ciara
My name is Ciara and I co-facilitate the Truro group. When I was asked to join GV I had no idea of the wonderful impact it would have on my life. For years I suffered with my mental health and as a child I was silenced by my abuser. I don’t want any other young person to suffer in silence.
I want every young person to be able to talk about how they are feeling and to know that they are important and what they say is important. That they are loved and really do matter.
Julie
My name is Julie and I co-facilitate the Redruth group. I am incredibly proud to be part of the Georgia’s Voice team, beautiful Georgia was my goddaughter.
I believe all young women deserve better, to attend a safe haven of friendly support groups, to be part of a cause, to enable young women to know about, promote and access local services that they may require.
To promote and help young women to establish and find the meaning behind wellness, self care and help build, boost and recognise their own self esteem and promote a healthy wellbeing to discover their true worth.
Mandy
Hi my name is Mandy and I co-facilitate the Camborne Group. Georgia was my Beautiful Granddaughter.
I am very passionate about helping young women who experience mental health issues. Every young person deserves to be listened to. I am dedicated to helping as many of you as possible.
Molly
Hi, my name is Molly and I co-facilitate the Penzance group. I am a mum to an extremely energetic 8 year old boy. I am a support worker for young families and people aged 16-24 who live in supported housing and I also run a soft play area for children, a project which I set up back in 2014.
I suffer from a panic disorder and anxiety which I have had since a young child, which impacts on my life daily. I want to help end the stigma towards mental health and help to provide a safe and confidential place for young women to meet and support each other. I’m very grateful to be a part of the Georgia’s Voice Team.
louise
I’m Louise, one of the fab team of trustees for Georgia’s Voice, and I also facilitate the Penzance fortnightly group. I’m a person-centred counsellor, and am fiercely passionate about accessible mental health services for all. I like to challenge the perceptions out there of counselling and mental wellness, and champion acceptance and authenticity. I’ve faced adversity in my own life and despite it being tough in places, I know it is all part of what makes me, me. I believe that showing kindness to ourselves/our situations can help with healing from our traumas. I’m really proud to be a part of the Georgia’s Voice team, and proud of how our services help young women.
And I’m proud of our group members and supporters! You really are all wonderful! When I’m not working you can find me pootling about Newlyn with my whippet Piper (you’ll hear loads about him when you meet me!), trundling about in Tessa (my counselling and general adventure wagon!), or getting fully immersed in a serial killer documentary (people truly are fascinating haha!).
laura
I’m Laura. I co-facilitate the Penryn group on Penryn campus. I am a communications officer for a charity which supports other charities and a volunteer manager for The Fish Factory in Penryn. I’ve taught all over the world and have always been passionate about listening to young people and giving voice to those who may have been afraid to speak. Having struggled with C-PTSD for years, I have lived experience of mental health struggles and believe we create a space for young women to be seen, heard and guided.
margarithe
My name is Margarithe and I’m a Flexi Facilitator. I have an extremely energetic Old English Sheepdog puppy that keeps me on my toes with her antics. In between looking after the fluffball, I bake and decorate cakes, make teddy bears and have an interest in dolls house miniatures.I have worked with young people for the last 30 years and I am passionate about women being able to empower themselves and be the best that they can be. I moved from education to being a coach and mentor and it is rewarding and exciting to see transformation in young people’s lives. My family has been through and survived the trauma of suicide and this is one of the reasons that I have volunteered with Georgia’s Voice. Everyone deserves to be heard, respected, accepted and cared for.
Lisa
I’m Lisa and I am a flexi-facilitater for all areas of Cornwall. I’ve had my own mental health challenges over the years and I’m extremely passionate about creating safe spaces for people to be their true selves. Whether you’re in a good mood, bad mood or something else and you have an interest in or want help with your mental health, I want to meet you. I know how challenging it can be trying to figure stuff out in your own head. I always feel so much better when I’m with others who are struggling too. One of my absolute favourite sayings is ‘It’s O.K to not be O.K’. The words mental health can have a serious sound and feeling to them. It’s my experience when running groups for people who want to work on their mental health, we tend to end up having a laugh and leave feeling more light hearted than we came in.
Amy
I’m Amy and I co facilitate the Falmouth group. When I was a teenager I was diagnosed with social anxiety and I’ve been through, and continue to go through, many tough times with my mental health. I have navigated my way through many life challenges so far and I want to support young women through theirs. I’m a huge believer in having informal conversations about mental health and holding non-judgemental spaces for anyone having difficulties with their mental health. I know first hand how scary it can be to do something new and unfamiliar, but if you can make it to our session on a Monday in Falmouth you will be warmly welcomed as part of our community.
karina
Hi, my name is Karina and I am a co-facilitator for the Falmouth support group. A little about myself – I have suffered for many years with my mental health and anxiety. After years of battling, I put myself through University at the age of 36. I got a diploma in Counselling development & youth work. I joined the team of volunteers at GV Preloved Boutique & this gave me the confidence to train to become a facilitator. Being along side the young ladies on their journey, being non judgemental & always willing to listen. Just having someone to talk to & to know they are listening can do so much for someone.
