Meet The Mentors
Meet The Mentors
Meet The Mentors
The Team Behind Arthur Ellis
We are more than just a mental health charity; we are a team of passionate, empathetic people dedicated to making a real difference. Everyone on our team shares the same goal. To provide fast, compassionate, and practical support that helps people feel heard, valued, and understood. With backgrounds in psychology, education, safeguarding, and mentoring, each team member brings their own expertise and personal commitment to improving mental health for all.
We offer sessions Monday to Saturday, from 9am-8pm.
Jon Manning
Chair
Our Founder, Jon, started Arthur Ellis in the name of his Granddads who both suffered with their mental health in a time that it wasn't understood, or respected. Our charity name also means our clients have a certain level of privacy, when speaking with our organisation.
Ellis suffered greatly with Schizo-affective Disorder and spent over three decades hospitalised. He lost his family, work and housing. After also being diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition, and experiencing unsupported childhood experiences, Jon set up Arthur Ellis to change mental health services for good.
Jon regularly shares his stories, appears on podcasts, radio and television as an inspirational speaker and educator. If you're interested in booking Jon, please reach out us.
Chaminga Chandratillake
Trustee
Originally a mechanical engineer, he shifted focus to Analytics and Data science, first at Tesco, then as Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Sainsbury’s group, where he was responsible for embedding data at the heart of decision making for the organisation at large. From Sainsbury’s, Chaminga joined Meta as a Data Science Director, leading teams applying AI and advanced data science to the development of new advertising products and consumer experiences. Alongside his professional career, Chaminga is passionate about inclusion and widening opportunity.
Joy Edwards
Trustee
Joy has a wealth of experience coming from an extensive career in education. Joy supports the charity with expanding our support into education settings, as well as management of our finances to make sure that we are sustainable for the long-term too.
This means people of all ages will continue to get the help they need as quickly as possible, with no waiting lists - something Joy remains steadfastly passionate about.
Yvonne Graham
Trustee
Yvonne has been a Mentor with Arthur Ellis since it began, and is also one of our Trustees. She loves all things creative and spends as much time as she can outdoors. Tending to her garden and two grandchildren are her most favourite pastimes.
After working in education for over 30 years, including in SEN and exclusion environments, Yvonne retired from teaching. She has since dedicated her wealth of experience to help and support young people and their families.
Jess Hall
Trustee
Jess Hall is a senior business and technology leader with experience leading large teams, shaping strategy and delivering change across international organisations. She joined the Arthur Ellis Board because of its focus on providing practical, accessible mental health support and understands first-hand how difficult it can be for people and families to access support when they need it. Jess brings commercial, digital and organisational expertise, alongside a passion for helping the charity grow its reach, strengthen partnerships and support more people in their communities.
Melinda Johnson
Trustee
Melinda has recently retired from a director general role in the civil service to pursue a portfolio career including being a trustee and non executive director of organisations she values. Her core career was in the Commercial profession but she has led on all corporate services operations including Finance, HR, IT/Digital, Property/Estates, Information and Security. Melinda is passionate about diversity and inclusion and making a positive difference to people’s lives in the community as well as promoting places for growth. She has been a mental health sponsor, as well as a champion of women and social mobility.
Kerry Lewis-Stevenson
Trustee
With more than two decades in regional media, marketing and events across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, Kerry knows first-hand the pressures of running a business — and how easy it is to put your own wellbeing last. Kerry is passionate about changing that conversation.
Kerry brings strong connections across the local business community, communications and event expertise, and board experience as a non-executive director at Stanwick Lakes.
Gary Lincoln
Trustee
Gary is Group Director for the TXM Group, working across the TXM Group to assist with the drive for continuous growth and innovation while mentoring and nurturing relationships inside and outside the business. TXM is a global organisation providing resourcing and consultancy solutions worldwide specialising in engineering, healthcare, technology.
Gary enjoys connecting people and building networks. He is a former pastry chef and father of two.
Georgina Thompson
Trustee
Georgina joins us as an experienced project management professional with a strong focus on delivery, and a proven track record leading complex tenders and strategic initiatives. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, collaboration and clear communication, she has also recently established a self-employed consultancy, bringing entrepreneurial insight to our board, and is committed to creating opportunities whilst delivering social value. Georgina offers fresh perspective, constructive challenge, and strong governance support as a Trustee.
