About Sussex Staff in Mind - Sussex Staff in Mind

Sussex Staff in Mind is a dedicated team of 16 members of staff working remotely across the regions in which you work and live.

The team consists of a number of Practitioners who deliver the 1:1 appointments with staff who self-refer to the service. There are also Psychologist Practitioners and an Assistant Psychologist in the team who deliver training, supervision and some clinical interventions to staff and teams. There is also a Clinical Lead, Service Managers and our invaluable administrators. We are a diverse team in many ways including race, ethnicity, gender, abilities, sexual orientation and age.

Key aims

To support the mental health and wellbeing of health and social care staff.
To ensure our service is accessible to all and used by all who need us.
To proactively reach out to any at-risk staff groups.
To offer a timely response when staff first contact us, so as to not delay access to treatment and support where needed.

Get ready for our podcasts

Keep checking back for the launch of our first podcasts in November.

Meet the team

Adam Blackwell

Clinical Service Improvement Manager

Something about me:

As many people have, I found that my work/home life balance was heavily disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Making sure I get out the house regularly has been essential in combatting this. Going for walks and doing some gardening (even if it just for 10 minutes) has really helped. I also enjoy going to the gym, socialising with friends/family and going out for food with my partner. However, I found that these activities were more challenging to do after lockdown measures eased. Starting with smaller and more achievable changes gave me the foundation to begin challenging myself more as both my confidence and energy levels increased.

Experience and special interests:

I previously worked as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) delivering low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions. The part I enjoyed most about this role was adapting the interventions to meet the individual needs of the client that I was working with.

I also previously worked within South East Coast Ambulance Service's Wellbeing Hub. This service is designed to provide specialist mental health support to staff at SECAmb and works collaboratively with Sussex Staff in Mind to do this. Through this role I got to directly see the incredible level of support that NHS and social care staff provide. I also observed the commitment they have and the sacrifices they make to deliver this high quality care under extreme pressure. This role further fuelled my passion for ensuring that health and social care staff get access to the same level of exceptional care that they provide to the communities that they work so hard to serve.

Becca Hadley

Team Administrator Coordinator

Something about me:

Having lived experience of mental health issues, singing and crafts have been an important part of my wellbeing. I like to go swimming and for walks when I can, as these help me physically and mentally. I also enjoy listening to health and wellbeing podcasts and I have a pair of cats, whose antics always make me smile.

Experience and special interests:

Following my degree in Forensic Science, I developed a particular interest in health and psychology. I have over 10 years NHS experience, working in different environments, including as an emergency call handler. This has resulted in experience of dealing with a variety of different and sometimes challenging situations.

I have a particular interest in the mental health of emergency service personnel, long term health conditions and ASD/Neurodiversity. I am also a digital champion and shortly due to complete my mental health first aid training.

Cathy Byrne

Clinical Service Manager

Something about me:

I look after my own wellbeing by taking long walks with my rescue dog, spending time by the sea and being with family and friends.

Experience and special interests:

I started my first job in mental health as a support worker 22 years ago after studying psychology and went on to qualify as a Mental Health Nurse 14 years ago. Since then I have worked across many different services including acute inpatient, community teams and with older people. Staff wellbeing has always been a priority for me in my previous roles, so I welcomed the opportunity to work within a team that specifically supports employees in the Health and Social care sector.

Charlotte Warburton

Principal Counselling Psychologist

Something about me:

I have been working as a Psychologist in the NHS for around 10 years, my wellbeing go-tos are long dog walks in the Southdowns, messy play with the kids, chats with friends, outdoor yoga, and paddle boarding in the Solent.

Experience and special interests:

I have a special interest in acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion focused therapy, and find supervising and supporting practitioners in training to grow as therapists particularly rewarding.

Emmanuel Blankson

Wellbeing Practitioner

Something about me:

I look after my wellbeing through using my self-built summer house as a workshop where I enjoy doing mini projects, woodwork and upcycling of various furniture.

Experience and special interests:

Initially qualified as an industrial designer and later became interested in mental health and became a nurse. I really enjoy talking to people and sharing my knowledge and receiving their wisdom too.

Jas Sadool

Wellbeing Practitioner

Something about me:

I am a mental health nurse with 18 years experience working in a range of mental health services such as Forensic mental health, substance misuse, acute, older people mental health and community mental health.

For my wellbeing I make sure I do one activity I enjoy every day, even if it is something very small like having a cup of tea in the garden. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and watching a nice movie/series, I particularly enjoy Korean series.

Experience and special interests:

I am passionate about promoting mental wellbeing. I believe good communication skills, being warm and engaging are crucial components of a mental health practitioner. Hence, I try to make sure people feel listened to and understood when they reach out for support.

