Our Trustees

Chair

Anna Matthews (she/her)

Anna trained as a psychotherapist and is now the Director of the University Mentoring Organisation (UMO). 

How do you look after your mental health?

To look after my mental health I regularly run and undertake group sports. I really enjoy the engagement with others and the chance to take a break from work and general life commitments as both keep me focussed in the moment. 

I also enjoy spending time with my young family as well as my friends and as much as possible, I plan ahead so that I have breaks to look forward to.

Treasurer

Andrew Plumtree (he/him)

Andrew is a qualified accountant with a background in mental health policy and is currently an Associate Director in healthcare advisory at Grant Thornton.

How do you look after your mental health?

I try and prioritise the things that make me happy; spending time with friends, listening to music, going to the theatre or reading a good book. I also try to recognise when my well-being isn’t where I’d like to be and take some small steps to improve it; which most likely includes a brisk walk, getting an early night, or seeking help from a friend or work colleague.

Trustee

Lydia Pell (she/her)

After training as an Art Psychotherapist and a career in student mental health in HE, Lydia is now studying for a PhD and providing supervision and consultancy. 

How do you look after your mental health?

I use a trial and error approach to looking after my mental health. I find that some things that used to help aren't always useful in different situations. 

I try to keep a clear separation between work time and home time, and keep set times to respond to emails, and other time that is for family time.

This year I moved to a much more rural location, and so I get to see green hills every day, and cows and sheep. This really helps, particularly on days when the sky is blue. On the grey miserable days I may still layer up and plant some trees, or may choose to put the fire on and read a book for my down time. I practice self compassion, and trying to not compare myself to others, but to be pleased with the achievements I have, and to make sure I have time in my week that is spent with people I love, but also I have some time to myself when I am not having to prioritise others needs. This can be very difficult, but really important when in a helping profession. I also have people around me who remind me to do the above if I am feeling a bit stressed, or have a lot on. These are often people who I do the same for, so we are all a great support to each other. 

I am very lucky that in the last year I have been able to start my own private practice alongside studying, and both of these are really enjoyable and keep me learning, and thinking, and connecting with others. These things have always tended to help keep my mental health in a good place.

I also don't drink coffee after lunch time to make sure I get a good night sleep. This is hard because I love coffee, so I make sure I savor the first one of the day.

Trustee

Hannah Abrahams (she/her)

After several years working as a Mental Health Advisor, Hannah is now Head of Student Wellbeing Services at the University of Birkbeck, London

Trustee (Marketing and Communications)

Matt Kempen (he/him)

Matt is the Marketing Manager for the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH). 

How do you look after your mental health

Comedy, cycling, music, film, and taking the dog for walk. Sometimes I need familiarity so will listen to a comedy podcast or favourite album, or watch a film for the hundredth time. Other times I need to get on the bike or take my dog out for a walk, he always obliges. 

Trustee

Hannah Borkin (she/her)

Hannah is an experienced social research and evaluation professional with a keen interest in disability inclusion and mental health and wellbeing. She is currently the Research and Evaluation Lead at the Centre for Youth Impact, putting evidence into practice to help share equitable service design and delivery for young people. 

How do you look after your mental health?  

I try to exercise as regularly as possible, though do not blame myself if this doesn’t go to plan. Particularly over the past couple of years and with plans changing all the time, I recognise that sticking to a routine is not always easy and we need to be gentle with ourselves. Having been through a significant bereavement at an early age, I also appreciate the importance of openness and speaking with friends and family when I am finding things tough.

Trustee (Marketing & Communications)

Tessa Bartlett (she/her)

Tessa is a strategy and communications professional with many years experience working within higher education. She now works for a small regional environmental charity. 

How do you look after your mental health?

Exercising in the natural environment is the biggest boost I can give my mental health. I address my eco-anxiety by working for an environmental charity. Importantly, if I feel my mental health slipping, I tell those closest to me. We all struggle at times and it’s important to feel able to discuss mental health. 

Trustee

Tor Obermaier (she/her)

Tor is an empowerment coach for women and adolescents and the proud owner of Liftt Therapies where she applies as 360 degree approach to her clients well being.

Having led for many years in the SEMH education sector she then trained Neuro Linguistic
Practitioner and certified coach. She works with schools and clients in her private practice.
As well as having the honouring of being on the board of trustees of UMHAN she is also a trustee at her local secondary and so brings a wealth if experience with her.

She is the proud mum of three young women, wife to her amazing, supportive husband and the owner of 2 sprocker spaniels.

How do you look after your mental health?

When I'm not working out at the gym you can find me singing, dancing and acting at my local theatre company or walking my dogs in the beautiful Wye Valley.