Laura joined Rethink in 2023 as Head of Involvement and is responsible for embedding best practice in co-production and involvement across the organisation. She has over 15 years’ experience in co-production and involvement, previously having worked with young people experiencing social inequality and injustice on youth-led initiatives on the issues affecting them. Laura has been
Speaker Group: DDST 2026
Adrian Dunsterville
Adrian has over 30 years’ experience in health and social care across public and voluntary sectors. He has worked with children, adults and older people with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities, and has managed CQC‑registered care homes and supported housing services at local, area and regional levels. Before joining CQC in 2014 as
Tracey Blackwell
Tracy joined Rethink as Director of Service Development in 2024 to lead Rethink’s Service Development Division, developing new services, exploring opportunities for innovation and creating new ventures to help meet the needs of people severely affected by mental illness. Tracy has over 20 years’ experience as a senior leader in the charity sector, having previously
Dean Moriarty
I have lived experience of mental health services, including being detained under the Mental Health Act, which strongly informs my work today. I now work as a Patient Safety Partner, using my personal and professional insight to support safer, more compassionate care. I am particularly passionate about reducing restrictive practices and promoting approaches that are
Janine Hunter
Nicholas Smith
Andrew Arnold
Lead Designer on the Seren Lodge Project. Andrew is an Award-Winning Architect with over 25 years’ experience delivering acclaimed projects across all aspects of the Mental Health spectrum. He heads up a vastly experienced team at Gilling Dod with first-hand knowledge and insights into the key drivers and challenges found in productive MH design.
Graham Wood
Capital Project Manager, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Capital Project Manager with more than a decade in mental healthcare, delivering a wide portfolio of capital projects from minor works to complex, multi‑disciplinary developments.
Sarah Hull
Registered Mental Health Nurse and Operational Lead for Perinatal Services in Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. (Has worked in perinatal services for 5 years. Clinical lead and main point of contact throughout the design process and delivery stages).
Liz Lavender
Liz Lavender is an Interior Designer and Expert by Experience, specialising in creating sensory-informed environments that feel safe, calm, and responsive — particularly for people with sensory needs, autism, or a learning disability. She combines over 20 years of professional design, project management, and global procurement experience with lived insight as a parent navigating the
Closing Keynote:
‘My Own Experience’
Mandy Stevens, Author
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