Jane Pryde - Project Manager
Jane moved to Allendale as a teenager and studied Psychology and Anthropology at Durham University. She completed a PgDip in Careers Guidance and Counselling, whilst working as a volunteer youth worker with underprivileged teenage girls at the Citadel in Edinburgh. She went on to case-manage adult male offenders from Saughton prison during their transition back into the community, education, training and employment. Throughout her life, Jane has always found a way to use her passion for art and craft. Her skills and experience lend themselves perfectly to Higher Ground Allendale, and to increasing wellbeing, confidence and motivation through teaching new skills and enabling like-minded people to socialise in a beautiful space.
Sam Coulson - Garden Manager
Sam grew up in Wooler and began gardening professionally in 2002, gaining an RHS General Certificate in Horticulture in 2004. He also completed an MA in Journalism at Sunderland University. After nine years of self-employment, he joined the team at Lilburn Tower, working under Head Gardener, David Sinclair, one of the most knowledgeable and respected gardeners in the country. Sam was also Head Gardener at Carntyne Residential Care Home in Hexham for two years. Having experienced mental illness, Sam strongly believes in the benefits to mental health and wellbeing that gardening can bring about. His experience, knowledge, vision and passion for a beautiful therapeutic garden is essential to the success of this project.
Ginny Swaile - Director
Ginny has a BA (Hons) in marine biology from Newcastle University and has worked in the environmental public sector for 25 years, currently as a scientific adviser to Government on topics such as marine biodiversity recovery and climate change mitigation. She moved to Allendale in 2000 and lives on an increasingly wild smallholding outside the village with her husband, three children and a variety of animals. Ginny has been involved in village life through several roles and coaches gymnastics at the primary school. Her passion for rewilding and her personal experience of the connection between mental wellbeing and the outdoors brought her to Higher Ground, where she runs the wild plant nursery, bringing nature into our community.
Andrew Fletcher - Director
Andrew has been a writer, musician, researcher, barman and gardener, and was a director of the Newcastle Community Green Festival. His experience led to a heightened interest in the connections between creativity and mental health, and he is now a Research Associate at Durham University, working on projects around philosophy, social policy and mental health. Andrew has a track record in fundraising and is keen to put his creative and academic skills to use with Higher Ground Allendale. He has a cat and a dog and a wife.
Lisa Powell - Mental Health Advisor
Lisa is an experienced Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Occupational Therapist, and has worked in NHS and private mental health settings. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy and a PgDip in Advanced CBT. After spending five years providing occupational therapy in Cumbria, Lisa moved to Early Intervention in Psychosis, providing CBT and care co-ordination to young adults. In 2009, Lisa became a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and runs a private practice for private and corporate clients. She is a preferred provider for Rehabworks and an approved therapist for Anxiety UK. Lisa has personal experience of anxiety, depression and ME/CFS, and lives with her partner and two children in Northumberland.
Craig Atkinson - Volunteer Adviser
Craig has lived in Allendale since early 2016, after moving to Northumberland from London. He is a teacher by profession and taught in primary schools for over 20 years. He now works as a supply teacher and for the children’s charity, Action for Children, where his role involves advocacy and social media promotion. Craig has been involved in volunteering for most of his adult life and actively volunteers for several local groups, including the Deneholme Woods Volunteers and the West Northumberland Food Bank. He also coordinates the volunteers at the Allen Valleys Folk Festival.