We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our ambassadors. They make huge contributions to our work, generously giving their time, energy and expertise to help us reach more people experiencing a mental health problem in Cornwall.
Our ambassadors share our values and encourage others to join us in supporting better mental health. They are committed to our cause and deeply passionate about helping to make a difference to people’s lives.
Each ambassador brings their own unique skills and personal experiences, acting as champions for Cornwall Mind.
They inspire people to join us in our mission, acting as a friendly face in our communities, supporting events, networking and raising awareness of our services.
I’m dedicated to supporting my children, caring for my mother, and working as a professional mermaid artist and performer. Additionally, I’m an SSI Ocean Mermaid Freediving Instructor with Aquacity Freediving.
My background includes working in the creative industries, where I held roles such as event manager, producer, makeup artist, and stylist. Now, I write and perform my own children’s stories that focus on mental health and ocean conservation. Having lived in various locations across the UK, including Edinburgh, West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and now Cornwall, I have gained a diverse range of experiences.
I have lived experience of mental health and in Lincolnshire I worked alongside Lincoln Mind setting up and running a ‘Mums for Mind’ post natal depression support network.
I’m the founder and co-ordinator of The Cornish Merpod, a collective of professional and hobby mermaids performing around Cornwall. I started mermaid fundraising for Cornwall Mind back in 2019 doing wash ups on beaches and talking about mental health in the community.
I’m thrilled to be part of such important work and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on mental health in Cornwall.
Hello, my name is Charlotte Gail Banfield and I am 26 years old. I have been lucky enough to grow up in Cornwall, and I will always call Cornwall my home.
I live with autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy which means my brain has always worked differently. It has often been confusing being inside my brain and accepting my differences which has meant I have suffered with mental health problems throughout my life.
Navigating life and staying mentally well was much harder before I discovered surfing and my love for the ocean. Blue water therapy and being around nature changed everything!
In 2012 I was referred to a surf therapy charity called The Wave Project and surfing changed my life and shaped me to be the person I am today. I learnt to surf but also learnt to believe in myself and learnt how to be mentally resilient. My confidence grew, I made friends, and I found my true identity. Even now, The Wave Project is part of my life, and I am proud to be an ambassador.
Since attending my surf therapy course, I have had a career in para surfing where I have represented England in 6 world championships, two of which I won and became world champion. Through learning to love the ocean, I also went to university and studied marine biology.
I am honoured to be an ambassador for Cornwall Mind because I am passionate about breaking down stigma around mental health and supporting people on their own journeys. I am excited to give back to the charity which helps many people with their mental wellbeing in Cornwall.
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