Baby unit, over 13 years ago, that I would do all I could in the city to open up conversations around Maternal Mental Health, break down barriers of stigma and discrimination, educate people to support and encourage all those affected by maternal mental health and more importantly promote empowerment within a village of women.

I had a vision to create a safe place for mums to share conversations around mental health without judgement, strengthening and building the bond and attachment with their little ones, to make friends creating their own independent village of strong women, and to manage their own mental health daily. But more importantly, to create a platform, supporting mums who feel alone, in the depths of mental health despair.

11 years ago, I gave birth to my beautiful little boy George and also the foundation of Mothers Mind (Staffordshire). George, you are the making of me and the reason I do what I do. If you are reading this in the depths of darkness, please reach out for support because we promise there is light at the end of this journey.

Michelle

Ambassador Leader

Hi, my name is Michelle and I was a nurse for 43 years before I retired in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

I've been married twice and divorced twice and been a single Mum for many years.

I have 2 grown up sons, Matt who is 30 years old and James who is 25 years old, both born by caesarian section. Following Matt's birth I felt very lost, inadequate and alone. I missed my Mum who sadly died when I was 28 years old.

James was born with a heart defect which wasn't diagnosed until he was 2 and a half months old, by which time he needed to be ventilated and had multi organ failure. Fortunately, and with excellent NHS care in 3 hospitals, James had open heart surgery, ECMO, and was rehabilitated at home on oxygen. He was 5 months old by this point.

My eldest son during that time was cared for by my amazing friend, Gill, whilst I stayed with James. A year after this awful experience I developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, for which I was treated with counselling.

I wanted to volunteer after retiring and was approached by Mothers Mind.

It's very rewarding being able to give time and energy into such a worthwhile organisation, and share my knowledge and experience with other Mums, and offer support to them.

Interesting fact: I did a solo parachute jump when I was 24, to raise money for charity.

Favourite Food: Mashed avocado on granary bread, with a poached egg.

Favourite childhood memory: Family holidays in Tenby

Kelly

Ambassador

My name is Kelly, I am married and I have two children, aged 10 years and 14 years old.

I am compassionate, empathetic and hold excellent communication skills, especially when supporting and encouraging others.

I enjoy my time at Mothers Mind (Staffordshire), especially when watching the little ones play and seeing the mums grow with their babies.

I volunteer my time because I love to help and care for those in need by offering love and support.

Debbie

Volunteer

Hi, My name is Debbie & I am a volunteer for Mother’s Mind.

I am very passionate about supporting people to have good mental health and have worked in mental health services now for nearly 20 years.

I enjoy live music & being anywhere in nature. As a parent myself to a 5 and 3 year old I know how challenging parent life can be! I really enjoy being a part of Mother’s Mind & supporting mums.

Maternity and Neonatal Voices Rep & Ambassador for Birth Trauma

Dawn

Hi, I’m Dawn. I’m 31 and have 3 children! My hands are very full as a stay at home mum with a 7 year old boy, a 4 year old boy with additional needs and a 2 year old girl.

2 of my births were traumatic experiences, including my most recent birth leading me to find mothers mind and being on a road to recovery from PTSD and PND.
I have a lot of experience and understanding of many topics of motherhood and am an over sharer! So I love a limitless conversation.
Also as a maternity and neonatal voice champion, I volunteer to be involved in projects, helping to improve maternal and children’s health care. I can help with complaints and also provide opportunities for feedback from your experiences good and bad.

Things that help me feel good day to day are: running, reading and listening to podcasts- particularly love a spooky story!

Hayley

Sensory play and Bonding therapist

I am mummy to a 3 year old, and most recently, a 4 month old!

It has been the most challenging and exhausting time of my life, which is why it means so much to me for my little organisation 'The Sensory Storyteller CIC' to be a part of Mothers Mind Staffordshire.

'The Sensory Storyteller CIC' delivers relaxed, but meaningful and joyful play interactions, through singing, signing, puppets, sensory props, and most importantly, Storytime! They are as much for the mummies as they are for the babies 😊

Favourite food: Chocolate, always!

Interesting Fact: Although 2 years apart, me and my brother share the same birthday!

Favourite childhood memory: My dog Spike, I was obsessed with him! We used to always walk him to and from school via the canal and I loved it.

