Manager
I came to the DRC in May 2000 after spending seven years working in Acute Psychiatry at Weller Wing as a Mental Health Nurse.
As a Group Analytic Psychotherapist I work with groups and individuals. I also manage the DRC team.
I feel passionate about recovery, empowerment and outspokeness!
I enjoy working at the DRC with such a brilliant bunch of people who aren't afraid to speak out and challenge things if they want to.
Deputy Managers
I began working at the DRC in April 2007 after spending seven years working in a Recovery Unit. However, I have been a quilified nurse since 1988 and worked in a variety of settings.
I work with individuals and groups doing such things as Anxiety Management, Stess and Assertiveness, Mindfulness. I also offer individual and Family Psychosocial intervention.
I enjoy working at the DRC, it allows me to work in a way that concentrates in the service users needs.
I qualified in 1999 and initially worked at PGH. Later that year I moved to the DRC and was really pleased to be part of the team that I had thoroughly enjoyed working with in my student placements. Through out the years of working here I have enjoyed working with the range of activities and therapeutic interventions that we offer. As a team we are always working together with the service user's to develop our resources and improve the opportunities that we can offer each individual.
Top Of PageDeputy Lead Clinician
Since qualifying as a Nurse back in the early 90's I have worked at Weller Wing, down under in Oz and then back to Bedford to the Renaissance Project. I have been at the Day Resource centre for the past 6 years. I co-facilitate various groups including anxiety management, hearing voices and psychotherapy groups. I also work with both individuals and families using psychosocial interventions. I love working here as the emphasis is very much on talking therapies, rather than medication, plus of course we are a great team!
Nurses
I have been a Staff Nurse at the DRC since February 2009. I have previously worked in Learning Disabilities Service for about ten years, until I undertook my nurse training in 2006. During my nurse training I have worked in many different environments such as elderly, secure, acute and community settings.
I have also been on three placements at the DRC and Iundertook my management placement there. I am pleased to be a member of the team because I like the approach of the DRC and the way that it focuses on the recovery model and not the medical model. I am interested in all the talking therapies and feel they are a valuble service for people. I am also involved in various groups such as the Walking Group
I started my training at Fairfield in 1985. Coming into nursing later in life having done numerous other jobs previously.
I have been at the DRC for six and a half years and co-facilitate a number of activity based groups and also do some 1:1 work.
Support Workers
I have worked at the DRC since 1998
I co-facilitate numerous groups, including two Psychotherapeutic groups with Jackie.
I find working with Service Users a challenge, but interesting experience.
I have worked for BLPT (Bedfordshire and Luton Partnership Trust) since 1995. Working at Weller Wing, then joining the Community Mental Health Teams in Biggleswade and Bedford. Whilst being in the Community Mental Health Team I received Employer Of The Month in December 2005. I also represented BLPT in 2006 visiting Triest-Italy to look at the Psychiatric services in place there.
I joined the DRC in September 2008 facilitating a number of therapeutic groups, 1:1 community work, whilst also promoting social inclusion.
Administration Team
I started work at the DRC as Admin Assistant in 2002 after a career change. Initially the job was part-time but later became full-time. Before this I worked for 10 years as a Preschool Playleader.
Working in reception is both challenging, and rewarding, the admin team being an important communications link between the team, clients and other professionals. My job is a mix of admin and reception work and it is this variety which makes the role interesting. I particular enjoy contact with people.
I feel privileged to be part of a friendly, supportive team.
Volunteers
I first started volunteering at the DRC about two years ago, after being a service user. The opportunity arose for me to work as a volunteer which gave me a lot of confidence.
I started by volunteering alongside John Wiper in the Computer Group, teaching basic computer skills to Service Users.
Later, I was offered to facilitate the Women's Community Support Group.
Most recently, I joined the Walking Group, which I thoroughly enjoy
In my spare time I like to spend time with Clarke, my boa constrictor who is nine feet long, as well as my other animals.
