EQ cafe: Connecting with heart

I have been described as a visionary leader dedicated to improving mental health and well-being through innovative and collaborative approaches. My academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences, further enriched by a Post Graduate Certificate in Social Enterprise. 

Professionally, my roots are in mental health nursing, a field I entered in 1983. My commitment to continuous professional development includes completion of numerous leadership and training programs, including the Community of Practice leadership programme, a Diploma in Training and Development, and the ‘’A Place to Be’’ Leadership programme.

My expertise extends to network leadership, community engagement, and co-design and production. I also practiced as a certified MHFA and SMHFA Instructor and an ASIST Trainer, demonstrating my dedication to suicide prevention and mental health first aid, my work and the work of COPE Scotland contributed to Glasgow being awarded Living Works Suicide Safer Community recognition.

I am a proud and very active member of Q, I convene special interest groups on staff wellbeing and network weaving for collaboration and improvement. I have also led many Communities of Practice as well as regularly contributing to the Liberating Structures Users Group.

I am recognized as a community champion in suicide prevention and self-management, also a selfcare Champion. 

I was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) and an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours List for services to mental health as well as an award for Social Enterprise. I was also one of the nurses featured in the RCN series Nursing at the Edge. The piece was entitled ​‘Rebel with a Cause’ 

Under my leadership which takes the form of servant leader, COPE Scotland, established in 1991, has become a catalyst for building capacity within individuals, communities, and organizations, driven by the mission of sharing ideas rather than building empires. 

COPE Scotland has been featured in several case studies including with Evaluation Support Scotland and IRISS

On a personal note, I am a value-driven individual whose moral compass centres on caring for others and creating safe spaces that enable people to reach their full potential. My focus is analytical and rational and my decisions are based on weighing risks, however, my drive is seeing the bigger picture and proactively working with others to move forwards towards a vision of a kinder, healthier, fairer world where people and the planet suffer less.

To unwind, I enjoy gardening, watching old movies and TV series, spending time in nature, visiting places of interest with my husband and spending time with our cats. An avid reader, I also aspires to publish my own book one day. I also enjoy going out for dinner and having a good chat about life the universe and everything!