Mental Health Office Staff

Hello, I’m Lisa Smith, Mental Health Coordinator at YMCA Trinity Group.

I joined YMCA Trinity Group in January 2017 as an Administration Assistant, just as our Mental Health Programme was beginning as a pilot project. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the service, contributing to its development, and celebrating its many achievements.

In 2021, I became Senior Administrator, and in July 2025, I stepped into my current role as Mental Health Coordinator. I now oversee the day-to-day operations of our dedicated team, working closely with therapists and partner schools to ensure timely, effective support for staff and students.

What motivates me—even on the most challenging days—is knowing that our work helps young people access vital mental health support without the long waiting lists often found elsewhere. We frequently support the most vulnerable students, and I’m proud to play a part in making that care accessible when it’s needed most.

With over 20 years of experience in administration and customer service—primarily within the Civil Service—transitioning to the charitable sector was a significant shift. But thanks to the encouragement and support of my team and the wider organisation, I’ve embraced this change and grown both personally and professionally.

Since 2019, I’ve also mentored our Business & Administration Apprentices, which has been a rewarding opportunity to share knowledge, support growth, and help others thrive in their roles.

I’m proud to contribute to a service that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Hello, I’m Sukaina, and I am the Partnerships and Marketing Coordinator for the team.

I joined the team in 2018, initially to support the pilot of a mental health app. Over time, my role evolved to focus on the training side of the programme. I managed enquiries, advised on suitable training for various settings, and coordinated bookings. I liaised with our pool of trainers, booked venues, and organised virtual training sessions. I also devised the academic year calendar, prepared promotional emails, and managed our Eventbrite promotions.

In September 2024, I stepped into the role of Partnerships and Marketing Coordinator. This expanded position allows me to build and maintain strategic relationships with external partners, while also leading on marketing efforts to promote our training and mental health initiatives. I oversee campaign planning, manage communications across platforms, and ensure our messaging reflects the values and impact of our work.

I have always enjoyed working for the mental health programme, as I strongly believe in the message we deliver: we all have mental health, and it is just as important as physical health. I believe our work challenges stigma and creates space for people to talk openly about difficult and sometimes sensitive experiences.

My background is in youth and community work, with over 15 years of experience in the youth service. I’ve worked in schools on peer mentoring programmes and supported some of the most vulnerable young people in their communities

Hi, I’m Simi Mackay and I am the administrative assistant in the Mental Health Programme team.

I joined YMCA Trinity Group in December 2022 as an apprentice and in January 2025 I passed my apprenticeship in Business and administration level 3.

My role mainly involves processing the mental health referrals and invoices and assisting the mental health team with various administrative tasks and the daily running of the department.

I have a BA combined honours degree in Education studies and have more recently done much voluntary work in my local primary school helping and supporting young children as well as the teachers as their general assistant. I then went on in 2015 to complete a diploma in specialist support for teaching and learning in schools and carried on voluntarily helping ever since. As well as gaining experience of working in schools, I have in the last 20 years mainly worked as an administrative assistant for various companies in different fields. However, in most recent years I dedicated my time to raising my twin daughters at home.

Outside of work I am a huge papercraft fan, and I enjoy crafting and making handmade gifts. I also enjoy keeping active and walking a lot.

I work for YMCA because I share the belief in the values that YMCA hold in supporting and helping vulnerable people with mental health. I feel proud to be able to be part of an organisation that makes helping and supporting vulnerable people and transforming their lives for the better happen.