Meet the team

Sarah Bittlestone (she, her, hers) – IPS Team Lead – North Tyneside

Sarah has been working as an IPS Team Lead since June 2019. Previously, she worked for various third sector organisations. Her background is in working with vulnerable adults who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse and addiction. For three years, Sarah supported young people at risk of homelessness into employment. Following this, Sarah jumped at the chance to work for IPS. It combined her passion for supporting people to achieve their goals with her interest in mental health. Sarah enjoys seeing someone start to discover their worth and that they have something valuable to offer an employer, regardless of the challenges they have faced in life. Sarah feels lucky to be part of a dedicated team that all work towards the same goal. She enjoys supporting staff to develop their skills and confidence.

“I am passionate about supporting maternal mental health. After becoming a parent during the pandemic, I know how important it is to have a supportive working environment.”

John Bolland (he/him/his) – IPS Service Lead – St Nicholas Hospital

I’m John. I am the Service Lead for the IPS Service. I try my best to support and champion my IPS colleagues and people who use our service across the whole Trust. My first job in the NHS was as an office temp in an Adult Psychology Clinic. I experienced my own mental health difficulties but with love, support and a good admin job, I got through some tough times! I then worked in the brilliant South Tyneside Assertive Outreach Team as a Support Worker. I then moved to equally awesome Newcastle Early Intervention in Psychosis Team (EIP).

Newcastle EIP supported the development of IPS. In 2019 we were able to launch a proper, dedicated IPS Employment Support Service! Since then our service has grown from a small group of dedicated staff to a team of over 40 exceptional Employment Specialists. I absolutely love my job. I love meeting and working with amazing people, businesses and NHS colleagues.

My area of professional interest is actively changing culture to reduce stigma and discrimination. This will increase good employment practice, which will improve health and productivity, meaning everybody wins!

Dan Campbell (he, him, his) – Employment Specialist – Cumbria Community Treatment Team

For the past ten years I have worked for a number of organisations in Carlisle specialising in supporting, empowering, and providing opportunities for people who are neurodiverse. This helped me gain insight into the barriers many people face in living their lives to the fullest. I strove to help people overcome these obstacles in their own way and thrive in their lives.

I joined the team at IPS in April 2023. I was initially attracted to the service as it was a good fit to my own approach to working with individuals. IPS takes a real world practical approach to engaging with people and helping them make positive changes to their lives. I genuinely gain a lot as a person by helping others to achieve in their lives. I understand that this journey is individual to each one of us in its approach and goals.

I have a personal interest in breaking down the barriers and stigmas that many people with mental health conditions face. The more we can raise awareness, the better off we all will be!

Aimie Coburn (she, her, hers) – IPS Team Lead – St Nicholas Hospital – Newcastle and Gateshead

Aimie began her career as a youth worker. She would often work with young people who were classed as Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). This sparked a passion in supporting people to gain purpose in their lives, through the means of employment or education. Aimie started in IPS in August 2019, and works as a Team Lead in the Newcastle/Gateshead area.

Aimie is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and dreams, regardless of their background or past experience. She feels grateful to work in such a motivated, enthusiastic and passionate team.

Alex Cottrell (he, him, his) – Employment Specialist – North Cumbria East Community Treatment Team

Hey, I’m Alex. I am thrilled to be an Employment Specialist with the Individual Placement and Support service. I joined the team in April 2023. Prior to this, I spent nearly my entire career in support-based environments. This included Supported Living, Special Educational Needs, and Residential Support for young people with mental health difficulties.

I then joined CNTW in the role of clinical support. I worked this role in NHS community mental health teams on both the psychosis and non-psychosis pathways. I supported those with complex and severe mental health problems. I was privileged to work with and support people from various areas of life throughout my tenure in these services. This experience led me to IPS. In these roles I was able to form strong connections with those I worked with. I felt a sense of fulfilment from being able to assist them reach their goals, promote their independence and support them on their journey.

I have struggled with my own mental health. But thanks to companionship, encouragement, and a career that was rewarding, I was able to navigate through some tough moments. From this, I set my heart on helping others on their road to recovery.

