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MEET THE TEAM

Our Team

Rachel

Rachel

About you
I am the co-founder and CEO of The Positivitree. After experiencing first hand the lack of support for parent-carers I wanted to create something that addressed the gaps and gave parent-carers permission to focus on themselves, away from their caring responsibilities.

What part do you play in The Positivitree and why?
I am responsible for the day to day running of the organisation from establishing the culture and delivering on the vision to organising events, liaising with funders and partners. My role is varied and exciting and I have really learnt a lot in the last two years.

What you like best about being involved?
For me it is all about the people and the stories we hear. I absolutely love hearing about the incredible strength and tenacity of the parent-carers who access our support. It feels like we have a big community of people who just ‘get it’, they can empathise and support each other from a place of first-hand experience. Seeing the friendships created as a result of the events, activities and workshops we have put on is beyond anything I ever imagined.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
We are really lucky to live close to the beach and miles of promenade so to clear my head I will walk for miles or simply go and stand on the beach with no shoes or socks on and enjoy the sun (and wind/rain/snow) on my face while taking some big breaths of fresh air. I also love to write and find blogging and journaling cathartic.

Niki

Niki

About you
I have been living my dream the last few years working as yoga teacher, reiki therapist, meditation instructor, quantum healing practitioner and Spiritual Mentor.

What part do you play in The Positivitree and why?
I run all the spiritual wellbeing classes for The Positivitree. I am a parent-carers myself, my son was recently diagnosed with ADD and is on the ASD pathway. Deespite being part of the delivery of the sessions the support I personally get from the groups has been so heart warming.

What you like best about being involved?
The Positivitree offers such as safe and supportive environment for parent-carers. I really feel honoured to have all these gorgeous people in my life. It’s like a big family and the hugs are just AMAZING.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
I honestly do practice what I preach and use my own tools which keeps me from getting in the cupboard with a bottle of plonk when times are tough. Reiki, meditation, yoga and the rest of my spiritual toolkit work for me. This is what made me train in these areas because I want to help others too. If I can do it, you can too!

Lisa

Lisa

About you
Lisa works full time as an Account Manager and travels around the UK ensuring that her customers are being looked after. Blessed with a beautiful daughter and married to a very supportive husband.

What part do you play in The Positivitree and why?
I have known the founders of The Positivitree for many years and was delighted to be able to join the trustee board to help move the organisation forward. As a child I experienced being dreadfully ill and saw what my own parents went through at that time, I really connected with how the team at The Positivitree are looking to support those parent-carers in need.

What I remember from being ill as a child is how my parents’ own health and wellbeing went completely out of the window as they focussed on looking after me.

What you like best about being involved?
I love the support network the Positivitree Group has to created for the parent-carer community The groups help to parent-carers a chance to top up their energy levels again and, importantly, gives access to range of activities, events and workshops.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
I am a sucker for 'quick' Apps to relieve stress (e.g. HeadSpace). I (usually) spend a lot of time in the car and will listen 'Personal Development' CDs or downloads. Dr Wayne Dyer, How to be No Limits Person, has to one of my favourites! I enjoy Yoga (Hot Yoga too!) and, reading light hearted books. Most of all I like to talk and, see who's about for hugs when needed!

Liam

Liam

About you
I am newly qualified barber after I decided to take a leap of faith and step out of the commercial business world to gain qualifications in a field that has always been of interest to me.

What part do you play in The Positivitree and why?
I am a proud member of the trustee board. I have volunteered with the organisation from the start. I was inspired by the work Rachel & Lee were doing after Jack relapsed. I watched as they helped him through different forms of treatment and side effects of treatment while maintaining an optimism that I found really inspiring.

What you like best about being involved?
I love volunteering my time with The Positivitree. I love to meet the parents and carers and hear their stories. It is always very humbling to feel the gratitude from them for the services we are able offer. The difference something as simple as a hot, home-made meal that someone else has prepared for them blows me away every time.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
When I feel times are tough I always turn to exercise. I love to walk, dance and swim. I manage to lose myself in exercise and my mind clears allowing more rational thoughts.

Rachel Poole

Rachel

About you
I work in the garment and accessories industry for a lifestyle brand. Alongside this I am actively improving my understanding of mental health with recent courses completed in both mental health awareness and mental health first aid.

What part do you play in The Positivitree and why?
I am a newly appointed member and chair of the trustee board and feel honoured to be part of such an empowering and supportive organisation. Two of my Godchildren require parent-carers and I have witnessed how challenging an environment this can be. I want to make a difference to people’s mental and physical health and I’m keen to hit the ground running and support the momentum the founders have built over the last years.

What you like best about being involved?
I am extremely excited to see families from a variety of backgrounds and needs come together, support each other and grow together. I have experienced how just a couple of hours out of someone’s daily life can lift their mood and help them to care for their families in the best possible way.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
I hide my phone and laptop and immerse myself in a book or tv programme. I aim for at lease 10k steps a day which is easy when you have a very energetic toddler! I’ve recently taken up gardening which I find wonderfully relaxing.

Stacey

Stacey

About you
I have 4 children, 3 with additional needs. I’m a proud youth mental health first aider and have a lot of experience around trauma and can relate well to others.

What part do you play in The Positivitree and why?
I am a parent carer that The Positivitree has helped and supported with my own mental and physical wellbeing. I’m now doing something that I love in being able to share my knowledge and experience with other parent-carers through a 1-1 coaching approach.

What you like best about being involved?
I love being involved with The Positivitree because together we focus on empowering others to be their best self, to know that they aren't alone and to feel confident about themselves.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
When I'm not being a busy Mum I enjoy yoga and meditation. I like to socialise with like minded women and I love to learn through reading and doing courses

Clare

Clare

About you
I own and run an online retail business called Multi-sensory World with my partner, we provide sensory toys and equipment to the SEND community . We have two beautiful boys, both with additional needs.

What role will you play at The Positivitree?
I will be using my personal experience to help parents understand more about some of the sensory issues experienced by people with additional needs. I’ll be sharing self-help ideas that can be applied easily by anyone in the family.

Why have you joined the Positive-Team?
I have volunteered for a while and over the summer I have especially enjoyed meeting all the diverse families, it has been absolutely fantastic. The group has a lovely supportive feel to it which has helped me, as much as I have helped others.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
Since I started working with The Positivitree, I feel like I am focusing more on my own self-care routine. I enjoy spending time in our garden and planting lots of different varieties of fruit and salads for our family to eat. I also really enjoy going on long walks and exploring new places

Annie

Annie

About you
I have worked in education for 25 years and developed expertise in SEND and behaviour. I have three children; two wonderful sons with a mixture of autism, PDA, sensory processing difficulties and Anxiety Disorder. My daughter would have been 14 this year but sadly passed away. In recent years I have been an independent representative for SEND families through the EHCP process and Tribunal. This year I start a part time Masters in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs.

What part do you play in The Positivitree and why?
I am part of the new well-being team, offering peer support to parents and caregivers. I also have some administration and governance duties.

What you like best about being involved?
Over the years it would have been so nice to have the friendly support from other carers, who had lived experience. I’m so excited by the positive, can do attitude The Positivitree has towards helping us all to have some ‘me’ time.

What do you do to look after your mental health and wellbeing?
Recently, I’ve found mindfulness and meditation to be a great help. My only hobby is food - growing, recipes, cooking etc. I really like doing things from scratch - including making my own butter