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 The Recovery In-Sight Social Enterprise (RISE), 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. Jan is Senior Researcher at The Recovery In-Sight Centre.

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 of the West Herts Recovery In-Sight group and Treasurer for The Recovery In-Sight Social Enterprise.

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 in Communications.

Laura Francis is experienced in caring for people with disabilities, a Group Facilitator and an experienced In-Sight trainer. Laura is a Management Team Member for the Social Enterprise.

Roger Smith is an experienced In-Sight trainer, workshop organiser, researcher and author.

Sarah Pillay is trained and experienced in business, and after a year as Sales & Marketing Assistant and Event Organiser, is now HR Lead and Course Administrator. Sarah is a Management Team member of the social enterprise.

Kathie Yeowell, who works in research, is a Group Facilitator and In-Sight trainer.

Bansi Maru has a first class honours degree in Marketing, and is Designer and Editor of all marketing literature including our brochure and leaflets.

Volunteers and new Trainers - there are currently six people volunteering at The Recovery In-Sight Social Enterprise, with many others being welcomed all the time. Volunteers are engaged in marketing, communications and administration and put their skills and talents to good use, furthering the work of the social enterprise whilst gaining valuable experience for their CVs, before returning to the world of work. There are a further two 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.