The Recovery In-Sight Centre … the team
The team is led by Dr Heather Straughan, who is an academically-trained researcher and who has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She is equally trained in business studies and an experienced project manager. She founded The Recovery In-Sight Centre, and was a founding trustee of the Hertfordshire service user charity.
Dr Jan Wallcraft is an academically-trained researcher with lived experience of mental health issues. Her work in practice and service development and in research is evident during her years as Experts by Experience Fellow for the National Institute for Mental Health in England. Both Heather and Jan are research fellows at the University of Hertfordshire’s Centre for Mental Health Recovery.
Dr Angela Sweeney is an academically-trained researcher and trainer with lived experience of mental health issues. She is lead editor of the book This is Survivor Research.
Mary Nettle is a mental health user consultant with extensive experience in research and in leading user advisory roles on numerous projects in the UK, and Chair of the European Network of (ex) Users and Survivors.
Rosie Davies is a researcher and trainer, having worked on the User-Focused Monitoring and Strategies for Living projects. She also studied gestalt psychotherapy and counselling.
Dr David Armes is a researcher with a special interest in knowledge construction. He wrote a chapter in the book This is Survivor Research.
Phil Ruthen is a researcher and writer, with a Masters in Research in Law.
Gwyneth Marmaras is a business manager, trained in accounting. Gwyn is a founding member and Treasurer/Vice-Chair of the West Herts Recovery In-Sight group and Finance Officer for The Recovery In-Sight Centre.
Laurie Davidson is a trainer and consultant, with over 30 years experience in practice and service development.
Linda Stoneman is experienced in health services and is editor of the Recovery In-Sight newsletter and experienced in Communications.
Laura Francis is experienced in caring for people with disabilities, a group Facilitator and an In-Sight trainer.
Ruth Redd is experienced in business management, a group Facilitator and an experienced In-Sight trainer. Ruth is Human Resources Lead for The Recovery In-Sight Centre.
Benit Maru is completing his PhD in Medicine and is Marketing Lead for The Recovery In-Sight Centre. Benit is also an In-Sight Trainer.
Karen Thomas is an experienced In-Sight trainer, completing a course in psycho-therapy.
Andrew Fairhurst is part of the Marketing Team, and an experienced regional sales manager.
Roger Smith is an experienced In-Sight trainer, workshop organiser, researcher and author.
Volunteers and new Trainers - there are currently six people volunteering at The Recovery In-Sight Centre, with many others being welcomed all the time. Volunteers are engaged in marketing, communications and administration of the two self-help groups. There are a further five people who are in process of becoming In-Sight Trainers.
Advisory Roles:
Dr Glenn Roberts is the lead psychiatrist on recovery for the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a staunch supporter of genuine user involvement in his work with Recovery Devon, and a welcome Advisor to The Recovery In-Sight Centre.
Dr Mike Slade is a mental health nurse & clinical psychologist, leading recovery at the Institute of Psychiatry and a welcome Advisor to The Recovery In-Sight Centre.
Ruth Badger from The Apprentice, who runs her own business consultancy, is marketing and sales Advisor to The Recovery In-Sight Centre.
