Meet the team

Chief Executive Officer
Paula Blight
paula@swedauk.org 

Experience and a background in business are the main attributes I bring to SWEDA.  It all started back in 2005 when the then Board of Trustees were looking for someone who could impart some business elements into the charity, a bit of finance, fundraising and systems, which I took on in a very part-time role. I have been here ever since! Throughout this period SWEDA has seen some highs, lows, and experienced turbulent times.  However, over time the ‘bit of things’ has turned into more sustainable offering along with my knowledge, experience, and strategic vision I feel privileged to have led SWEDA to greater success. Especially within the past few years where we have seen exponential growth in demand for eating disorders services and where SWEDA has risen to meet these challenges alongside our loyal stakeholders, all of which has enabled the charity to come some way towards meeting this demand, develop new service offerings and expand across new geographical areas.  

Bringing a creative element to all that I do, I understand the importance of imagery, branding and how one’s environment plays an important part of recovery, all of which is demonstrated throughout SWEDA premises and our profile within our communities.  Never knowingly under-dressed I love fashion owning a vast eclectic wardrobe with a vintage vibe, much of which is locally sourced charity finds, interspersed with my own carefully crafted pieces.

I’ve been amazed where this journey has taken me and feel there is so much more I want to contribute.  I feel very excited for SWEDA and what the future hold for this very special, specialist mental health charity now across the South & West.

Chief Operating Officer
Sam Best
sambest@swedauk.org 

I have been actively involved in the voluntary and community sector and community development in Somerset for over 20 years.  As Chief Operating Officer at SWEDA, I am  responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation, ensuring the wellbeing of our staff and volunteer team and that the charity has the correct policies, procedures and systems in place to operate in a legal, safe and ethical manner.  I work closely with the CEO and Clinical Lead, developing and directing new projects and ensuring the sustainability of our core work.

Clinical Lead
Nerissa Shaw
nerissashaw@swedauk.org

Being the Clinical Lead at SWEDA is something I am very proud to be doing. Having had my own difficulties with my mental health, including an eating disorder, looking after an amazing charity like SWEDA feels like such an important and meaningful way to use the skills I have. It is very important to me that we can offer people with eating difficulties a knowledgeable and compassionate service. Outside of work I spend lots of time hiking and in nature, things which I find make me happy. 

Head of Fundraising
Deborah Xavier
deborahxavier@swedauk.org

I’ve worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, as a Project Manager, CEO and Consultant and fundraising has always been part of my role. Before SWEDA I helped to set up giving schemes in London boroughs, and to develop capacity building charity Pilotlight from a great idea to an organisation supporting hundreds of small charities each year across the UK. What I want from my day job is to make a difference and help good things to grow, and do that alongside amazing people - that’s what brought me to SWEDA. My job is to build a team to raise money and awareness to meet the urgent need for expert led eating disorder support. When I’m not doing that, I like exploring the beautiful South West with my family, growing things in my garden and baking cinnamon buns.

Bristol Clinical Lead
Sue T

As the Lead of SWEDA's Bristol team, I really try to emphasise that we are a whole team together. Each person brings their unique individuality to it, everybody works and supports one another, every person has some unique strengths for us to draw upon. I really hope that my team feel supported and given the space to make decisions for themselves. 

My SWEDA Champion topics are T1 Diabetes and Autism & Neurodiversity.

Somerset Area Lead
Emma W

I started at SWEDA in 2018 on my counselling placement, I then choose to continue working for SWEDA as I felt the work that SWEDA does is empowering, enabling, and so invaluable to our clients and I wanted to continue to be part of that. My favourite thing to do when I am not at work is going to the beach – I find it so peaceful and a good reset.

My Champion Area is Sexual Assault / Abuse. I choose this area as I have an interest in supporting and helping people who have experienced sexual assault / abuse. I want to support people who may have developed an eating disorder / disordered eating to cope, to feel empowered, to feel in control and try to support them to move back towards their bodies.

Oxfordshire Area Lead
Sarah Stevens

"Having worked with eating disorders in various different roles over many years, I am delighted to represent SWEDA as the Oxfordshire Area Lead.  My aim is to support my team in maintaining the SWEDA ethos of engaging, enabling and empowering all of our clients on their road of recovery."