Carl Wardle
Trustee
Seven years ago, Carl believed that we should just 'get on with it', 'man up', and 'pull ourselves together'.
Until one day, Carl had a breakdown, and that day he started his own mental health journey.
Carl and Jon met at various functions and would have great conversations on how to make support more accessible for all, and to educate people to be more self-aware. With 30+ years' experience of engineering project management, design and problem-solving,
Carl utilises that analytical knowledge to reach more people in need, to educate and support.
What is a Mental Health Mentor?
We are deeply committed to providing the highest standard of mental health support. That is why we carefully select and train our team of experienced professionals to ensure every individual receives the best possible care.
Our Mentors come from diverse backgrounds in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Abuse Support, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Every Mentor undergoes an enhanced DBS check, comprehensive safeguarding training, and our in-depth Arthur Ellis training programme, ensuring their approach aligns with our proven techniques. These rigorous standards allow us to provide safe, effective, and compassionate support to anyone who reaches out to us.
If you've been positively impacted by one of our team, whether this is through 1:1 support sessions, Supervision, a workshop or our Summer Festival, you can leave us some love in different ways. We'd love it if you could leave us a review, or look at donation options - it's how we keep providing our award-winning service to the most vulnerable.
The Team Behind Arthur Ellis
We are more than just a mental health charity; we are a team of passionate, empathetic people dedicated to making a real difference. Everyone on our team shares the same goal. To provide fast, compassionate, and practical support that helps people feel heard, valued, and understood. With backgrounds in psychology, education, safeguarding, and mentoring, each team member brings their own expertise and personal commitment to improving mental health for all.
We offer sessions Monday to Saturday, from 9am-8pm.
Jon Manning
Chair
Our Founder, Jon, started Arthur Ellis in the name of his Granddads who both suffered with their mental health in a time that it wasn't spoken about, or understood. Ellis suffered greatly with Schizo-affective Disorder and spent over three decades hospitalised. After also being diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition, and experiencing unsupported, adverse childhood experiences, Jon set up Arthur Ellis to change mental health services for good.
Jon regularly shares his stories, appears on podcasts, radio and television as an inspirational speaker and educator. If you're interested in booking Jon, please reach out to the team.
Chaminga Chandratillake
Trustee
Originally a mechanical engineer, he shifted focus to Analytics and Data science, first at Tesco, then as Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Sainsbury’s group, where he was responsible for embedding data at the heart of decision making for the organisation at large. From Sainsbury’s, Chaminga joined Meta as a Data Science Director, leading teams applying AI and advanced data science to the development of new advertising products and consumer experiences. Alongside his professional career, Chaminga is passionate about inclusion and widening opportunity.
Joy Edwards
Trustee
Joy has a wealth of experience coming from an extensive career in education. Joy supports the charity with expanding our support into education settings, as well as management of our finances to make sure that we are sustainable for the long-term too.
This means people of all ages will continue to get the help they need as quickly as possible, with no waiting lists - something Joy remains steadfastly passionate about.
Yvonne Graham
Trustee
Yvonne has been a Mentor with Arthur Ellis since it began, and is also one of our Trustees. She loves all things creative and spends as much time as she can outdoors. Tending to her garden and two grandchildren are her most favourite pastimes.
After working in education for over 30 years, including in SEN and exclusion environments, Yvonne retired from teaching. She has since dedicated her wealth of experience to help and support young people and their families.
Jess Hall
Trustee
Jess Hall is a senior business and technology leader with experience leading large teams, shaping strategy and delivering change across international organisations. She joined the Arthur Ellis Board because of its focus on providing practical, accessible mental health support and understands first-hand how difficult it can be for people and families to access support when they need it. Jess brings commercial, digital and organisational expertise, alongside a passion for helping the charity grow its reach, strengthen partnerships and support more people in their communities.
