Meet the Board
I wear many hats! I am a mum, foster mum, youth worker, children’s services manager in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, User Voice Participation Lead, Specialist Bereavement Support Lead and Wellbeing Advanced Practitioner (WRAP).
I created the Shine Bright service in a direct response to the increased level of emotional and mental wellbeing support needs across our communities, since the pandemic.
Service are struggling to meet the needs of our communities and I believe the WRAP approach can help Leeds to manage life, challenges and crisis in a safer way. Children, young people and families are the experts of themselves and it is our responsibility to work with them to create the best support for them and their peers that is possible! Participation runs through the heart of everything I create. We are stringer together!
Read more about me in the ‘Meet the Founder’ section in Our Story.
I have been working in finance and accountancy roles for 15 years and now have a successful family run accountancy practice since 1993.
I am passionate about supporting not for profit community companies to make a real impact upon their communities. Shine Bright can help many children, young people and families at their most vulnerable times.
Elizabeth Foody – Parent service user and advisory board member
Hello, I’m a writer and editor in the field of education. I’m also a single parent who was frustrated by the lack of help for children who are struggling with relationships and mental health. I came across Shine Bright during the COVID period when our children were so badly let down by the government. I reached out and saw first-hand the difference this group can make. Through Nicola and team we got the help we needed at exactly the right time. I’m here as a board member to give my support to reach other young people who might be struggling. I firmly believe that timely intervention from Shine Bright can turn lives around, all our children should have access to these services.
Jaymain Parkes – Director and Secretary of the board
I am a Person-centred therapist and the Wellbeing Manager in a Secondary School. Through my lived and professional experience, I have seen how important it is to have good quality mental health support for our children & young people.
I hope that the work of Shine Bright will be supported so that more young people can access this fun and engaging approach to mental health.
I’m a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on supporting children and young people to become the experts in their own mental health.
I work as a Co-ordinator at Leeds Recovery College, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT). In this role, I co-develop and co-facilitate mental health awareness and wellbeing courses. My work is rooted in co-production and collaboration. I am an Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator (ALF) and am passionate about facilitating groups, training others, and living my own WRAP — leading by example in both my professional and personal life.
I am incredibly passionate about Shine Bright and the amazing work that they do to support children, young people and families. I truly believe in the power of community and co-production — together, we can build brighter futures.
Retired Senior Manager in Barclays Bank Community Affairs department and involvement in local community issues through the Meanwood Valley Partnership.
Children’s good mental health is so important. Shine Bright has the potential to positively affect the health and well-being of huge numbers of children.
Wendy Bray – Advisory Board Member – specialism in corporate fundraising
Sarah Fongwah – Advisory Board Member (Parent/Carer represetative
Katie Hayton Advisory Board Member – WRAP Advanced Fa