I chose to work in IPS because I am passionate about promoting positive mental wellbeing and the advantages that employment brings to this. I love providing support to people, so that they have the best opportunity of reaching their job goals. The role of employment specialist allows me to continue working with a range of people, each with their own unique experiences. This allows me to build on my strengths in supporting others while also learning new skills. I love what I do. I love meeting and collaborating with fantastic individuals, organisations, and colleagues.

My professional focus is to actively help transform culture to lessen prejudice and stigma around mental health. Everyone will benefit from this. It will enhance excellent employment practises, which will boost productivity and positive holistic wellbeing.

Ashton Davidson (she, her, hers) – Employment Specialist – North Tyneside

I had worked for CNTW for almost 10 years before I joined the IPS Team. My passion for mental health began with my own lived experience and developed through working with so many different people throughout my time in the Trust.

Prior to IPS, I worked for the Involvement Team where we helped service users become part of service-improvement activities. By doing this, people developed their skills and confidence which later led to some people building the courage to gain employment again, after facing so much adversity. It was here that I saw the benefit these activities brought to their life and recovery. When I heard about the role of an Employment Specialist, I felt being instrumental in helping people find employment would be such a rewarding job to be in. I was not wrong.

I feel incredibly lucky to work in such a varied role with an amazing team.

Dawn Eastham – Employment Specialist – Hawkhill – Northumberland
Dawn started her career in hairdressing. She went on to run a successful salon employing ten staff. She moved into Education and for 15 years worked with young people and adults supporting them to achieve their personal goals. Dawn has a vast understanding of Business and the Employment sector. She is passionate about supporting individuals to achieve their potential. Dawn Joined the IPS team in April 2022.

“I feel privileged to work in the IPS team. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to find meaningful, rewarding employment. Mental health should not be a reason or barrier to prevent this from happening. I am very proud to be working in the IPS Team. I’m passionate about supporting people to realise their individual employment dreams and guiding them on the journey to make that a reality.”

Nat Glencross (she, her, hers) – Employment Specialist – Brookside Centre – Allerdale and Copeland

Nat started working in IPS as an Employment Specialist, in 2021. Before this, she worked for 15 years at a charity supporting people with mental health and substance misuse issues.

Nat feels privileged to support people with their employment journey. She feels lucky to be in a position where she can instil hope to individuals who are struggling. She is passionate about promoting the benefits of employment and promoting the support that IPS employees can provide.

The role of employment specialist has allowed Nat to work with an array of different people, all with their own stories. It has allowed her to use skills she already had and has also provided her with new skills. She is continually trying to better herself through learning from her clients, and attending training. She strives to provide the best support and advice to the people she works with.

“To follow someone’s journey, watch them flourish, build confidence, and see that they are able to build a positive future for themselves; makes me feel so unbelievably proud to be part of the team.”

Rachael Heap – Employment Specialist – Greenacres – Northumberland

I started my working career at the ripe age of 16. I didn’t have any idea of the career path I wanted to choose. I then found my passion at 21 when I started a job working in the community, supporting people with Autism. I absolutely loved my time here and learned so much.

A role for a bank support worker caught my eye and I started working at St Nicholas Hospital on Greentrees Ward. This was a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. I stayed here until the day the ward closed before moving to St George’s where I spent the next ten years working on Embleton Ward.
I had heard many great stories about IPS from a lovely friend and then the job advertisement popped up on my screen. After hearing all the amazing stories, I had to apply. Being able to give hope to people and support them on their journey, is something I am very passionate about.

I joined the IPS team in April 2022. The support I have received since joining the team has been amazing. I am still finding my feet, but with the support from my colleagues, I am becoming more confident. Knowing that I am part of making a positive change in people’s lives is the most rewarding part of this role.

I am really interested in promoting our service to an Inpatient setting. I feel that we can work together with inpatient teams to ensure that everyone is aware of the support that we can offer. This can instil hope in an individual, early on in their recovery journey.