Melinda Johnson
Trustee
Melinda has recently retired from a director general role in the civil service to pursue a portfolio career including being a trustee and non executive director of organisations she values. Her core career was in the Commercial profession but she has led on all corporate services operations including Finance, HR, IT/Digital, Property/Estates, Information and Security. Melinda is passionate about diversity and inclusion and making a positive difference to people’s lives in the community as well as promoting places for growth. She has been a mental health sponsor, as well as a champion of women and social mobility.
Kerry Lewis-Stevenson
Trustee
With more than two decades in regional media, marketing and events across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, Kerry knows first-hand the pressures of running a business — and how easy it is to put your own wellbeing last. Kerry is passionate about changing that conversation.
Kerry brings strong connections across the local business community, communications and event expertise, and board experience as a non-executive director at Stanwick Lakes.
Gary Lincoln
Trustee
Gary is Group Director for the TXM Group, working across the TXM Group to assist with the drive for continuous growth and innovation while mentoring and nurturing relationships inside and outside the business. TXM is a global organisation providing resourcing and consultancy solutions worldwide specialising in engineering, healthcare, technology.
Gary enjoys connecting people and building networks. He is a former pastry chef and father of two.
Georgina Thompson
Trustee
Georgina joins us as an experienced project management professional with a strong focus on delivery, and a proven track record leading complex tenders and strategic initiatives. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, collaboration and clear communication, she has also recently established a self-employed consultancy, bringing entrepreneurial insight to our board, and is committed to creating opportunities whilst delivering social value. Georgina offers fresh perspective, constructive challenge, and strong governance support as a Trustee.
Carl Wardle
Trustee
Seven years ago, Carl believed that we should just 'get on with it', 'man up', and 'pull ourselves together'.
Until one day, Carl had a breakdown, and that day he started his own mental health journey.
Carl and Jon met at various functions and would have great conversations on how to make support more accessible for all, and to educate people to be more self-aware. With 30+ years' experience of engineering project management, design and problem-solving,
Carl utilises that analytical knowledge to reach more people in need, to educate and support.
What is a Mental Health Mentor?
We are deeply committed to providing the highest standard of mental health support. That is why we carefully select and train our team of experienced professionals to ensure every individual receives the best possible care.
Our Mentors come from diverse backgrounds in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Abuse Support, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Every Mentor undergoes an enhanced DBS check, comprehensive safeguarding training, and our in-depth Arthur Ellis training programme, ensuring their approach aligns with our proven techniques. These rigorous standards allow us to provide safe, effective, and compassionate support to anyone who reaches out to us.
If you've been positively impacted by one of our team, whether this is through 1:1 support sessions, Supervision, a workshop or our Summer Festival, you can leave us some love in different ways. We'd love it if you could leave us a review, or look at donation options - it's how we keep providing our award-winning service to the most vulnerable.
The Team Behind Arthur Ellis
We are more than just a mental health charity; we are a team of passionate, empathetic people dedicated to making a real difference. Everyone on our team shares the same goal. To provide fast, compassionate, and practical support that helps people feel heard, valued, and understood. With backgrounds in psychology, education, safeguarding, and mentoring, each team member brings their own expertise and personal commitment to improving mental health for all.
We offer sessions Monday to Saturday, from 9am-8pm.
Jon Manning
Chair
Our Founder, Jon, started Arthur Ellis in the name of his Granddads who both suffered with their mental health in a time that it wasn't spoken about, or understood. Ellis suffered greatly with Schizo-affective Disorder and spent over three decades hospitalised. After also being diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition, and experiencing unsupported, adverse childhood experiences, Jon set up Arthur Ellis to change mental health services for good.
Jon regularly shares his stories, appears on podcasts, radio and television as an inspirational speaker and educator. If you're interested in booking Jon, please reach out to the team.
Chaminga Chandratillake
Trustee
Originally a mechanical engineer, he shifted focus to Analytics and Data science, first at Tesco, then as Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Sainsbury’s group, where he was responsible for embedding data at the heart of decision making for the organisation at large. From Sainsbury’s, Chaminga joined Meta as a Data Science Director, leading teams applying AI and advanced data science to the development of new advertising products and consumer experiences. Alongside his professional career, Chaminga is passionate about inclusion and widening opportunity.
