Mental Health First Aiders
NDPCHS have a number of MHFA England trained Mental Health First Aiders on hand to offer confidential, informal support to anyone within the department experiencing poor mental health or stress, whether work-related or not. They can be your first point of contact and, by understanding your situation, can talk through your options and signpost you to the right service if further support is required.
Please be assured that they will treat any contact and conversation with the utmost discretion and confidentiality and will only escalate issues in an emergency.
How can they help?
- Listen non-judgementally.
- Available for a support conversation.
- Maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
- Support and encourage you to get appropriate help which may be in the form professional support or self-help strategies.
Please get in touch with our Mental Health First Aiders listed below and pass on this information to any NDPCHS member who you think might benefit from having an informal chat with someone at a convenient location that suits them.
See the bottom of the page for support outside of core hours.
Meet our Mental Health First Aiders
Name and job title: Melanie Carr. Trial Manager in the Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: As someone with lived experience of anxiety and depression I know how valuable it is when you receive the right support. I wanted to make sure I had the tools to support those around me if they find themselves in need.
What I bring to the role: I’m transparent about my own mental health and hope that others would find that authenticity reassuring. I’m a good listener and easy to approach so hope that people would feel able to come to me if they need support.
Personal interests: I’m an avid collector and reader of books which is a great activity for calming a busy mind. I’m also a cat lover with two of my own, always happy to share pictures of them.
Best way to contact me: You can contact me in person, via email or MS Teams. My working hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday and I’m usually in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I’m based in the CTU, Gibson Building 1st Floor.
Name and job title: Amelia Talbot. Postdoctoral qualitative researcher.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I was inspired to become a MHFAider as I have lived experience and in a network of people with serious mental health conditions and wanted to learn more about how I can help when there is a crisis. My doctoral research focused on depression and the skills I learned from this course I believe will be useful to support future participants who show signs of distress.
What I bring to the role: I uniquely bring my own lived experience as someone living with a serious mental health condition (bipolar). I encourage colleagues to get in touch if they also live with a serious mental health condition and need support from someone who might share similar experiences and knows the ‘ins and outs’ of navigating secondary mental health teams. I hope to make a difference by being loud and proud of my diagnosis and showing others that you can be an academic and live with serious mental health conditions.
Personal interests: I am a big animal lover. My favourite animal is a giraffe. So much so that I fed and stayed in a ‘pod’ overlooking giraffes for my 26th birthday. I also spend much of my time looking after my pet hamster, Pickle.
Best way to contact me: Colleagues can book an appointment by emailing me anytime (amelia.talbot@phc.ox.ac.uk) or sending me a MS Teams message for ad hoc support. The best time to contact me is after 12pm Monday-Friday. I am particularly interested in supporting colleagues who experience serious mental illness (bipolar, schizophrenia, OCD, personality disorders), suicide ideation, and have experienced ableism/ discrimination at work. I cannot support colleagues who have experienced emotional coercion or domestic or sexual abuse.
Name and job title: Klaudia Budniak. Senior Programme Manager at the Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I am passionate about improving mental health awareness and education, and I strongly believe that open conversations and supportive environments can make a meaningful impact. I want to equip myself with the knowledge and skills to support colleagues and signpost individuals to helpful resources, and contribute to fostering a workplace culture where mental wellbeing is prioritised.
What I bring to the role: I have a Master’s in Psychology of Mental Health from King’s College, and being an MHFAider allows me to put that knowledge into practice. I believe empathy, active listening, and creating space for others help colleagues feel heard and supported. With my experience building and leading teams, I strive to foster an environment where inclusivity, understanding, and wellbeing are at the heart of our work.
Personal interests: I find mental wellbeing through yoga, art, and community events where people can share their stories. I’m also passionate about literature, cinema, and theatre—powerful mediums that help express and communicate emotions, offering both personal reflection and connection with others.
Best way to contact me: Email: klaudia.budniak@phc.ox.ac.uk Meeting booking link: https://calendly.com/klaudia-budniak-thedatalab/30min
Name and job title: Céline Aldenhoven. Pursuing a DPhil in Primary Health Care.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I am deeply honoured when someone chooses to share a personal experience with me. In times when those experiences might not have been so positive, I would like to support as best as I can. The MHFA workshop helped me to gain more knowledge on how to deal with different situations best so I can support others better.
What I bring to the role: My friends often describe me as a very social and “bubbly” person, while at the same time being a good companion for more philosophic or serious conversations. Small gestures and kindness make a huge difference for me personally. So, I always try to greet people with a smile, listen actively even during the small-talks in the kitchen and similar. Also, I hope that my wonderful colleagues know that I am here to talk if they feel like they would like to share something.
