The team
Standing Together.
Facilitators, counsellors, trainers, and community advocates.
Meet the team
Directors & facilitators.
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01Caroline Shanks
Founding Director · NLP Practitioner
With 20+ years of experience in mental health, Caroline recognised the unmet needs in her local community and created Shift Together to provide free, accessible, and inclusive mental health support groups. Caroline, inspired by her group members, and supported by her invaluable team, strives to eliminate stigma for good. Caroline believes that connection is key to achieving a brighter, kinder future and by standing together we can make a real impact.
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02Ellender Wildey
Director · MHFA Instructor · Online Facilitator
As a freelance Mental Health First Aid instructor and National Trainer for MHFA Wales, Ellender's compassion and empathy for other people has been of utmost importance. Ellender works with organisations to help end the stigma of mental health by educating people to support each other through their challenges.
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03Louise Gaw
Counsellor · Facilitator
As a counsellor, Louise has always recognised the importance of autonomy, challenges and relationships, and is privileged to connect with people through difficult times. Acknowledging the need to make therapeutic support more accessible, Louise is delighted to be working with Shift to bring mental health support groups to her local community.
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04Patricia Withers
Director · Retired Physiotherapist
A champion for bringing communities together, Patricia has gained extensive experience during her career on the importance of psychosomatic unity (the mind and body as one). Through her previous role as the 'Thomas Hardy Society' membership secretary, Patricia supports and encourages Shift Together's digital connectivity.
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05Echo Shanks
PR · Marketing & Social Media
With a degree in Business & Marketing, Echo brings fresh energy to Shift Together's mission of eliminating stigma surrounding mental health. Passionate about equality and diversity, Echo works to bring the message of Shift into the corporate world.
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06Kate Longbourne
Director · Education & Family Wellbeing
With over 30 years in education, Kate is a champion for the whole family. She specialises in navigating challenging situations with a "best for the family, best for the child" philosophy. By prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of every family member, Kate ensures that everyone can shift toward a brighter, more successful future together.
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07Abigail Mukherjee
Cultural Advisor
As Cultural Advisor, Abigail helps Shift Together broaden its reach and make sure its mental health support feels accessible to everyone, regardless of background. She brings a perspective that recognises how culture, family, and community shape the way people experience and talk about mental health — helping the team build groups that feel welcoming to all.
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08Louis Gray
Infrastructure & Operations
Louis keeps the lights on behind the scenes at Shift Together — website, hosting, donations infrastructure, and the security and legal scaffolding that holds a small C.I.C. together. With a background in software engineering, his role is to make sure the technical and operational side runs quietly in the background, so the team can stay focused on community.
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09Elin Newton
Director · MHFA National Trainer · Suicide First Aid Instructor
As a National Trainer for MHFA Wales and a qualified Suicide First Aid Instructor, Elin's dedication to mental health support has been shaped by meaningful hands-on experience working within the charity sector. She is also a personal trainer, with a deep belief in the powerful connection between physical movement and mental wellbeing. Passionate about breaking down barriers and reducing stigma, Elin brings a holistic approach to supporting individuals and communities with their mental health.