Mental Health First Aiders

Our Mental Health First Aiders can be a first point of contact and reassurance if staff are experiencing any kind of mental health related issue. They can listen, provide comfort, and guide towards the right support.

Carolina Smith

I am now a radiology nurse on the radiology department and i am also a professional nurse advocate which both roles run hand in hand in supporting colleagues through difficult and challenging times throughout their life's.
I am very proud to be given the opportunity to be part of these roles, as well supporting colleagues in crisis till appropriate professional help arrives.
Being aware of mental health is a priority of mine as it given me the confidence to offer compassionate support, in a quiet confidential space , I have excellent listening skills , i am sympathetic in emphatic conversations which enables me to refer colleagues in the right direction in a well-structured, non-judgemental approach.
I can be contacted via email 24 hours a day , and I can be contacted in the nurse's room on extension 4395 if they want to remain anonymous , alternatively the nurse's office is situated in radiology next to CT.

Emily Lewis
Julia Thomas

My name is Julia.  I'm a neurodivergent woman with two adult daughters and a ginger cat.  I  began working in the NHS 6 weeks before the first Covid lockdown so it was a very steep learning curve!  I have worked for the NHS for over 5 years now, 4 of those at RJAH.    I was the Administrator for the Spinal Injuries therapy team for 3 years and for the past year I have been working as a Support Medical Secretary in Montgomery Unit.  I became a Mental Health First Aider because I am kind and empathetic and wanted to be better able to help and support my colleagues.  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching Formula 1 and RuPaul's Drag Race, doing puzzles, swimming and exercise classes.

Lauren Hutchinson

My name is Lauren Hutchinson and I am one of the Ward Manager's for MCSI. I am one of the Trust's trained Mental Health First Aiders and I am passionate about supporting colleagues with their wellbeing. My interest in mental health comes from personal experience and I understand how important it is to feel supported and not alone. I'm here if you need to talk to someone - no judgement, just a listening ear and help to find the right support for you. 

Olivia Evans

Hello, my name is Liv and I am a trained Mental Health First Aider here at RJAH. My passion for mental health support comes from my own journey after the birth of my daughter in 2012. I understand how overwhelming it can be to balance work life and parent life - and how quickly small stresses can build up.

I'm here to offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space for anyone who needs support in a crisis. You can expect me to listen, engage, and help you find the right next steps through signposting and guidance.

My core value is simple: be kind, always.

Outside of work, I recharge by going to the gym or sneaking in a relaxing spa visit - those are the moments my mind truly rests.

Ren Yates

Part of the LGBTQ+ community, atheist but open-minded. Loves the outdoors and take part in many different activities including hiking, camping and kayaking. I use being outdoors as a form of selfcare and time to reflect. I also enjoy reading, arts and crafts.  

Robert Bound

I work as part of the People Services team, focusing mainly on providing HR support and advice to the MSK unit. I’ve been with the Trust since September 2021. Outside of work I’m kept busy with my family and chores. We have a cat called Georgia. I love to travel, to meet new people and experience different cultures, to listen and learn. I have been to around 40 countries and worked in more than 10 in jobs as diverse as a holiday courier in France, a pantry chef in New York State and a factory operative packing aerosols in a factory in New Zealand. Favourite colour, blue. Favourite tv show, Race Across the World. Favourite food, dark chocolate. Favourite drink, a flat white coffee

Taliesin Larmour-Jones

Hi everyone! I’m Tali, some of you may know me and others may have seen me on the corridor or around the trust. I have worked here for four years in a mixture of admin roles, most notably the Access Trainer. I am a sports therapy graduate and am currently undertaking a masters in Psychology; the mind and humans are fascinating!

I hope to one day become a clinical psychologist, and work in the mental health sector. I am passionate about self-help, mental health and wellbeing and try to promote these aspects within my area at RJAH (the Access Team). So much so.. I decided to write a book on Happiness too!

I can be found in building 102, but work on a part-time basis currently as I undergo my masters degree. Available my email or teams when I am in (usually Mon & Tues) and happy to have informal chats, provide advice or be an ear to listen to if anyone feels they need this.

Teri Jones

This is hard to put together without sounding like some sort of dating profile!! Jokes aside though, I'm always around to listen, support, and help anyone in need if struggling. I'm an advocate for self-care when it's needed! For me, whether that be going for a walk (especially with the dog), reading or listening to music; finding a way to distract and recharge is a massive help towards helping your mental health!

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