About me: Fun fact - Since I already had three surgeries on the same knee, my scars look like a unicorn now! I think that is awesome, even though one does need a little bit of imagination to actually see it to be honest😊
Best way to contact me: Since I prefer to work in the office, one can find me on the second floor of the RPC building in the cardiovascular team most workdays from around 10am – 7pm. Please feel free to stop by, talk to me when you see me in the building or drop me an email/teams message. I will usually respond within 1-2h when I am working.
Name and job title: Ginger Jansen. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Culture Coordinator
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I want to contribute to a culture where people feel safe talking about their mental health. Learning the skills to better support colleagues, friends and family has been invaluable.
What I bring to the role: I've been a MHFAider for 6 years, and have developed strong skills in listening, signposting, and offering support. I also have lived experience of general anxiety.
Personal interests: My favourite hobbies (and anxiety-relievers) are gaming, crochet, and reading. I'm originally from the Netherlands, but grew up in Spain and have lived in the UK for the past 15 years. Cuddles from my cat (when he chooses of course) are the best.
Best way to contact me: I'm based in the 2nd floor Communications office on Tuesdays and Thursdays if you need imminent help. You can drop me an e-mail or Teams message if you'd like to arrange a time to meet (Mon to Fri, 09:30-16:30). No problem is too small - even if you'd benefit from a walk and talk at University Parks, just drop me a message.
Name and job title: Nicola Kenealy. Senior Trial Manager at PC CTU.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I wanted to be able to offer support to any colleagues who are going through a tough time and might not have anyone else they are able to confide in.
What I bring to the role: I believe that I am a good listener and will not judge. I would like for everyone who is struggling with their mental health feel like they have a safe space/person they are comfortably able to share their thoughts with.
About me: Although I haven’t experienced Mental Health struggles myself a lot of family and friends have and I have been able to support them through these times.
Best way to contact me: I can be contacted by email and then we can arrange to meet up in person or via Teams.
Name and job title: Jenny Davies. Trial Manager (PC-CTU).
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: After reading about the role, I knew becoming a MHFAider was something I had wanted to do for a long time because of previous situations where I left a mental health talk with someone not being confident I gave them correct (or any) follow-up support or said the right things. I really do care about people.
What I bring to the role: I went into the training wanting to improve my listening skills, but by the end of the course I realised I was lacking observational skills. Along with new confidence in how to approach, assess and provide after support, I am an empathetic listener who can give people the right on-going support. I hope that by talking more about amental health and being open about the role with my colleagues, I will continue to spread awareness around mental health and importantly that any mental health illness or struggle is a natural part of being human, and there is always support.
Personal interests: I love a good BodyCombat class once a week to punch and kick away feelings of stress. Music combined with cooking a meal from scratch is also a powerful activity to help me stay grounded in my well-being.
Best way to contact me: My core working hours are 8:30-5:15 Mon-Fri (I take one Friday off every 2 weeks).Contact me as best suits you: Teams, e-mail, in person. We can set some time aside to have a chat. I may not be available straight away to reply or meet the same day, but either myself or another MHFAider will be there always. Flag an e-mail as urgent if you like. As part of this role, I will let my closest working team know I may be late to or miss meetings where someone needs support in that moment.
Name and job title: Marta Santillo. Researcher in the Mental Health in Primary Care research group, BRC.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: 2023 and 2024 have been two important years for me. So much has happened and I pledged to make the world a happier one. In 2024 I completed my yoga teacher training and started holding space and contribute to people’s wellbeing through my sacred cycles inspired yoga classes. I really felt called to contribute in any ways I could to wellbeing and mental health in all areas of my life. I decided to do so in my professional life too and decided to become a MHFAider in the department.
What I bring to the role: I really enjoyed the two days training, it really opened my eyes and heart to what wellbeing and mental health means and how I could support my peers and colleagues in their own journey. It was lovely to train with people with different backgrounds, also outside the University. I have learnt so much from their insight and their reflections. The training also made me reflect on how the mental health and wellbeing of teams might look like and what changes we could implement to make sure to increase regular checking in with colleagues, to reduce isolation and loneliness.
Personal interests: Yoga, Writing, Art Journalling, Ballet, connecting with the natural world.
Best way to contact me: I am based at the Gibson building. The best way to contact me is my email at marta.santillo@phc.ox.ac.uk
Name and job title: Nerys Astbury. Associate Professor - Diet & Obesity.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: TBC
What I bring to the role: TBC
Personal interests: TBC
Best way to contact me: Email: nerys.astbury@phc.ox.ac.uk
Name and job title: Suzanne Ii. Senior Qualitative Researcher.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I am in two job roles in the University and realised MHFAs are not present in every department. My particular aim is to support and be the listening ear for anyone who wishes to disclose their lived experience to me (in confidence) if they are in need.