Kate Lancaster – IPS Team Lead – Primary Care – Northumberland and Newcastle

I have over 16 years’ experience working in the Mental Health sector.

I have had the pleasure of working within IPS for the past three years, working alongside an amazing team. During the challenges of the pandemic, we continued to support people into meaningful paid employment. It was an extremely rewarding experience to see people regain their confidence and hope.

In addition, IPS strives to make positive cultural changes within the workplace to prevent sickness and work related stress. I am proud to be part of this team’s journey and to see it expand into the incredible service it is today. I am beyond excited to have been appointed Team Lead of the new IPS service being delivered into Primary Care.

I am passionate about supporting those who have experienced difficulties into employment. Employment can be a really important recovery tool. I specialise in helping people identify their employment hopes and dreams. I then support them back into employment and provide ongoing support until they regain their confidence.

Andrea McInerny-Ortiz (she, they) – Employment Specialist – Newcastle

Andrea joined the team in August 2023. Before this she was a Peer Support worker in Newcastle West Community Treatment Team. Andrea also has lived experience of mental health issues. She has direct experience of being supported by IPS to get back into employment.

“I feel privileged to be working in IPS. My journey has come full circle. I now get the opportunity to help others who have experienced mental health issues fulfil their goals, passions and dreams no matter what their previous experience has been. I have a particular professional interest in Equality Diversity and Inclusion, especially around LGBTQ+ issues, disability and neurodiversity.”

Shauna Nelson-McGuire (she, her, hers) – IPS Employment Specialist – EIP Ravenswood Newcastle
Shauna started to work with the IPS service in August 2023.
Prior to working in IPS, Shauna worked for Newcastle Hospital Trust for 19 years. She worked in various different roles and departments. Shauna qualified as a Nursing Associate in December 2020 becoming registered with The Nursing and Midwifery Council.
In all of her previous roles, she worked with multi-disciplinary teams to support vulnerable people. This involved working with people holistically in hospital, in their own homes, residential care and in a clinic setting. Shauna has worked in the east of the city with patients and families where health inequality is very apparent. She has worked with patients and families struggling with disability, unemployment, mental health conditions, drug/alcohol abuse, and crime.

“I strive to provide the best support to achieve the best outcome. I am committed to improving lives by delivering hope and empowering others with their experiences and choices. I am passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves. Everyone should be given a chance in life to achieve their dream job. I feel very privileged to be part of the IPS team.”

Kartik Poojari – Employment Specialist – Hopewood Park – Sunderland

My career started in India with roles in Sales, Marketing and Media. I have worked as a marketing consultant for an Agro Firm. I also taught Tourism and Hospitality in the private sector in the United Kingdom.

I was keen on exploring a career in mental health. This led to me working part time in CNTW inpatients services with Adult, Elderly and CYPS. After working extensively with CYPS, I realised that a sense of purpose in life is of the utmost importance. This sense of purpose found its way for me through IPS, where I was able to provide a purpose for individuals. Providing employment opportunities to people with mental health difficulties can be a positive incentive for their recovery and contributes to their overall wellbeing.

Employment can help build confidence and self-esteem by providing a sense of attainment and purpose. I am passionate about supporting people into employment and feel a sense of achievement watching them fulfil their dreams.

Tina Richmond (she, her, hers) – Employment Specialist – Greenacres – Sunderland

Tina has worked within the NHS for over 13 years. Initially she worked in the School Nursing service. She then moved into a role within the Therapies team in a Specialist Adult Autism Inpatient Service and then on to IPS.

Prior to this Tina worked in both primary and secondary education. She was given the opportunity to pilot the Cover Supervisor role within Northumberland. She then set up an early intervention programme to support young people at threat of exclusion from School.
Tina has a keen interest in developing services that enable individuals to gain a sense of achievement and purpose.

“It is an honour to be part of someone’s journey. It gives me a great sense of personal pride and satisfaction.”

Jannene Rutherford – Employment Specialist – Fairnington Centre, Hexham – Northumberland

Before working as an employment specialist, Jannene worked in a large secondary school as a Pastoral Head of Year. In this role she would interact with other professional organisations, and support students with their mental health and wellbeing.

