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.

Angela Sweeney is an academically-trained researcher and trainer with lived experience of mental health issues, currently completing a PhD. 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.

Ila Bell is a trained counsellor, experienced in BME issues and an In-Sight trainer. 

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.

David Serota is an experienced trainer who also leads a self-help group. David leads the training group for The Recovery In-Sight Centre.

Linda Stoneman is experienced in health services and is editor of the Recovery In-Sight newsletter. Linda is Communications Lead for The Recovery In-Sight Centre.

Laura Francis is experienced in caring for people with disabilities, a group committee member and an In-Sight trainer.

Ruth Redd is experienced in business management, co-leads a self-help group and is an In-Sight trainer. Ruth is Human Resources Lead for The Recovery In-Sight Centre.

Paul Maher is administrator and treasurer for a self-help group.

Benit Maru is completing his PhD in Medicine and is Marketing Lead for The Recovery In-Sight Centre.

Karen Thomas is an In-Sight trainer.

Volunteers - there are currently six people volunteering at The Recovery In-Sight Centre, with another two joining soon. Volunteers are engaged in marketing and communications.

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.