Joy Edwards
Trustee
Joy has a wealth of experience coming from an extensive career in education. Joy supports the charity with expanding our support into education settings, as well as management of our finances to make sure that we are sustainable for the long-term too.
This means people of all ages will continue to get the help they need as quickly as possible, with no waiting lists - something Joy remains steadfastly passionate about.
Yvonne Graham
Trustee
Yvonne has been a Mentor with Arthur Ellis since it began, and is also one of our Trustees. She loves all things creative and spends as much time as she can outdoors. Tending to her garden and two grandchildren are her most favourite pastimes.
After working in education for over 30 years, including in SEN and exclusion environments, Yvonne retired from teaching. She has since dedicated her wealth of experience to help and support young people and their families.
Jess Hall
Trustee
Jess Hall is a senior business and technology leader with experience leading large teams, shaping strategy and delivering change across international organisations. She joined the Arthur Ellis Board because of its focus on providing practical, accessible mental health support and understands first-hand how difficult it can be for people and families to access support when they need it. Jess brings commercial, digital and organisational expertise, alongside a passion for helping the charity grow its reach, strengthen partnerships and support more people in their communities.
Melinda Johnson
Trustee
Melinda has recently retired from a director general role in the civil service to pursue a portfolio career including being a trustee and non executive director of organisations she values. Her core career was in the Commercial profession but she has led on all corporate services operations including Finance, HR, IT/Digital, Property/Estates, Information and Security. Melinda is passionate about diversity and inclusion and making a positive difference to people’s lives in the community as well as promoting places for growth. She has been a mental health sponsor, as well as a champion of women and social mobility.
Kerry Lewis-Stevenson
Trustee
With more than two decades in regional media, marketing and events across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, Kerry knows first-hand the pressures of running a business — and how easy it is to put your own wellbeing last. Kerry is passionate about changing that conversation.
Kerry brings strong connections across the local business community, communications and event expertise, and board experience as a non-executive director at Stanwick Lakes.
Gary Lincoln
Trustee
Gary is Group Director for the TXM Group, working across the TXM Group to assist with the drive for continuous growth and innovation while mentoring and nurturing relationships inside and outside the business. TXM is a global organisation providing resourcing and consultancy solutions worldwide specialising in engineering, healthcare, technology.
Gary enjoys connecting people and building networks. He is a former pastry chef and father of two.
Georgina Thompson
Trustee
Georgina joins us as an experienced project management professional with a strong focus on delivery, and a proven track record leading complex tenders and strategic initiatives. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, collaboration and clear communication, she has also recently established a self-employed consultancy, bringing entrepreneurial insight to our board, and is committed to creating opportunities whilst delivering social value. Georgina offers fresh perspective, constructive challenge, and strong governance support as a Trustee.
Carl Wardle
Trustee
Seven years ago, Carl believed that we should just 'get on with it', 'man up', and 'pull ourselves together'.
Until one day, Carl had a breakdown, and that day he started his own mental health journey.
Carl and Jon met at various functions and would have great conversations on how to make support more accessible for all, and to educate people to be more self-aware. With 30+ years' experience of engineering project management, design and problem-solving,
Carl utilises that analytical knowledge to reach more people in need, to educate and support.
What is a Mental Health Mentor?
We are deeply committed to providing the highest standard of mental health support. That is why we carefully select and train our team of experienced professionals to ensure every individual receives the best possible care.
Our Mentors come from diverse backgrounds in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Abuse Support, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Every Mentor undergoes an enhanced DBS check, comprehensive safeguarding training, and our in-depth Arthur Ellis training programme, ensuring their approach aligns with our proven techniques. These rigorous standards allow us to provide safe, effective, and compassionate support to anyone who reaches out to us.
If you've been positively impacted by one of our team, whether this is through 1:1 support sessions, Supervision, a workshop or our Summer Festival, you can leave us some love in different ways. We'd love it if you could leave us a review, or look at donation options - it's how we keep providing our award-winning service to the most vulnerable.
Need Immediate Support?
If you’re in crisis and need urgent help, please call 999.
Need Immediate Support?
If you’re in crisis and need urgent help, please call 999.
Need Immediate Support?
If you’re in crisis and need urgent help, please call 999.