Rethink Good Companions











		Meet the Good Companions Team! Service Manager Responsible for the delivery of the service including the budget, new referrals and complaints, and also managing a small number of partnerships Co-ordinators Match up volunteers to service users, and support and maintain these relationships. They also organise social activities in their own areas Befriender Workers Best described as 'paid volunteers', they befriend those who have been waiting a long time for a suitable volunteer, or those with more complex needs who require initial support before moving on to having a volunteer.
		Cath Weir Service Manager, based at the Southend Office Cath has worked for rethink since 1995, and came across to Good Companions in 2003. Previously she worked for RISE, the local drop in service, where she was Team Leader. Cath manages the day to day running of Good Companions and in her spare time she is an avid supporter of Southend United Football Club!
		Alison Williams Volunteer Recruitment & Mental Health Promotions Officer This is a busy role involving the recruitment and training of new volunteers. In addition Alison has the role of promoting both the service and Mental Health in the large area that we cover. This involves holding events, talks and displays in a variety of venues and styles.In her spare time Alison enjoys relaxing with her friends and family,walking and happily admits to being a book worm.
		Sharon Wilde Co ordinator for Southend & Brentwood Sharon joined the Good Companions team in 2003, after having worked at a womens refuge for 2 years. Sharon is a befriender worker as well as the Co-ordinator for the Brentwood area. In her spare time she is a keen dog walker and she also works for Cruse.
		Margaret Lowry Margaret is the longest standing staff member at Good Companions, and has been here since the start! Before this she supported service users in a residential setting. Margaret manages partnerships in Rayleigh, Castlepoint, and Rochford and also manages the Older Persons Service. She is a keen garderner and artistic flower arranger.
		Celia Moody Co-ordinator for Basildon & Wickford, Pitsea Office Celia has worked for rethink for 10 years, first within supported employment and then at the RISE drop in clubs. From here, she moved to Good Companions in 2001 and became the Co-ordinator for the Basildon area. Celia loves socialising, eating out and boot sales and you can often find her on the look out for an old jug or two, which she collects. She loves a bargain!
		Sharon Debrick Older Persons Befriender Worker, Pitsea Office Sharon is a befriender worker for Older People and came to Good Companions in 2003. She enjoyed a career in retail before becoming a care assistant with the elderly, and then moved to Good Companions. Sharon enjoys being a mum, and is a nail art enthusiast.
		Denise Murphy Befriender Worker, Pitsea Office Denise joined Good Companions first as a volunteer befriender and then as a Befriender worker in 2002. Her main career was in insurance in the City, and Good Companions was a welcome change. Denise loves socialising, eating out and dancing.
		Victoria Kent Co-ordinator, Southend Victoria started her career with rethink in the local drop in clubs, and for the last year has been Team Leader at RISE, in charge of the sessional staff. Victoria is now a part time Co-ordinator for the Southend area, and when not at work she enjoys spending time with her children and creative floristry.




Rethink is the operating name of National Schizophrenia Fellowship, a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 1227970 Registered charity no. 271028