Meet the Team

I am Jacqui Reeves, Services Manager here at Washington Mind; I’ve worked in mental health since the early 80’s, starting out nursing with Gateshead Health Authority and then retraining as a Counsellor. Thirty something years later I feel privileged to be a part of Washington Mind’s history of providing much needed services for our local community.

The 80’s was also the time we started our family and we are now proud parents of two lovely daughters and even prouder grandparents to our gorgeous Grandson. Any spare time I get I love to spend with them and the rest of my family and friends …throw in the odd holiday preferably with sunshine and…happy days.

My name is Kathy (Kathleen really but don’t like it). I began my career at Washington Mind in 1999 as a volunteer and have been here ever since….

I am an Independent Mental Health Advocate, that means I support people to speak up for themselves and I also develop and deliver training with a focus upon mental wellbeing, awareness and recovery.

I was young once and was enthusiastically involved in the Punk scene of 1977. Yeah….I know…..such a long, long time ago. I still enjoy a good pogo though….. then a bit of a lie down….!!!!

I have been involved with Washington Mind for more than 10 years now, starting as a volunteer while undertaking counsellor training up to the present time as counsellor. I had a long career in nursing and the health service before developing an interest in mental health both through personal experience and that of supporting staff and colleagues at times of stress and emotional difficulties.

My work as counsellor is very rewarding and I feel privileged to be part of a team committed to making a difference to the mental health and emotional well-being of local people.

Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Foundation Degree in Counselling</li>
</ul>
On the BACP Professional Register.

My name is Michelle Varty. I have worked as a counsellor for Washington Mind since August 2010. I have to admit I am one of those people who love their job (once I drag myself out of bed).  I love the variety of being in different venues each day and working with some amazing people.

In my spare time if I am not babysitting my grand kids.  I love reading and watching films. My favourite has to be Lord of the Rings.  I have recently started rambling which I enjoy as I love the outdoors when it’s warm and not raining.

Qualifications:

• Diploma In Counselling

On the BACP Professional Register.

I am a Young People's Project counsellor at Washington Mind and work specifically with 11-18 years olds who are experiencing concerns about their emotional wellbeing. The services I offer include brief one-to-one counselling and group therapy.

I love music and my favourite band of all time is Bon Jovi!

Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>BA (Honors) Counselling</li>
</ul>

My name is Jane Gash and I have been a volunteer with Mind for over two years, I started as a volunteer with the drop in centre to facilitate the Reel Therapy session on Tuesday afternoon. This was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the service users ( not to mention the fact that I got to watch some really good films). As I embarked on my Foundation Degree in Counselling I was able to see clients and gain experience at my own pace taking on clients that would ease me gently into the world of mental health. I have attended some really good courses and one in particular was the Mental Health First Aid Course, I adapted this course and delivered it to my colleagues at Northern Rock, this was a real eye opener for them and took away some of the stigma surrounding mental health. I have passed my Foundation Degree now and i am happy to say that MIND still want me to stay on as a volunteer counsellor, I receive excellent support from my supervisor and I find the experience of working in such a caring and busy office a real privilege.

My favourite musical is ‘West Side Story’ and my favourite bands are Coldplay and Pink Floyd!

Qualifications:

• Foundation Degree in counselling
• Foundation Qualification in Group Therapy

On BACP Professional Register

My name is Wendy Colling and I have been involved with the work of Washington Mind a number of years now. I started my journey here as a Service User and went on to volunteer for a year, offering support in the drop-in sessions. I have now been employed by Washington Mind since 2009. My role here has evolved over the years and I am now a Community Engagement Worker – this involves working directly with Service Users, identifying, encouraging and supporting them to engage with their local community and activities which take place within those communities, as well as organising and facilitating new groups and courses at The Life House

When I’m not at work I am run raggered with my three grown up children, grandchildren and family dogs.

Hi I’m Angela Wilson, and since May 2014 I’ve been Lead Counsellor for 13TwentyFive.  Previously I have worked for the Young People’s Counselling Service, and Community CAMHS.  I have 3 children, 2 of whom are now grown up.

I love black and white movies, particularly those with Humphrey Bogart in, and I’m just a little bit obsessed by Nick Cave but still have enough insight to recognise this !

Qualifications:

• Foundation Degree in Counselling
• BA Hons Counselling

On BACP Professional Register.

I have worked with Washington Mind as a counsellor since February 2012 and work in various GP surgeries throughout the community.

The team at Washington Mind are professional, well trained and friendly and it is a real privilege to work in such a supportive and welcoming environment.