Maya
Hi! I’m Maya She/Her Facilitator for St Austell Group. I am all about positivity! One of my main beliefs is that everyone deserves to know that they’re loved I am a Voice Actor, Storyteller and Mental Health Livestreamer who empowers others through empathy!
I have faced my own personal mental health barriers throughout my journey, from bullying, dark isolated mental spaces and toxic relationships/friendships. Overcoming them stronger and learning their lessons has allowed me to be ready to help others! Self growth is important to me and watching others connect through the validation of sharing their stories is beyond beautiful Thank you for reading! I can’t wait to get to know you all better.
Lauren
Hi, I’m Lauren and I’m a Flexi Facilitator. I became a facilitator for Georgia’s voice due to my passion to help others. I have lived experience of mental health and I personally found that talking to others who had been through similar situations or shared similar feelings and understood where I was coming from helped me the most. Because of this, I vouched that I would be more open about my own mental health and strive to help others who face similar struggles! I love to be in, on or near the sea! Whether that be sea swimming, on my stand up paddle board or out on a coastal walk. I’m obsessed with sunsets and am a proud owner of a lovely blue VW T4 that I like to take on adventures.
Lindsay
I’m Lindsay, I’m going to be co-facilitating the new St. Ives group and have done some co-facilitating of the Camborne group. I’m a trainee psychotherapist and a Functional Family Therapist, so I have lots of experience of offering individuals and families support as well as going through therapy myself. I’ve also been a youth worker helping young people with addiction, self harm and other mental health issues for many years.I’m really passionate about mental health services being accessible for everyone at the right time, in the right place and being the best possible fit to make the biggest possible difference for people.I really love animals and nature, as well as arts and crafts. I believe both nature and creative outlets can play a huge part in helping people in crisis.
Most importantly I think people are the experts in their own lives and need to feel safe and able to speak and explore their truth and I feel proud to give young women the opportunity to do so through groups.
tracy
I’m Tracy & I run the St Austell group. I am a mother to two young adults. I’ve always worked with either teenagers or money. I’m a big fan of hiking.
I didn’t feel settled in my twenties, I had lots of questions and felt pretty unsure about how I was supposed to be fitting in. The world is sometimes too fast and much too critical but I think there’s great power in talking, having support from people that don’t judge and that’s my aim at Georgia’s Voice.
CHARLOTTE
Hi I’m Charlotte, Online group facilitator. I’m an Illustrator and I enjoy working part-time with young people in education to help improve their confidence and build trusting relationships.
I’ve experienced mental illness as a result of trauma for the past 10 years, with varying levels of support from services over the years. I’ve always been passionate about giving young people a voice, and to recognise the importance of being listened to properly, and believed.
Mental health services are so stretched, and often take a very clinical approach to conversations surrounding our difficult experiences in life, so it’s really refreshing to have somewhere to go where you can talk openly and be treated with kindness and no judgement, and appreciate a more human approach.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, and to know that they’re not alone in the world. We’re here for you because we care!
lAURA
My name is Laura and I’m a co-facilitator at the St Ives group. I’ve always been really passionate about both the mental and physical health of women and have in the past few years been working as a women’s only business coach and nutritional adviser too.
Having had a difficult year with my own mental health, I’ve realised the invaluable nature of having support around you – it’s the one thing that got me through – and I’d really like to give that back to the lovely ladies who are part of Georgia’s Voice.
I’m a real advocate for breaking down stigmas and talking about anything and everything to help people feel comfortable in their own skin.
jo
Hi, I’m Jo. I feel very privileged to be a flexi-facilitator for Georgia’s Voice, and I genuinely love meeting our group members and the other facilitators. As the middle-aged mum of two teenage daughters, I’m aware of the challenges facing young people these days, and I’m glad to be able to do something small to help. My partner and I own and run a beachside café here in Cornwall, but in a former life I used to be a learning and development consultant, coach and facilitator. I am fascinated by positive psychology – which is the scientific study of what makes people thrive – and I’m currently studying to become a Positive Psychology Practitioner and Trainer. Having experienced my own physical and mental health challenges, I’m passionate about doing everything I can to support other people with their wellbeing.
I believe that the mind and body are inextricably linked and I’m interested in nutrition and all kinds of alternative approaches to health. I enjoy walking along the coast path (preferably in blue skies and sunshine!), taking photographs, doing yoga, reading and, most of all, exploring new places. We have a crazy Cockapoo called Mollie who is desperate to come along to a Georgia’s Voice group someday soon so she can get as many cuddles as possible!
kirsty
Hi, I’m Kirsty and I am lucky to be part of the incredible team that makes up Georgia’s Voice. My background sits within Admin, Finance and HR. I love being part of the GV team. It is an absolute privilege to work with such wonderful young women as well as an extraordinary team of hard working facilitators who run our support groups.