What I bring to the role: I am trained in active listening and empathetic skills as part of my training as a researcher. I hope to be as approachable a person as possible. As I had a traumatic experience as a result of my research work, I can support staff who are experiencing a similar situation.
Personal interests: I am many roles all in one, from my other job role. I am a Wellbeing Champion, Harassment Advisor and I look after EDI, research culture and Athena Swan.
Best way to contact me: Email: suzanne.Ii@phc.ox.ac.uk. or via direct message through Teams. I am occasionally in RPC on Thursdays, but I work from home.
Name and job title: Corina Cheeks. Marketing and Communications Manager.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported and comfortable discussing mental health openly. Having seen the positive impact of mental health first aiders, I want to contribute to building a more understanding and supportive environment for all colleagues.
What I bring to the role: My communications background has equipped me with good listening skills and the ability to create comfortable spaces for conversation. I aim to be approachable and understanding, and can work with people from all backgrounds. I maintain a calm and focused approach when supporting others.
Personal interests: I enjoy live music, plants and outdoor activities like hiking and practicing yoga. I'm interested in psychology and continuous learning through reading and workshops.
Best way to contact me: Email: corina.cheeks@phc.ox.ac.uk I'm available via Teams chat or email during work hours. You can find me in the Comms Team on Level 2 on in-office days.
Name and job title: Kristy Smitten. Grants Manager.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: TBC
What I bring to the role: TBC
Personal interests: TBC
Best way to contact me: Email: kristy.smitten@phc.ox.ac.uk
Name and job title: Angela Difeng Wu. Postdoctoral Researcher.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: I believe in the importance of holding space for emotions and helping others process what they’re going through. Having personally experienced mood disorders, I know how valuable it is to have someone to talk to and finding someone who will sit and listen rather than judge and provide advice.
What I bring to the role: With a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to acknowledging and addressing how we feel, I aim to create a safe space for open conversations. My personal experience with poor mental health allows me to connect with others, and I hope to contribute to a workplace culture of understanding and support.
Personal interests: I love to sing and dance, and I often use movement and music as a way to relieve stress. When I feel overwhelmed, I like to picture my stress, acknowledge it as valid, and then imagine throwing it out of the car window.
Best way to contact me: You can reach me via Teams or email (angela.wu@phc.ox.ac.uk) during core working hours. I’m based on the 1st floor of RPC in the CEBM section of the office and usually in the office from Tuesdays to Thursdays. I’m happy to support colleagues on all topics (nothing is considered too small) but particularly I am comfortable discussing topics such as mood disorders, suicide ideation and self-harm.
Name and job title: Rebecca Siriwardene. Website and Communications Coordinator.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: TBC
What I bring to the role: TBC
Personal interests: TBC
Best way to contact me: Email: rebecca.siriwardene@phc.ox.ac.uk
Name and job title: Jessy Morton. Office and Wellbeing Manager.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: Mental Health has a profound impact on wellbeing. Therefore, the ability to signpost others towards the help they need, whether through professional services, workplace initiatives or self-care strategies is an invaluable skill to develop.
What I bring to the role: Having experienced my own mental health challenges, I feel well-placed to support others and to identify appropriate resources. As I work onsite 5 days a week and regularly available.
Best way to contact me: I am happy to be contacted via email jessy.morton@phc.ox.ac.uk or face to face, just come and say hi at my office at RPC ground floor.
Name and job title: Jared Robinson. Senior Trial Manager.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: TBC
What I bring to the role: TBC
Personal interests: TBC
Best way to contact me: Email: jared.robinson@phc.ox.ac.uk
Name and job title: Apostolos Tsiachristas. Associate Professor.
Reason for becoming a MHFAider: TBC
What I bring to the role: TBC
Personal interests: TBC
Best way to contact me: Email: apostolos.tsiachristas@phc.ox.ac.uk
University signposting
- Within the University, students can get support from Student Welfare through the Student Counselling Service.
- Further local support for staff and students is signposted from the EDU website.
- Health Assured - an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee benefit designed to help you deal with your personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing. The University has partnered with Health Assured to provide this service to all University employees, your partners and dependants.
External support
If you wish to explore more options, there are a number of websites below which you may useful (please note that these are external to NDPCHS).
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
Support outside of core hours
If you or someone you know needs urgent support or is in crisis outside of core working hours:
- Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
- Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line.
- Call 111 for urgent GP advice or appointments.
- More information about all these services can be found on these NHS webpages.