Talya is the Services Manager for the Adult Active Monitoring, Children and Young People Active Monitoring, and Triage Service teams that are working in partnership with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. She joined us in 2019 and has played a significant role in expanding these services to multiple Primary Care Networks across Dorset.

Sam is an Associate Partner with IBM Consulting (ChMC), where he specialises in supporting clients in Financial Services with Digital Transformation. His expertise spans Operational Resilience/Risk, Cloud Adoption and the use of Generative AI, to address a range of customer and back-office challenges. He is an advocate for mental health/wellbeing in the workplace and outside of a professional setting, is passionate about improving access to mental health services for those in need and helping to remove the stigma around openly talking about mental health issues. Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his family and friends between the south coast and the North of England, where he continues to be a season ticket holder for his home football team, BWFC.

Karen Butcher is delighted to be a Trustee.  She is married to Tim, have two grown up kids, and a fluffy dog called Lola.  Karen has worked in charities for many years – including four years as Finance Coordinator for Dorset Mind! An avid reader, obsessive crocheter, and love travelling when time (and money) permits.  She have a neurological condition that limits her mobility, but doesn't let that stop her doing what she wants!  She is chuffed to remain part of the Dorset Mind family as a Trustee, and looks forward to helping out wherever she can.

Jonny is an experienced marketing leader specialising in enabling companies to accelerate their growth. With a successful track record of helping technology companies establish and expand their global footprint, he has made significant contributions to industries as diverse as aviation, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and real estate. Outside of work, Jonny enjoys exploring the Jurassic Coast and spending time out on the water, reflecting his passion for adventure and the outdoors.

Ben Lawes ACCA is a certified chartered accountant at PKF Francis Clark in Poole. His role as an Audit Supervisor has given him experience in auditing and preparing accounts for companies and charities from a wide range of sectors on the south coast. He grew up in Dorset and is proud to be the Treasurer for one of the most important charities for the people of the County he loves so much. Outside of work and his role at Dorset Mind, Ben enjoys making the most of the Dorset countryside by doing triathlons and hiking.

Since joining Dorset Mind Calvin has organised several fundraising events and campaigns, as well as attending many events on Dorset Mind's behalf. He has represented Dorset Mind as an advocate public speaking face-to-face and online to various audiences included various TV, Radio and Press interviews. He was also initially involved in supporting the leadership in the design and development of DMYH (the former Young People's Project) and has also represented Dorset Mind at meetings with funders, including attending the meeting with the National Lottery and joined us as a trustee in 2023, as the youngest member.

Dr Ros Maycock is a retired GP that previously working in Parkstone, Poole. The practice had had only lady GP’s when she joined in 1983 which was very unusual. Ros also worked for the Poole Commisioning Group (the initial management organisation including GP’s), then the Primary Care Trust as the lead GP in Bournemouth and Poole.

Laurence is a Consultant Psychiatrist working in Poole. He specialises in adult mental health. He has a particular interest in psychological treatments for common mental health disorders and has carried out research in this area.

Charles is Global Head of Wellbeing and Employee Experience at international law firm Clifford Chance. He was previously Head of Wellbeing Solutions at Aon. Charles is an experienced wellbeing leader with a passion for making a difference to people’s experience in the world of work. Drawing on his own lived experience of mental health issues, he is a positive advocate for the role the workplace and broader society can play to protect and enhance employee mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Andrew Mayers is Principal Academic at Bournemouth University, where he specialises in mental health. He is particularly known for his campaigning work for perinatal mental health (such as postnatal depression). He features in local, national and international media about improving mental health for mother and fathers. He sits on several national advisory boards for perinatal mental health, notably for NHS England.  

Megan Whitehead is an ambassador at Dorset Mind. I wanted to do my bit to help others and when this opportunity came up, I knew it was right for me!

My name is Craig Eldridge, I moved to Dorset in 2014. Between the years of 20017 and 2010 I had an eating disorder. I was scared that food would make me ill, so I tried to avoid it anyway I could. Over the years I had highs and lows of getting over it. Today I’m in a really good place, I have my mental health under control. I know what triggers me, what I can do to prevent these triggers, but also ways to deal with them if they ever happen. Its been a long and tough journey, but I’m glad I stuck with it every day.

My name is Ellie Rainbird and I am an Ambassador at Dorset Mind. I’ve always wanted to help people in some way. Through developing an interest in mental wellbeing and how it impacts our lives and my own lived experience, this was the path I wanted to explore further. I found Dorset Mind when researching local volunteering opportunities and saw the amazing work they do and services they offer, and I wanted to get involved.

I wanted to raise awareness about the importance of good mental health and decided to challenge myself and run every day for a year. I was searching for a charity to partner with, and a friend told me about Dorset Mind.  I was instantly sold once I’d read about all the incredible work they’re doing in our community.

Former social media and marketing assistant Lucy enjoys writing articles on a range of different mental health and wellbeing topics for Dorset Mind.

Hey, my name is Ty. I’m 32 years old and local to Bournemouth. I’m in the leisure and hospitality sector where I own and operate bars, clubs and restaurants and also organise large events alongside an amazing team that have been with me from the beginning.

Hi, my name is Chandy. I am 25 and live in Bournemouth. I’m a social work graduate turned consultant and content creator. I run an online blog and podcast which looks at the wellbeing and the lived experiences of people around the world. 

I have been lucky enough to be a part of the fantastic team at Dorset Mind as an ambassador for 4 years. Initially I was Bournemouth Rugby Club’s mental health support, and a wellbeing advocate within rugby and men’s mental health.