Heather Butcher started as a practitioner and worked her way up to Service Manager of Sanctuary. Heather now manages our partnership led Crisis Support service Safe Spaces across Bradford District and Craven. 

Hisham has a Masters degree in International Development Management from Bradford University and has worked in the NGO sector for over 13 years. He chose this field of study as he finds helping people extremely rewarding and wants to use his experience to support our community in the best way possible.  Hisham says ”As a man working in the field of mental health, I’ve discovered a deeply rewarding journey of compassion and growth. My presence has provided a diverse perspective, breaking through stereotypes and fostering connections with clients.”

Suzanne has been at Mind in Bradford since 2019 as a Recovery Worker for the Sanctuary. Prior to that she worked for a relationship charity for 12 years and has a background in product management. She is currently studying a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and she wants to help people overcome struggles so they can live the best life they can. Suzanne is passionate about offering the best service possible to clients so that no one has to struggle on their own. She believes that: ‘We all have a unique story, people can go through very dark times. I endeavour to show them some light and bring a bit of hope into their story.’

Masira has a background in Psychology and Counselling and has previously worked in community engagement and development. Masira is passionate about ensuring the voices of diverse communities are heard and people are always at the heart of what we do. She enjoys thinking of new ways to engage with people and actively reduce stigma attached to mental health. She is excited to be a part of the team to help drive the message of how mental health is just as important as physical health. Masira is also the Chair of the popular Women’s Health Network and enjoys writing, reading and exploring new places.

Izzy has a Masters in Philosophy & Psychology and is passionate about improving the lives of those living with a mental illness. Izzy believes in the importance of holistic approaches to mental health care, taking into consideration the physical and social factors when developing services. She strongly upholds that everyone should have access to care and support, and has joined the team to help improve the physical interventions available to those with a severe mental illness. Aside from her Psychology background, Izzy is also a qualified Horticulturist and Florist, and enjoys horse riding, walking and cooking in her spare time.

Mehnaz has been working in the voluntary sector for more than 15 years designing and implementing projects that offer support for children and adults. Her journey at Mind in Bradford began during the pandemic when Mehnaz decided to volunteer to help support people with their mental health particularly with anxiety and bereavement. She went on to become a Relief Worker on the Enhanced Access service and from there a contracted Enhanced Access worker. Since October 2022 Mehnaz is now the Service Coordinator for Enhanced Access, Wishh and SMI-LE. Mehnaz say’s “My journey has been very rewarding, no two days are the same which is what I love the most about my role.”

Sufia has a background in Psychology and Sociology (BSc Hons). She has worked in both General and Mental Health Hospitals previously and has a passion for supporting people and improving their mental wellbeing. She currently works as a Wellbeing Practitioner for Enhanced Access and Hospital Buddies. She hopes to continue supporting people of all ages and backgrounds.

With a background in homeless prevention work and refugee resettlement, Laura is looking forward to taking on a new role at Mind in Bradford. Laura is passionate about equality and social justice and enjoys supporting people to overcome barriers and reach their goals. Once a student in Yorkshire, Laura moved back up north in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since – she loves the countryside, pubs and people here. Outside of work, Laura enjoys cooking, live music, reading, board games and losing pub quizzes!

Phil’s background has been primarily in the Substance Misuse sector and he has worked in the community, delivering 1:1 interventions in primary care settings and also managed a recovery centre. He also worked in HMP Leeds as a Throughcare and Aftercare Worker. Phil has a degree in Counselling and Psychology and strongly believes that we should try to understand people’s life story before judging them, saying: “I enjoy making a positive difference to the services I manage and seeing how we make a positive difference to the lives of the clients that need support.”

Donna joined the team in March 2019 following a career of seven years in fundraising and community activities at the Yorkshire Building Society. She has a qualification in running fundraising events and Level 2 Health & Safety. As Service Manager, she is responsible for the recruitment, training and well-being of volunteers for Mind in Bradford, overseeing Community Companions, Tea n Talks and managing Stepping Stones.

Natalie Joined us in June 2023 after working in the mental health and wellbeing sector for seven years. She graduated in December 2022 from Preston University with an IAPT practitioners’ degree. Natalie loves helping people and has a passion for supporting people diagnosed with a Severe Mental Illness. Outside of work Natalie loves to travel and make memories with her family. 

Reshma joined us in October 2022 after previously volunteering as a befriender during lockdown. She is very passionate about supporting others with their wellbeing and exploring holistic ways of doing this. Reshma is currently in training to become a Mindfulness Teacher within the LGBTQI+ community with Rainbow Mind (Mind in Salford). In her spare time, she enjoys the arts, reading good books and going for long walks in nature.

Mike is passionate about supporting vulnerable people in the community, having supported many charities previously including Age UK and Mind’s Befriending Service. Mike also enjoys volunteering for Shipley Glen Tramway in Shipley and most years bears a strange resemblance to their Santa.

Lindsay became Service Coordinator for Wellbeing, Hearing Voices and Guide-Line after developing a real passion for helping people during her time working across the Wellbeing and Children & Young People’s services at Mind in Bradford. With a degree in Social Policy from the University of York, she has always had a keen interest in social inequalities and social care. She has a natural empathy with people and is really dedicated to understanding and supporting people with their mental health. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys reading and walking in the countryside.

Kathryn has previously worked with young people and families with disabilities and autism. She also has a background in youth work and has run community groups in Manchester. She currently facilitates Walk and Talk, a recovery support group and will be running the Women’s Wellness group from May. Kathryn runs a community cafe in Manchester 2 days a week and enjoys cycling, swimming and camping. 

Shabnam joined Mind in Bradford with an aim to empower and support people into taking charge of their wellbeing. Shabnam has a background in supporting young people and families with their mental health within the Bradford community. She is currently working as a Wellbeing Practitioner delivering sessions on confidence and self-esteem.

Duncan has previously volunteered at other local charities, running mental health groups for their clients and has a background in youth work. He is a keen advocate of peer support, is a qualified Qi Gong teacher and facilitates the Walk and Talk group on Mondays. In his spare time, he manages his own allotment, grows his own vegetables and also runs a Qi Gong group in the community. Duncan say’s “The best thing about my job is making a difference and helping people to improve their day and lives”.

Suzy is a fully-trained journalist and worked as health reporter on the Bradford Telegraph & Argus before moving to corporate and charity communications. She is driven by the need to raise awareness of available help and support and enjoys creating opportunities for people to make their voice heard.

Healthy Minds website

Nina joined Mind in Bradford after studying Media and Communications at University of Leeds. Nina manages the communications for the Healthy Minds website and digital platforms. From lived experience to her work with the Attune and CREATE project, she is passionate about using her digital and creative skills to positively impact people’s mental health.

Healthy Minds website