Joanna Body

RMN / Wellbeing Practitioner

Something about me:

I have worked in mental health services now for over 30 years and worn multiple hats in multiple services. I did my nurse training in my 40's proving to myself that its never to late to go back to school!

I became a member of my local athletics club when my children joined about 15 years ago, and have been running and racing competitively since then. A couple of years ago I switched from long distance to sprinting and now as a Vet50 compete in the 100m and 200mts events.

I love cooking growing my own vegetables and seeing live music.

Experience and special interests:

I have worked within acute psychosis services, community rehab and older people's dementia care. Team working and being open, honest and approachable is at the centre of my work ethic.

Kat Allen

Clinical Lead

Something about me:

Before moving to Staff in Mind I used to work in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. I had a special interest in staff wellbeing and was part of a group that looked at workforce stress and how it impacted on staff. I have really enjoyed moving to this team so that I can focus on this area. In terms of my own wellbeing, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I find that running and going out for walks helps me look after my own mental health.

Experience and special interests:

I have worked in the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist since 2005. I have experience working with young people and adults with a range of mental health and Neuro-developmental presentations. I am the champion for ASD and ADHD within the Staff in Mind team.

Lottie Keynes

Wellbeing Practitioner

Something about me:

I was lucky enough to be awarded the 'Above & Beyond' award for my work in my previous job - my photo is on a Brighton bus as one of the winners!

Experience and special interests:

My background is in community and crisis mental health care. I am passionate about addressing the systemic social inequality that fuels mental ill-health. My special interests include LGBTQAI+ mental wellbeing and therapeutic horticulture.

Mandy Patterson

Team Administrator

Something about me:

I have been living with mental health challenges since a young age and I have developed an environment for a healthy balanced life. I enjoy running, art and crafts and anything Doctor Who (Matt Smith is my Hero). I live with a very wonderful partner and our little dog who can warm your heart and bring a smile to anyone's face.

Experience and special interests:

I have worked for the NHS for 5 years starting in a GP's surgery as a receptionist and developed my skills to become an Administrator. I have a passion for giving anyone who needs to be heard a chance to be heard and this led me to an interest in Mental Health along with my lived experience I hope to develop my skills more in the future to help others in their time of need.

Megan Darbyshire

Senior Assistant Psychologist

Something about me:

I have worked in the NHS since I finished my psychology degree in 2020. I love working with people and I am following the path to Clinical Psychology. I enjoy looking after my plants, and spending time with friends. I also like to do yoga and cook for people to manage my wellbeing.

Experience and special interests:

I have worked in an inpatient service as a Healthcare Assistant, and Community Mental Health teams as an Assistant Psychologist. I am interested in trauma-informed approaches and supporting teams and individuals with their wellbeing.

Phil Bishop

Principal Clinical Psychologist

Something about me:

I moved to Sussex Staff in Mind relatively recently, having worked for a number of years in a Community Mental Health Team. During this work I witnessed the impact that this type of job role can have on our staff and was keen to focus more of my time on supporting my colleagues.

In terms of looking after my own wellbeing, I try to ensure I engage in as much self-care as possible. What I've found works best for me is ensuring I stay active and I love cycling and badminton, but I'm also quite an introvert so really value small amounts of time by myself.

Experience and special interests:

I have a background in working with people with eating disorders but for the past four years I've worked with people with severe and complex mental health needs, primarily those with complex PTSD and emotional regulation difficulties.

Rachel Hill

Wellbeing Practitioner

Experience and special interests:

I have worked in mental health services in the NHS for 22 years, working across a range of services.

Sara Stacey

Team Lead

Something about me:

In my down time I appreciate long walks, spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking and travelling; in particular, for the last 5 years I have enjoyed learning the new skill of skiing. I also enjoy listening to music, going to concerts and watching theatre shows.

Experience and special interests:

I qualified from King's College (London) as a Mental Health Nurse in 2014. Since then I have been employed by SPFT in a variety of roles including staff nurse on a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and lead practitioner in Secondary Care. I have spent the last 7 years working within Primary Care, supporting people with common mental health difficulties such as low mood or stress. My current role is the Team Lead for the Sussex Staff in Mind hub.

My special interests are in supporting NHS & Social Care Staff and Veterans/members of the Military. I am also qualified as a Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) which involves providing registered nurses with Restorative Supervision to aid in improving their emotional wellbeing at work.

Stacey Brewis

Wellbeing Practitioner

Something about me:

I am a big fan of mindfulness as it is very grounding and helps me to focus my thoughts. I enjoy creative activities like making jewellery and painting, and I own two delightfully goofy cats that keep me entertained.

Experience and special interests:

I am a registered mental health nurse by background. I have experience of working with people presenting with a wide range of mental health issues in inpatient, community and forensic environments. I am also a Trust Armed Forces Champion.

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