Michaela Gwilliam - Project/Operational Support Coordinator. BSc (Hons.)

Michaela started her journey with First Person Project as a student on placement, then transitioning into a volunteer role. During this time Michaela was completing her undergraduate degree in Critical Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy and eventually graduated with upper second-class honours. This degree and the experience with FPP gave her an appreciation of the need for a personalised and proactive approach to mental health that empowered individuals and communities. Soon after Michaela graduated, she was offered a part time and subsequently, full-time position in the First Person Team.

Michaela has previously volunteered with a Riding for the Disabled Association Stables, her university Coppafeel society and an informal befriending service.

 
Michaela has lived experience of mental ill health having accessed mental health services since their early teens. This lived experience has driven Michaela to not only want to help others but also to influence changes in practice and policy to create better mental health support for everyone. In addition to this Michaela has worked in roles supporting adults with complex needs and saw just how important mental health is for a person’s wellbeing. Michaela believes that inside each of us is the capacity to bring about meaningful change on both individual and community levels. 

Alongside their university education, Michaela has completed a Safeguarding qualification, Various coaching skills courses, and suicide awareness training, she is currently undertaking an accredited strategic coaching qualification. 

Outside of her professional life, Michaela is an avid reader, enjoying fantasy and crime novels. She also enjoys spending time in nature and surrounding herself with animals.