Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing

Mental Health First Aider | UoB Board Staff Member

Hi, I’m Giles — I have led the Marketing course at the University of Bedfordshire since 2019, and very happy to be part of our Mental Health First Aider team. I’ve been a staff member on the University Board since May 2025, and I’m passionate about supporting both the academic and wellbeing sides of university life.

Alongside my teaching and research (which includes the ethical use of AI), I’m always happy to meet and listen to anyone who needs it. I believe we have an inclusive campus where everyone feels heard.
Outside of work, I’m a keen birdwatcher, squash player, and classic car enthusiast. I also support Liverpool FC and enjoy being active in my local community and church.

Whether it’s a chat about marketing, mental health, or cars, I’m always up for a conversation.

You can find my full biog on the main website

Giles.robertson@beds.ac.uk

I have worked at UoB since 2024 as part of the Strategic Improvement team however over the last 20 years I have managed projects and programmes for both HE (strategic and change) and within the entertainment industry (theatre and film design), throughout the US and UK.

Outside of work my 2 children (8 and 12) keep me busy (and feeling young!). I am obsessed with my dog; passionate about design, art, and hiking; proud member of the lgbtqa and neurodiverse communities; and can often found dancing on my own - pretty much anywhere, much to the embarrassment of my eldest!

I became a MHFA as I truly love people and any opportunity to support others is where I want to be. Based at the Luton campus, working Monday - Friday, I am happy to meet in person or via teams.

Hi I'm Helen and I love to attend exercise and ballroom classes, I used to dance in my teenage years and I am getting back to what I enjoy. Weekends are being Mum to an 11yr old boy and visiting the zoo with the family. I became a MHFA, as colleagues naturally talked and confided in me, to be an MHFA would assist me in signposting and listening to colleagues and friends.

I can be contacted on 01582 743845 or 07548 846632, via Teams or email helen.callaghan@beds.ac.uk.
Working hours: Monday - Wednesday 8am - 5pm, Thursday & Friday 8am - 2pm

I am one of our international recruitment managers based in the international office in Luton. I have worked at the university for the past 15 years. Outside of the University of Bedfordshire I am also a silver commander with Blevec ( Local resilience) and I am a GoodSam responder and an emergency first aider. I am also involved in the local scouts group. I have a wide experience helping family and friends with various mental health situations which led me to becoming a mental health first aider. I am based in Luton and on campus every day when I am not traveling. You can email me or teams me as needed and I will gladly meet up for a chat.

lee.allen@beds.ac.uk

I look after Learning and development, which means I not only arrange and write training and development, I deliver it too. I became a MHFA because the training and coaching part of my role brings me together with many colleagues across the University. Sometimes the subjects we talk about can be emotional and its important to be able to offer support in the moment. Other times, colleagues find that having made a connection outside their faculty or directorate makes it easier to talk, and after connecting in training, I hear that helps them feel safe and welcome to reach out. You can reach me directly by email or by Teams. I'm typically in Luton Tues and Weds and Bedford Thursdays.

Kate.Phillips@beds.ac.uk

Hello, I'm Kirsten, and I am proud to be a mental health first aider. I have been working at the University for the past four years, with the nursing team. With a background in nursing and a deep understanding of the importance of mental health from both my career and personal life, I'm here to offer support whether you are facing a challenging time or would just like someone to talk to.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy listening to music, attending festivals, reading and indulging in afternoon teas-so I'm always up for a chat over tea and cake. I'm also a mum to a large, loving patchwork family, and a proud parent to a dog and two guinea pigs. In my spare time, I volunteer with scouting, supporting young people to engage in adventurous activities, develop independence, and, most importantly have fun.

You can contact me via kirsten.lovegrove@beds.ac.uk or 01296 734 315.
I work over all 3 sites so depending on where I am, I am happy to meet in person or online.

I joined the University of Bedfordshire a few years ago and currently work in Research and Innovation Services as a Research Support Officer. The role involves working with academics to provide support and advice on funding opportunities, bidding, budgets and post award.

My insight into mental health has been gained through working in mental health as an administrator and when training to be a dance therapist. It’s taught me how important wellbeing is. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider was something that I have wanted to do for a long time to use the skills and expertise that I have. I am a good listener and can provide advice and signposting of where to go.

Outside of work, I love to go to spas and enjoy afternoon tea when I need time to relax. I also enjoy going to the theatre to see dance performances. I am very creative and love to explore new things and enjoy going to galleries and to explore architecture.

I am based on the Luton campus on campus Tuesday - Thursday, and happy to catch up over Teams. Monday and Friday on Teams only anytime between 9 – 4.

Michelle.Flinn@beds.ac.uk

Hi, I’m Louise. I’m one of the Mental Health First Aiders here at the University. I work as a Lecturer in Dance and Creative Health, and I’m passionate about supporting students and staff to feel well, heard, and able to thrive. Alongside my teaching, I also run a wellbeing business and have a background in massage therapy and coaching—so I’m always interested in how body, mind, and environment connect.

Whether you're navigating something challenging or simply need a space to talk things through, I’m here to listen without judgement and help you find the right next step.

I'm usually on the Bedford campus on Mondays and Thursdays and can be found in D1.05. You can also contact me via email at louise.douse@beds.ac.uk or reach out on Teams—whichever works best for you.

I am a Senior  Lecturer in the Faculty of Accounting, Economics, Finance and Law.

