Chrissie Taylor

Patron

In 1999 I was asked to join a small team that oversaw the running of the eating disorders support groups. The team had a vision, they wanted a centre where people could come for support, and get it quickly. I trained in eating disorders and fundraising management, formed SYEDA, and opened our first centre in 2007 with Big Lottery Funding. After managing the centre until it became established I became a trustee. I worked part-time for Beat as an Associate Trainer until my retirement in 2010. I retired from being a trustee in October 2019 and was asked to become a Patron for SYEDA, a role I am honoured to fulfil and will endeavour to further the cause of our charity. I now volunteer for SAVTE and teach English to a Syrian lady. My hobbies are sea kayaking, cycling, numerous crafts and hanging out with my lovely family.

Chris Hood

Chief Executive Officer

Having spent 25 years working in and managing care and support services I joined SYEDA in April 2013 at a time when the service was in a period of flux and uncertainty. I knew immediately how important and valuable the service had been and would remain to so many people affected by an eating disorder. My understanding was greatly enhanced through the wisdom of service users, existing staff and trustees. These three groups have remained my guide and inspiration ever since.

I remain unflinchingly optimistic about the possibility of change and progress. I have seen or heard of so many of our service users make the life changing journey towards recovery. I have learnt from and been inspired by their words and stories. My ability to effectively represent the needs of our service users (past, present or future) in meetings or in funding applications is reliant on listening and learning from those who need us.

I am determined to continue to seek the necessary resources to sustain and expand our wonderful service and support our staff and volunteers to be instrumental in prevention, early intervention and recovery maintenance.

It is an honour and privilege to lead such an amazing organisation and I begin every day with optimism and positivity about what we can do together.

Outside of work my life revolves round the needs of my 3 daughters and what little time I have left is focused on cycling, reading and community/political activity.

Michelle Hinde

Clinical Manager

BSc Hons Psychology, BSc Hons Occupational Therapy

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2006 and I have worked in the field of eating disorders since 2001. I am extremely passionate about the work SYEDA do and volunteered here previously, offering support to those affected by difficulties with food.

As Clinical Manager, my role is to oversee the clinical support services, including our Early Intervention and Prevention team, which we provide both in Sheffield and across wider South Yorkshire. I triage all of our Sheffield referrals and the majority of initial client assessments. In addition, I have a small caseload of clients to whom I offer specialist ED support.

As part of my role I liaise with a number of other ED services across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and I also look at developing better and more effective community support to all those affected by eating disorders or the signs of developing eating disorders.  

Matthew Peers

Chair

I have lived in Sheffield since 2010 when I started studying at the University of Sheffield. After graduating in 2014, I started work at Sheffield City Council. I have worked in a number of roles in the City Council across communications, public health, children’s mental health (jointly with Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group) and special educational needs. I currently work as Strategic Commissioning Manager for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at Sheffield City Council, a role I have been in since July 2019. I became a trustee in the summer of 2019 and work with other trustees and the team to help set the strategic direction of SYEDA.  

Steve Rippin

Trustee

I am an assistant headteacher and lead Special Educational Needs and Mental Health and Wellbeing at a Secondary School in Sheffield. I am passionate about mental health and wellbeing and joined as a trustee in 2020 to support the amazing work of SYEDA. In my spare time I like to be active outdoors and enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking and running.

Paul Mount

Trustee - Treasurer

Paul has been involved as a trustee of SYEDA since 2019. He became increasingly interested in eating disorders as his children became teenagers and talked about the difficult relationship many of their peers had with food. 

In Paul’s words:

“When a friend suggested becoming a trustee of SYEDA, I jumped at the chance. The team at SYEDA are passionate about providing a safe place to support people with eating disorders and their family and friends. It’s a privilege to be able to support the brilliant work the team does.”

Paul is an economist who has worked in a number of organisations during his 30-year career. He recently joined the Bank of England after ten years of working in the NHS. He holds an MSC in Economics from Warwick University and an MSC in Leadership (Quality Improvement) from Ashridge Business School. 