“I am passionate about mental health. I am proud to be part of an amazing team. Our job is to break down barriers and overcome stigma. Sadly, this is still happening in the workplace. Supporting Service Users to reach their goals in employment is very rewarding. Employment plays an essential role in a person’s recovery. It is a privilege to be part of an individual’s journey to better mental health.”

Kirsty Smith (she, her, hers) – Employment Specialist – Palmers Community Hospital – South Tyneside

Hi, I’m Kirsty. I first joined the NHS in 2001 as a Therapy Radiographer, before taking time out to be a full-time Mum. I returned to work after retraining as a Physics Teacher. Since the age of 17 I’ve worked in both voluntary and paid roles alongside young adults with learning disabilities. With this area of interest, in my Teaching role I gravitated to working in school SEN departments before graduating and working as an Education Mental Health Practitioner.

As a service user myself, I was supported by IPS during a time I found my work life and mental health particularly challenging. In February 2021 I successfully secured a role as an IPS Employment Specialist and have brought with me a drive and passion to give others the same level of care and support IPS provided me with, which turned my life around.

Now I work collaboratively with individuals on their recovery journey. I get to see people grow in confidence, self-worth and independence. I get to share knowledge of mental health and wellbeing with employers. I get to challenge discrimination and promote fair practice. I love my job!

Deborah Stoker (she, her, hers) – Employment Specialist – Molineux Centre – Newcastle

“You take my life when you take the means whereby I live.”
William Shakespeare.

Deborah joined IPS service, as a service administrator in 2020. She is now, an employment specialist. Deborah’s past jobs included;

• Newcastle Social services: working with children with disabilities, young people and older people’s services.
• Research and Development with Newcastle city council working on many projects including those with Sport England.
• NHS Trusts including; Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear Mental Health and Learning Disability Trust.

Deborah is enjoying her new role with the IPS service and is part of an amazing team, the best team ever! Their main objective is to help service users gain meaningful paid employment. Deborah is committed to helping people with mental health conditions, to achieve their employment goals which ultimately enhances their lives.

José Vicente-Herrero (he, him, his) – Employment Specialist – Newcastle

José has over 20 years of experience working in recruitment and customer-focused Human Resources (HR) in the UK and around the world.

When Jose learned about IPS in 2020, he knew that he wanted to join the team. He enjoyed learning about the positive difference IPS can have on an individual’s recovery journey.

“I am tremendously proud and honoured to be part of this team. It is a privilege to be able to assist people on their journeys to recovery, supporting them to achieve their ambition and make their dreams come true.”

Edward Warrington – Education and Employment Specialist IPS-Y – Newcastle and Gateshead

Ed leads the new IPS-Y service. This new service works specifically with young people. He works with the Newcastle and Gateshead At Risk Mental State (ARMS) Team at Benton View and The Dryden Education Centre.

Ed works with young people between the ages of 14 and 25. He supports them with both education and employment. He has supported young people to achieve a range of outcomes since the start of IPS-Y in January 2022. This has included in-education support to both young people and education providers.

Ed is a veteran of the UK armed forces. He also has experience of teaching in secondary education. This is where he found his passion for working with young people. Ed enjoys finding solutions to problems that affect the youth population of the North East. He is also passionate about working with trust partners to promote opportunity.

Nicole Weightman (she, her, hers) – Employment Specialist – West Farm House – Northumberland

Nicole started her career working in education as an English teacher and in the Special Education Needs Department. This is where she gained an interest in mental health due to her own experiences and also those of her students. It was while working in schools that Nicole realised what a large impact the workplace can have on your mental health. This motivated her to join the IPS team.

Nicole has a special interest in retention work.

Diana (she, her, hers) – IPS Service Administrator – St Nicholas Hospital – Newcastle

Diana started working in IPS in December 2022. Since joining the team she has enjoyed learning about IPS and its values. She enjoys being able to support a team that is so invested and passionate about what they do.