I worked as a First Aider in the workplace for many years, which gave me valuable experience supporting others in times of need. Now, with growing awareness and openness around mental health, becoming a Mental Health First Aider feels like a natural and timely next step.

I am based at the Luton campus and can be contacted via Teams or email.

Lovewell.Chiti@beds.ac.uk

Hi, my name is Sudhir, and I work full-time as the Research Support Manager at the University of Bedfordshire, based in F300 at the Luton campus. In my role, I support academics with their funding applications and lead a small team within the Research and Innovation Service.

I am committed to creating a supportive and open environment where colleagues feel comfortable talking about their mental well-being. While I am not a counsellor, I can offer a listening ear, provide reassurance, and signpost you to appropriate resources and professional support if needed.

Please feel free to reach out to me via email at Sudhir.Tripathi@beds.ac.uk or send me a message on Teams if you’d like a confidential chat or simply need someone to talk to.

Hello, I’m Michelle and I have worked on early years education courses at UoB since 2016.  I am also a placement support coordinator for student teachers, which has a significant pastoral and wellbeing element to the role. I felt that being a MHFA was a natural extension to that role. I really enjoy listening to people and believe that we all sometimes need someone independent to chat to so we can navigate life’s challenges.
Outside of work I am mum to a teenager, step mum to two young adults and have lots of experience with neurodivergence. I enjoy walking, reading, cold water swimming and also play in a local orchestra. I am based at Bedford campus and work Wednesday-Friday. Please contact me via email or Teams for either a face to face or online chat.

My name is Pamela Du-Bisette. I’m the Health and Safety Advisor at the University and I also  a First Aider and Mental Health First Aider (MHFA).  As a Mental Health First Aider, I do my best to make sure mental health is taken just as seriously as physical health. I try to approach everything I do with kindness and compassion. I’m someone who likes to help wherever I can. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, mindfulness, listening to music, and cooking.

If you ever need someone to talk to or just want a friendly chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or one of the other MHFAs. We’re here to listen, support you, and help in any way we can.

I like to think I can be of help, maybe just a listening ear, no big/grand gestures or false promises.
Just here for all no matter what is wrong, we all need help from time to time.

Regards
Petra Heath
Credit Services
01582 743310
Petra.heath@beds.ac.uk

On Mon and Fri WFH (Mon 8.30 – 5, Fri 8.30 – 4.30) and on Tue, Wes and Thurs in Bedford Office 8.30- 5.

My name is Rostand Tayong and I am a Senior Lecturer in Automotive Engineering in the School of Computing, Engineering, and Creative Industries. I am honoured to serve as a Mental Health First Aider at our university. My commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing within academic settings is longstanding. In 2019, I undertook CPD training and earned a Level 3 certificate as a Mental Health Support Worker. Prior to this, I led a wellbeing working group at the University of Bristol, providing support to colleagues experiencing mental health challenges.

The university environment can be intellectually stimulating but can also present significant pressures, ranging from heavy workloads, sometimes complex interpersonal dynamics and competitive demands. From my experience, I know that these factors can sometimes adversely affect wellbeing and mental health. As part of the MHFA team, I am here to offer confidential, non-judgmental support and to help guide individuals toward appropriate resources and professional services.

I enjoy reading, walking, running, playing football, cooking, listening to music, and engaging in social activities that promote balance and connection.

You can contact me via email (rostand.tayongboumda@beds.ac.uk) or Microsoft Teams to arrange a confidential conversation, either in person or online.

I have worked at UoB since 2012, first working in UBBS supporting Law, HRM and Finance academic colleagues. For the last four years I have been working in CAP (Centre for Academic Partnerships). I am an Academic Partnership Manager and look after partners based in Trinidad, Guyana, and Egypt. Prior to joining UoB I worked at a London University running examinations and did some work in the non-profit area. I have always loved chatting to people and getting to know people behind their job titles.

Outside of work my six-year-old keeps me busy, I love socialising with friends and family at the weekend. Like exploring new places, eating out and watching boxsets. Last year I completed couch to 5K and am now the slowest member of a local running club, a sentence I never thought I would write!

Due to this I have often been a listening ear and becoming a MHFA seemed like a natural step. Based at the Luton campus, my working days are Monday – Thursday. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via Teams or email, I would love to have a chat. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out to any of the MHFA.

I joined the University of Bedfordshire a few years ago and currently work in the Academy for Learning Teaching & Libraries as an Administration, Communications & Website Coordinator. Before this role, I worked in other communications positions at the University, including leading entrepreneurship projects and managing external marketing campaigns, as well as contributing as an EDI Ambassador to support the UoB Race Equality Network.

My insight in to mental health has shaped how I connect with others. It’s taught me the value of empathy, active listening, and creating spaces where people feel safe to open up. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider was a natural next step, as I’ve often been the person people turn to for a listening ear - whether it’s to talk through something small or to share something much bigger. I believe that even a simple conversation can make a meaningful difference. I also love a good chat!

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two fur babies (Minx and Chu-chu), my partner, plus some amazing family and friends, who keep life entertaining for me. I also love discovering new places to eat, catching up on good boxsets, and finding small aspects of everyday life that help me unwind and positively redirect my thoughts.

I’m available for a chat if you ever want to talk - whether it’s about work, mental health, or just to connect. You don’t have to be in crisis to start a conversation. I am based on the Luton campus, and also happy to catch up over Teams. 🙂