Paul lives in Sheffield and enjoys fell walking, running, and watching Sheffield United. 

Becky Wooley

Trustee

My name is Becky and I joined SYEDA as Trustee and Secretary in 2019. I studied in Sheffield as an undergraduate and fell in love with South Yorkshire. When I finished university in 2017, I started working at Rotherham Council as part of the Local Government Association’s graduate scheme, doing multiple placements in business transformation, policy and corporate improvement. In 2018, I started a new role at the Council working in policy, with a specific focus on partnership working and health. I am also currently studying for a Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Manchester.

I’m passionate about mental health and have a personal interest in eating disorders due to the experiences of people I care about. Joining SYEDA was a great opportunity for me to build on this passion, and I was drawn to the ethos of the organisation, particularly the inclusivity. In my free time, I like to read, watch films, cook and take far too many pictures of my cat!

Lauren Lawson

Business Manager

I joined SYEDA as their Office Manager in April 2022 and became Business Manager in December 2023 – prior to working here I worked in the private sector, with over 8 years’ experience in Administration and office management.

It is a great privilege to become part of an extremely passionate and dedicated team, to be able to assist them in making a real difference for people with eating disorders.

In my spare time you will find me chasing after my little boy, walking our dog or spending time with friends and family.

Claire Taranaski

Senior Administrator

I have over two decades experience working in administration across the voluntary and health sectors.

Since joining SYEDA in October 2020, I have felt honoured to be part of and provide a range admin support to its wonderful and dedicated team and my passion to improve the lives of those with eating disorders, their families and friends continues to grow.

After moving to South Yorkshire six years ago to start a family I have fallen in love with the region and its residents and have continued to be passionate about helping people in my local community and helping others to do the same, including as a volunteer and supporter of the local arts scene.

Lorna Cook

Senior Administrator

I joined SYEDA in December 2023 as their Senior Administrator. I previously worked in the private sector where I gained my experience in both accounts and administration

I am excited to be a part of an amazing organisation and help the team to make a positive impact on people’s lives who live with an eating disorder.

I am a family orientated person, in my spare time I care for my daughter, and spend a lot of time with my family and friends.

Sophie O'Horan Williams

Marketing & Communications Officer

I have 10 years of marketing experience and feel passionate about helping organisations tell their story. My hope is to provide life-changing communications and connect services with their users through powerful and impactful design.

 Being part of the team at SYEDA brings me immense pride. Working for a cause that is close to my heart has been a joy and a pleasure and continues to motivate me every day. In my spare time, you’ll find me teaching yoga and hiking around Sheffield with my dog and husband.

Betty Smith

Young Persons Therapist and Eating Disorders Practitioner

My role at SYEDA is to work one to one with young people across Rotherham, as part of the Prevention and Early Intervention team. I work using an Integrative approach, which means collaborating with each person to support them as a unique individual. I provide a space where clients struggling with their relationship with food and/or body image are encouraged to be curious and more compassionate towards themselves, and where they can explore their experiences, thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships without judgement.

 I retrained as a therapist following a career break from my previous work in Social Housing and qualified with a Professional Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Before joining SYEDA I worked therapeutically in an education setting and within another local charity where I continue to volunteer.

 I love to be out in nature, especially walking with my wonderful dog whatever the weather.

Jill Bluff

CBT-T Practitioner

At SYEDA, I deliver CBT-T. This is a 10-session programme of cognitive behavioural therapy designed for people experiencing bingeing and/or purging. I help clients discover why they are bingeing/purging and teach them strategies for preventing these behaviours long term. We also work on issues around specific foods and learn techniques to improve body image. It is very much a practical ‘doing therapy’ involving behavioural change.

Before joining SYEDA in 2020, I spent three years as a volunteer be-friender and Trustee of my local MIND. I am delighted to be part of the SYEDA team, with people who are passionate about delivering effective therapies. I have a First Class Honours degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in psychology and am currently studying for a post-graduate diploma in CBT.

Outside work, I am never happier than when I’m outdoors. I don’t even need sunshine! I just pull on my wellies and off I go!