Children & Young People's Lead
Hannah M

I have worked with CYP for all my working life.  I enjoy working at SWEDA because it is such a positive, progressive, and professional organisation.  I love being outdoors and my happy place is anywhere by the sea – somewhat controversially, I prefer a pebble beach to sandy one!

I am one of the Champions for Autism within SWEDA.  With a significant link between Autism and Eating disorders, SWEDA has worked hard to become more Autism friendly, and our client led approach means that we are always striving to provide the best experience for our clients, adapting what we do to suit different people’s needs.

Therapeutic Services Manager
Claire R

My background is working in the Leisure industry: fitness, education and working with athletes. You will often find me playing tennis socially and competitively in my spare time. 
My SWEDA Champion area is LGBTQIA+.

Therapeutic Support Worker (Inner City & East)
George G

What introduced me to eating disorders was so having lived experience of supporting people in my life who had experienced them. I wanted to look into working in mental health and the role of Bristol Support Worker felt like a very natural fit: having met everyone at SWEDA I felt enthused that it would be a nice place to work. My Champion topic is Body Image & Body Dysmorphia which means making sure that SWEDA is informed and aware about how body image concerns and body dysmorphia may occur alongside eating disorders.

Therapeutic Support Worker (North & West) and Nutritionist
Hannah S

Therapeutic Support Worker (South)
Lisa B

I am a qualified integrative counsellor and therapeutic support worker with SWEDA. I feel very proud and grateful to work with such a committed team offering our clients a non-judgemental space where they will be truly listened to and supported. My experience of caring for a child with an eating disorder and witnessing the effects this has on family and friends led me to wanting to work in this field, and remains my area of particular interest.

Therapeutic Support Worker (South)
Joey J

My interest in eating disorders came from a friend who had suffered during university, which inspired me to join the SWEDA team. My Champion Area is Domestic Violence, which feels such an important area to learn about with 1 in 5 adults experiencing it during their lifetime. 

Therapeutic Support Worker (Woodspring)
Kat C

I am an integrative counsellor and I love doing anything creative! I feel passionate that early intervention in eating disorders is so important, and my hope for anyone accessing support from SWEDA is that they feel heard, understood, and empowered. I have experience as a counsellor supporting pregnant women and new mothers, so I am really pleased to be a Perinatal Champion for SWEDA.

Therapeutic Support Worker
Hayley C

As a therapeutic support worker at SWEDA, I am deeply committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of eating disorders with empathy and understanding. I chose to work for SWEDA because of its unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to those in need.

Outside of my professional life, I find joy in attending dance classes, where I can express myself creatively and stay active. Spending quality time with friends and family is also a cherished part of my life, as it allows me to cultivate meaningful connections and create lasting memories.

Mendip - Therapeutic Support Worker & Qualified Counsellor
Mel N

I started with SWEDA as I wanted to volunteer for a charity who helped people affected by eating disorders. That was 5 years ago and now I am a therupetic support worker for the Mendips and a Children and Young People Counsellor. I love SWEDA's ethos and it is such a supportive place to work. Outside of my SWEDA work I love dancing and anything Disney!

My Champion Area is Grief and Bereavement.

West Somerset & Taunton - Therapeutic Support Worker & Qualified Volunteer Counsellor
Amanda K

I joined the SWEDA team in 2020 and now work as a Therapeutic Support Worker and Counsellor in Somerset. Having spent my career in industry and education but always related to food, analysis of eating, nutrition, and wellbeing my interest and knowledge of disordered eating evolved.  I love my job - it is an absolute privilege to work 1:1 and rewarding to see how with a little guidance and support clients can improve the quality of their lives.

Sedgemoor - Therapeutic Support Worker
Emma B

I work in the field of eating disorders because I believe it’s a health struggle that often goes unnoticed, despite affecting so many. Every person has a unique relationship with food, and that connection can deeply shape how we view ourselves. My passion lies in ensuring that those battling with eating disorders feel truly seen, heard, and validated. I’m inspired by the opportunity to listen to each person’s story and to walk alongside them in their journey, helping them take steps toward healing and recovery. To me, there’s nothing more meaningful than empowering someone to rebuild a healthy, compassionate relationship with themselves.