Kayleigh

Supporting Volunteer

Hi, I am Kayleigh. I am 21 and a solo mummy to my 1 year old little boy.

I have recently started the trainstion in leaving Mothers Mind - Staffordshire. Mothers Mind has been a saving grace helping me through past relationships trauma and navigating motherhood as a solo parent.

Now after how much Mothers Mind has helped me in my journey i would like to give back by being able to support, advise and to be a shoulder for any young solo/single mother. Who may need some extra love and support.

Personality Trait: Very Sentimental

Interesting Fact: The only two times i have left the country i went to Disneyland Paris.

Talullah

Supporting Volunteer

My pregnancy and birth and after birth experience was so far from the magical Instagram “picture perfect” birth, that you see on social media. As soon as Theo was born I felt an instant drop in my mood. I became detached from reality and terrified, and scared of what was to come.

I was trying to force a feeling of love and happiness towards him. I felt so alone and wrong for feeling the way I did towards myself and Theo. The feelings carried on for days, weeks and months. I then reached out and was diagnosed with postnatal depression/anxiety. Something I had never heard of before.

Although everyday isn’t perfect, I am in a much better place in life physically and mentally. This is a place I thought i was so far from when I had Theo. I am so grateful for the love, support and honesty mother’s mind have given me. It would be my greatest pleasure to give back and help raise awareness to other mums, who may find themselves in a similar position I was in.

Favourite song: Jojo - Get out

Favourite food - Halloumi Fajitas.

My name is Tallulah, and I fell pregnant with my son Theodore a few weeks after turning 18 years old. Nine months later he was here, and my life was put on hold.

Emily

Volunteer - Steering group

I attended Mother’s mind after having my second child, I struggled with anorexia and body dysmorphia. I feel so grateful to this amazing charity, I want to help it reach ladies far and wide who are struggling with their mental health.

Favourite food - I’m torn between Italian food and Greek…. Or a good burger

Interesting fact - I have a sailing qualification after being a crew member on a tall ship which I helped sail from Scotland to Holland and then to London.

Favourite childhood memory - I’m a massive Disney lover so it has to be going to Disney Florida with all of my family!

I’m a mum to three children and self employed beautician.

Kate

Volunteer - Steering group

I have struggled most of my adult life to make and maintain friendships but the people I have met on my journey at mothers mind have become some of the best friends I’ve ever had!

I’ve recently become a single mum and I am learning to co-parent with my ex and how to communicate outside of being a couple.

Favourite food: it’s gotta be pizza. A sucker for a dominoes

Interesting fact: I like to go to as many gigs as possible in my spare time, especially rock/metal bands.

Favourite song: Paramore - Last hope

Hiiii, im Kate.

I’m 29 and I have a 3 year old daughter. I first came to mother’s mind in Feb 2022 when my little girl was just 4 months old. I struggled with post partum anxiety & rage and intrusive thoughts.

Kayleigh

Volunteer - Steering group

I am a mum to a two-year-old and have been married to my husband for over 14 years. My daughter was an IVF miracle so I understand the struggles and taboo surrounding infertility.

I used Mothers Mind when i started to struggle with postnatal anxiety and depression. I wanted to support others by sharing my experience and knowledge. I also want to be part of a team that empower women to support and take control of their mental health.

Favourite food: It has got to be a good old Sunday dinner; I mean who doesn’t like them?

Interesting Fact: My husband and I were an extra on Hollyoaks Extra many moons ago. They cut the scene that small that you can barely tell it’s us and it’s just our heads and arms from behind.

Favourite childhood memory: The random day trips my mum used to take me and my sisters on.

Olivia

Volunteer - Steering group

Hi, I’m Liv!

After having my son I found myself in the midst of depression and anxiety and after some gentle encouragement from my other half, I contacted mother’s mind and attended my first meeting in August 2022 when my son was 6 months old.

I now want to support other mums who might be feeling like their world has been turned completely upside down and to let them know, and see firsthand, that it does get better and that with support, we can rediscover and embrace our new selves!

I am now excited about the future and about sharing my experiences and supporting other women as they go through their own journey and recovery.

In my free time I enjoy reading, relaxing, cooking, renovating our home and cuddling my big baby Rottweiler Lola!