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.
My name is Robbie, I’m a poet. I write under the pen name “Beneath The Tracksuit”. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015 and I’ve lived a life battling mental health. My pen name is Beneath The Tracksuit because that’s where my struggles reside and that’s where the words come from.
I found words are an escape and a great place to turn my pain into art. Since I started writing I’ve reached all corners of the globe to support like-minded people, like myself, and show people they are not alone. I’ve published 3 books, written music and even have my own spoken word show. It’s funny I didn’t like poetry before I became ill and now I’m a prolific writer.
I have a very supportive wife who has guided me and prompted me along the way. I couldn’t, well I should say wouldn’t, have begun a career in writing without her.
I have two children who have both been incredibly supportive and understanding whilst growing up with a father that has Multiple Sclerosis and the challenges family life and living with a disability can bring.
I’m really proud to be able to offer my support to Cornwall Mind as they look forward to continuing supporting people in Cornwall and fighting for better mental health, something that too many people live with.
I’m a newcomer to Cornwall, having arrived here in 2024 to take up the role of Archdeacon of Cornwall, a senior priest in the Church of England. This involves supporting people, places and parishes across the whole of the western half of Cornwall (and the Isles of Scilly) to enable them to flourish. I’m passionate about every person being able to meet their full potential and carry that passion into my working life.
I haven’t always been a priest. I worked in the NHS as a Registered Mental Health Nurse for 10 years in London, Birmingham and Coventry. I have particular experience of working with people with a diagnosis of psychosis, people experiencing problematic alcohol use, and I worked with a child and adolescent mental health team. For ten years I was a trustee of a charity seeking to bridge the gap between people of faith and people experiencing mental ill health until the charity folded during Covid.
I have lived experience of mental health problems having experienced a transient psychotic episode as a young adult and I am diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
I’m honoured to be able to serve as an ambassador for Cornwall Mind because it enables me to challenge stigma and to champion every person taking steps towards their full potential.
Katy Roberts is a mental health advocate and outdoor enthusiast who embarked on huge cycling challenge around the coast of mainland Britain in memory of her Dad, whom she lost to suicide in 2007.
Her ride and challenge was named ‘Saddle to Sea,’ combining her love for the sea and cycling with her aim to open up conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Katy’s mission is to encourage others to get outdoors and work on their mental health through movement, nature, and community.
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