What is MindSpace?
MindSpace Stamford is a local charity committed to improving the wellbeing of the people who live, work and learn in Stamford and the surrounding areas, helping people to flourish. We encourage conversations around positive wellbeing in our homes, businesses, and schools and offer a range of activities based on the 5 ways to wellbeing, that anyone can access (for free!) to encourage positive mental health and wellbeing.
Our story
Faced with the lack of local services to support mental health, Dr. Dan Petrie founded the Stamford Mental Health Forum in 2015, bringing together members of the community to discuss what services were required locally, and how to overcome the stigma of mental illness. This led to the creation of a drop-in café: a ‘safe space’ where anyone could come along to talk or listen in a non-judgemental atmosphere. This approach developed into what we now know as MindSpace Stamford.
The number of services offered may have grown considerably and we now have our own premises, but the aim of MindSpace remains the same –increase the knowledge and understanding of mental health in the community, by providing ways to prevent ill health through better conversations.
Our activities now run every weekday, and our fundraising efforts mean that these continue to be offered free of charge to all of our members (members being the term we use for those who attend our events – there is no ‘formal’ membership!).
We also invest in local initiatives and work with businesses and schools to educate people and equip the whole community so that they can support loved ones, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, to reduce the burden of loneliness and mental ill-health.
For further information about what we aim to achieve and how we work, please take a look at our vision and mission.
Board of trustees and team
Our board of trustees brings together various local professionals with a range of skills and includes a former headteacher, an accountant, a journalist, a GP and a former nurse. All trustees work for MindSpace on a voluntary basis.
Together the group has developed both an aspirational strategic plan and a detailed operational plan to guide us in working towards achieving our vision.
We also wouldn’t be who we are without our wonderful team of volunteers and our members – you can read comments from our members at the bottom of this page and click here for some from our volunteers.
Improving the mental
wellbeing of the people
of Stamford through a
community approach
Beka Avery
Chair of Trustees
I am a textbook extrovert who gains energy and joy from people. I grew up in Essex but chose Stamford as my hometown. Being a trustee of MindSpace helps me to support my community and be informed and resilient enough to support friends, neighbours and relatives in maintaining positive mental health. I have worked across the NHS, the Police and now at The University of Leicester delivering collaborative outreach and engagement projects. My current project supports young people in overcoming barriers to higher education in areas where GCSE results are good, but fewer students continue their education post-18. I have to work hard at maintaining positive mental wellbeing but I find wild swimming and being outdoors really help, as does cooking for friends.
Dr Dan Petrie
Founder, Vice Chair and Trustee
I am a GP in Stamford where I live with my family and where my children go to school. As someone who often comes into contact with people who have mental health problems, I launched MindSpace Stamford to reduce the stigma associated with such difficulties and give local people the help and support they need to improve their mental wellbeing. I am proud of the range of activities we offer, whether they be physical or mindful or just the chance for people to share their story with others. I believe this will help the mental wellbeing of our local community as a whole to flourish.
Helen Howe
Trustee
I am a retired French teacher, Senior Leader in schools, secondary school Head Teacher, school inspector and school improvement professional in both the primary and secondary sector. I have always been very aware of the importance of emotional health and wellbeing and how all of us can be susceptible to mental health challenges. Having moved to Stamford in 2005 I am passionate about our wonderful town! It is an amazing place to live. I always vowed to make a social contribution in my retirement (in between grandparent duties!). Through MindSpace Stamford we have an opportunity to do something unique. We hope that you can support us in whatever way possible.
Mary Dowglass
Trustee
I am a recently retired nurse and senior health services manager with a 50-year career spent in the NHS, a national UK charity and developing countries in Central Asia and Africa. An NHS Board position in a local Mental Health Trust switched me on to the gaps in services and the potential for the third sector to make a relevant contribution to communities by working alongside the bigger more formal organisations of the NHS. MindSpace Stamford offers the people of Stamford something which could change our whole approach to mental wellbeing. As a trustee for 4 years now I am loving utilising my career experience towards achieving that goal.
Adam O'Hara
Trustee - Finance
Stamford has been home for nearly 20 years where I also work as accountant and am the owner of a local accountancy firm. Outside of work I love all sports, the outdoors (ideally when its warmer) and spending time with friends and family. I am very excited to support the local community that is such a big part of my life. The opportunity to join MindSpace Stamford as finance trustee allows me to put my experience and professional skills to a better use – being part of something supporting the community with a cause I care about, and one which I think is very important to Stamford.
Sue Parslow
Trustee - Marketing and Communications
I am delighted to join the board of trustees for MindSpace Stamford. Having been aware of the excellent work of Dan and his team for many years, I am looking forward to contributing towards helping to spread the word about MindSpace and what it has to offer the people of Stamford.
I have lived in my present home in Stamford for about ten years, happily returning here after a period of living near Peterborough. Having worked in the centre of town too, I feel I know it well.
My background is in journalism and for two decades lived the dream of editing the magazine that I launched. Now I work as a freelance, juggling numerous roles. I still work in magazine publishing and most recently branched out into copywriting and PR work.
I fully understand the importance of an organisation which promotes the various routes to mental wellness, not least because my Mum had bipolar disorder. Thank goodness we can now all openly talk about depression, anxiety and mental illness – and there are people within the community who will listen and can help.
Stefan Rakowski
Trustee - Information Systems
I am an Information Systems professional and business management consultant, experienced in supporting organisations to improve efficiency and effectiveness. A Stamford resident since 2017, I look forward to contributing IS support to the valuable service which MindSpace provides to the local community. My interests include lifelong learning, country walks, photography, and spending time with friends and family.
Alison Toomey
Trustee - Fundraising
Having spent the last 30 years living in Stamford, I am delighted to have the opportunity to help to build our community into one that lives well and supports each other to help improve mental wellbeing. Having worked in the Charity sector for the best part of my career, from grass roots fundraising through to Stategic Leadership, I am very passionate about the contribution the third sector can make to improve people's lives. I am really excited about the opportunities MindSpace can bring to Stamford and about being part of this amazing team.
Zoe McKeague
Trustee - Operations
I was previously an operations director of a legal company and partner of a Top 75 law firm. I am now a non-practising solicitor and company director of a firm I set up in April 2010, which provides legal services to other firms of solicitors. Having suffered a major depressive episode 10 years ago and then being diagnosed with Bi-Polar, with limited access to health care services, I am consciously aware of the needs of those suffering with mental health illnesses. MindSpace Stamford gives me both the opportunity to apply my professional experience and my personal experience of mental illness. Outside of work and MindSpace Stamford, I love spending time at home with my young son and husband, I also enjoy running, which helps my mental illness and cooking.