My main role consists of overseeing and managing our existing groups and the facilitators who run them, as well as recruiting new volunteers to join our ever expanding team and growing the areas we are in.
I am passionate and committed to reducing the suicide rate of young women and helping to support our team to offer a consistent and safe space to remind you all that You Matter!
emily
Hello, my name is Emily. I am a writer and advocate for equality, diversity, compassion and understanding. I also run an online community called Sober Book Club and work for a disability charity called Reach, helping children and families affected by limb difference; I was born with one hand so the is something I have always been passionate about.After a long battle with mental health and addiction, I can proudly say I am in a place where I am able to give back and move through the world as my best self, which is something I only ever dreamed of. I want to be an example to other young women and girls by showing them that recovery is possible. By working with Georgia’s Voice I hope I can help others who may be going through the same struggles as I once was.
emMA
Hi my name is Emma and co facilitate the Redruth group with Julie. I have been supporting young people for 23 years in a range of settings.
Making sure young people receive the information and guidance and support to move forward in life is important to me.
I have supported someone in my family for many years with their mental health, through the good times and bad. So having the opportunity to volunteer at Georgia’s voice is an honor. and 1 i’m very excited about.
I look forward to welcoming you to the group.
Samantha
My name is Samantha and I co-facilitate the Truro group on a Monday. As a Young adult I found my early 20’s a challenge. I never really understood who I was or where I fitted in the world. I had no idea at the time that my mental health was an issue, until 10 years ago, when I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and depression after I burnt out at work. This really made my younger years make more sense to me, and the feelings that I was going through. I volunteer with Georgia’s Voice as a way to give back, and to repay the help and support I received from many different people over my recovery. I am an advocate for peer support, talking openly about what you are going through and creating a toolkit of practices that support positive mental health. Everything that Georgia’s Voice is about. I try to create this environment in the group each week with my co-facilitator. Everyone has a place in this world, even if you have not found that yet, Georgia’s Voice is somewhere you will get a warm welcome and lots of friendly faces and support to guide you. It’s such an amazing group of young women and it is amazing to see that we really are changing lives.
katherine
I’m Katherine, a Wife, Mum, Nannie and mature student brought up in Rock and Wadebridge. My family are my world and I’m very proud of them all. I work in mental health and absolutely love my job no matter how challenging some days can be. I’m happiest at the beach. The sound of the sea, the feel of the sand and the smells take me to my special place. I go to lots of gigs with my husband and love, live music, socialising with friends, laughter, camping and holidaying. I like to cook and bake and I’m fortunate to have many friends who like to eat it all.
I’m passionate about looking after our mental health and supporting people who are struggling with theirs. I can do this with the training I’ve been on, the knowledge I’ve gained and lived experiences. Georgia’s Voice is a much needed resource in Wadebridge for 18-25 year old Women and I’m extremely honoured to be a facilitator for the group.
leah
Hi I’m Leah and I Co facilitate the Wadebridge group.
I believe everyone deserves to be heard and to be in a place where they feel safe.
I’ve needed help myself and thanks to a group that changed my life and helped me to live again. I learnt how to be in a group setting and how listening to others and being heard myself helped me heal.
I spend all year round sea swimming and looking for cold water especially mermaid pools hidden beaches, and going on as many adventures as I can with my kids and dogs.
I also love to mediate, read and spread my mindfulness ways as much as I can.
ellie
Hi, I’m Ellie, a Granma, mother and wife to my best friend.
I am very passionate about removing the stigma around mental health and am pleased there is more recognition and support. My lived and professional experience has allowed me to work with people struggling with their emotional well-being and be involved in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to ‘talk’ without feeling judged.
I’m young at heart as well as an active person with a love of the outdoors, cycling, walking and body boarding, along with indoor activities which includes weight training, pilates, yoga, variety of gym classes and my latest passion of Pole Fitness. As a person who has lived experience of mental health difficulties, I have always found the outdoors, particularly the beach and exercise my therapy.
My mental health issues started at a time when there was little recognition and support, leaving me feeling isolated and labelled. This made me passionate about everyone being treated equally and not defined by their mental health, age, sex, disability etc. This led me into working within the Social Care sector and becoming a social worker where I supported children and young people, children with disabilities and Adults by listening and ensuring their voice was heard along with safeguarding their well-being. I am now starting a new role with We are With You as a Recovery Worker to support people who are marginalised in society due to stigma surrounding addictions.
To be part of Georgia’s Voice team as a flexi-facilitator for Wadebridge is a great privilege and am excited to be involved in setting up a Group in Bodmin.