Children & Young People's Therapist
Zoe C

I love working with Children and Young People and particularly enjoy being creative in the therapy room. Lots of mess is always fun. I absolutely love being part of the SWEDA team, It’s a real privilege to be able to offer a safe place to those who need support, understanding, and to be heard.  Outside of work, I love being outside, spending time with my kids, and generally just being a bit silly and sharing lots of laughter!

CYP and Parent Therapeutic Support & Therapist
Georgeana G

I am a level 5 qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and am currently conducting research into multi-cultural competencies and diversity in counselling. I am passionate about advocating to increase awareness of eating disorders amongst society and I love the team aspect of working at SWEDA very much. I'm also the SWEDA Champion for Parents. Fun fact: I have attended a silent meditation retreat for 10 days, despite liking to talk a lot! 

Oxfordshire Therapeutic Support Worker
Mel B

I am a qualified integrative counsellor and therapeutic support worker with SWEDA. I always wanted to work as a counsellor as mental health struggles touch most people at some point & are such a fundamental influence on how we experience life. Everyone deserves the right to live life in a positive & fulfilling way. Following a change of career, I worked for a charity helping cancer sufferers & in schools seeing pupils & staff which is where I first experienced work with eating disorders. The work SWEDA do is so integral to supporting people with recovery & I am really happy to be part of the team.

Oxfordshire Therapeutic Support Worker
Hannah T

Hi, my name is Hannah, and I make up one of the therapeutic support workers/counsellors in Oxfordshire! The journey into psychotherapy training is a long and challenging one, so it was important to me to find a place of work that helps me feel supported. I love my role here at SWEDA not only because I get to meet and support service users who all have a unique story to tell. But also, because I get the opportunity to work alongside some of the most inspiring individuals and it is a great privilege to be part of a team that makes you feel that way.

Oxfordshire Therapeutic Support Worker
Danuta B

I am a qualified Integrative-Relational Counsellor and a Therapeutic Support worker at SWEDA. I joined SWEDA as I felt inspired about the meaningful work we do here, and I feel humbled to support individuals who are struggling with the impact of eating disorder on their quality of life.

Having personally experienced an eating disorder, I am deeply aware of the debilitating effect it can have. Through my professional and personal journey, I strive to restore hope and faith in the possibility of recovery.

Outside of my work I enjoy creative outlets like pottery and sculpting,  learning Italian and cycling.

Oxfordshire Therapeutic Support Worker
Imogen L

I’m a qualified counsellor and therapeutic support worker with SWEDA. I feel very lucky to be working in an area I have so much passion for and to meet people wherever they are in their unique recovery process. Everyone has a relationship with food and when this becomes challenging it can feel so isolating, so being able to offer support and empower people to find their way forward is something I feel fortunate to be part of!

My champion area is Disability. Lots of my previous work has been alongside disabled people and I feel strongly about learning ways to improve accessibility.

Administrator
Chris E
As one of Sweda’s administrators, and the SLT PA, I enjoy trying to keep everyone organised so they are equipped to support our service users. I work remotely for SWEDA but it’s such an inclusive organisation that I don’t feel 150 miles away!

Administrator
Rachel
As an administrator at SWEDA HQ I’m the first point of contact for referrals and new clients. I enjoy being a member of such an enthusiastic team and keeping the office shipshape. It feels good knowing that we are supporting so many people all over the South West and beyond.

Fundraising Manager
Gavin
As the Fundraising Manager, my focus is on raising awareness and vital funds to support our fantastic team at SWEDA. My role at SWEDA is to create engaging and inclusive events across our areas of impact , to bring new volunteers into the charity and to encourage businesses, schools and local organisations to host their own fundraisers for us. In my spare time, I write songs and make albums, which I regularly perform at festivals and venues across the UK and Europe.

Fundraising Officer
Peter
In my fundraising role with SWEDA, I collaborate with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners while managing databases to enhance our charitable impact. Even during my short time at here, I can already say that it’s a genuine privilege to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate team.

Communications & Fundraising Officer
Caitlin
My role focuses on SWEDA's email campaigns, social media and website. I came to SWEDA off the back of a challenging experience working in an inpatient unit for children and teenagers affected by severe eating disorders. Nobody should ever have to get to that point with their illness. That's why I'm part of the team that pushes for the funding that's needed to make SWEDA's early intervention support accessible for everyone, regardless of their income.