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 am am the founder and director of a fantastic Peer Support and Wellbeing service in Keighley alongside my partner Emma.
I’m a board member of Shine Bright for a couple of reasons.
First is that I know Nicola from my consultancy work with Barnardos to provide WRAPs for young people. I worked with her on several courses and found her energy, sense of humour & immense passion for young people totally inspiring.
This brings me on to the second reason I’m “on board” with Shine Bright. I used to be a young person desperate for a friendly person to treat me like a human.
I suffered with severe neglect and abuse as a child. I didn’t feel safe or loved and I grew up thinking I didn’t belong and was worthless. I battled with poor mental health for many years until I found out about WRAP & Peer Support.
I am determined to help young people to not feel alone and realise their potential.

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.