I am a keen walker and try to factor in at least one decent walk per week (weather permitting!!).  I find it's a great way to blow off the cobwebs and allows me to tick off at least 2 of the ‘5 a day for Health and Happiness; Take Notice and Be Active.

I also enjoy a good film, listening to music, reading and eating out.

Qualifications:

• Foundation Degree in Counselling
• BA Hons Counselling
• BACP Accredited (MBACP Accred.)

On BACP Professional Register

Hi I’m Pam. I’ve been working as a sessional trainer with Washington Mind since 2012 but have worked in a variety of different roles in mental health since 1995.  I deliver a range of mental health courses to volunteers, carers and professionals with the aim of increasing people’s knowledge, attitudes, skills and confidence to support others.  I also deliver community courses at the Life House on topics such as stress management and assertiveness. I love the fact that every group or course I am part of is very different to the next due to the unique qualities that each participant brings. It is also very rewarding to be part of something that can have such a positive impact on people’s lives or on the support they get from others.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching films and going to the gym. I also like to walk along our beautiful coast (with a hot chocolate and piece of cake at the end!)

I started as a volunteer counsellor with Washington Mind in summer 2014. When I first joined the team I remember being warmly welcomed by caring and supportive colleagues and continue to feel part of a fantastic team.

In the past 30 years I have volunteered and worked with many organisations in the North East involved in providing mental health services and support and as a counsellor in a GP practice in Sunderland.

I qualified as a counsellor in 2009 and in 2011 I graduated from Sunderland University with an honours degree in Counselling. I also qualified as a Counselling Supervisor in 2017. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and volunteer as coordinator for the North Shields BACP Private Practice regional meetings.

Socialising with friends and family is very important to me as is my love of reading, music (absolutely anything), creative writing and art. However, if there is only one thing you need to know about me it is that the most important date on my calendar is the Eurovision Song Contest Final!

Qualifications:

-  Counselling Fda
- Counselling BA. Hons.
- Certificate in Counselling Supervision

On BACP professional register

“Hi! My name is Leigh-Ashley Scott and I have originally joined Washington Mind as the Reception Apprentice but now I am Communication Support and my main job is working on our websites including this one and wellbeinginfo.org and our social media accounts. I used to work on the front desk a lot, I'm not there as much now but I'm still out and about within the building a lot and taking calls so no doubt you'll see or hear from me soon enough.

In my spare time I enjoy baking sweet treats and reading!”

I’m Anne-Marie and I’ve been a Counsellor here at Washington Mind since 2012, firstly as a volunteer Counsellor, I work as part of our adult counselling team supporting adults to improve their emotional health and wellbeing.

I enjoy spending time with my family, getting outdoors and more recently with my pet Labrador who is very energetic and who also likes to eat my shoes.

Qualifications:
BA Hons in Counselling
MBACP (Accred)

Hi, I’m Katherine and I have recently joined the team here at Washington Mind as a Young People’s Counsellor.

My background is in Counselling and Counselling Psychology. My journey so far has taught me that in life we are faced with all kinds of issues, and if people are able to reach out, they may be able to overcome their difficulties. I appreciate how important therapy can be, and I find it a privilege to work with my clients.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, reading, and eating out. I also enjoy going on holiday and walking holidays in the Lakes.

Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and CBT</li>
</ul>
BACP Accredited

Hi! My name is Adrienne Mason and I joined the Washington mind team in February 2017 as business admin support.
I am very excited to evolve my career here and get involved in as many projects and activities as I can.
Outside of work I enjoy nothing better than family time with my husband and two sons who are 4 years old and 7 months.
I also love meeting up with my girlfriends and having fun.

Hi, my name is Jemma and I am the Business Support Manager here at Washington Mind. I joined the team in June 2017.

I have worked in the charity sector for over 11 years, but working in mental health is new to me, so I am really looking forward to the challenge. And learning new things.

When I am not at work I like to go to the gym and go walking, I use it as an excuse to meet up with friends whilst staying fit and healthy. I also like to watch Sunderland play football.

Hi! My name is Margy Heskett and I joined the Washington Mind team in October 2016 Business Admin Support.
I love working front of desk where I can be the first point of contact for clients and users of the building.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my children, grandchildren, my 2 shih Tzu dogs.
I also enjoy holidays and relaxing in the sun

My name is John and I’m a counsellor on the Young Peoples Project. Before working with Washington Mind I worked as a counsellor at Sunderland College.

Away from work, I fight a constant losing battle to find time for the things which I enjoy such as spending time with my family, reading and playing guitar (badly).