Who we are
Just Ideas draws on the experience and skills of its two Directors, Helen Garforth and Richard Usher, to ensure that we are responsive to your organisation’s needs rather than letting our services dictate what we can do. We work collaboratively with other organisations and individuals to extend our reach and expertise, across the UK and internationally.
Our team
Helen Garforth
Director
With 20 years’ experience of cross sector working I am a specialist facilitator, writer and researcher. I have particular expertise in participatory learning and engagement, a passion for turning talk…
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Director
My love of working with people and organisations to enable them to reach their potential has driven twenty years of work in the UK voluntary sector and international development organisations.…
Read bioMary Singleton-White
Project Co-ordinator and Marketing Lead
Mary supports Just Ideas’ research, evaluation and facilitation and leads on marketing and communications. Mary is co-ordinator for the Reading schools’ Model Climate Conference with InterClimate Network. Mary particularly enjoys…
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Aideen Blackborough
Associate
Aideen writes: “Having been born with Cerebral Palsy, I am a passionate disability campaigner, trainer and writer. After studying Business Management…
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Associate
Ali works primarily in the voluntary sector for Reading Mencap supporting children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and…
Read bioCharlotte Pace
Associate
Charlotte is an Associate of Just Ideas and is a facilitator and action researcher undertaking a variety of projects within the…
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Associate
Dr Oenga is a researcher with a specialism in using participatory approaches to help multiple stakeholders to address the issues…
Read bioLaura Wallis
Associate
Laura is founding Director of Debating Mental Health Ltd. She has been designing and facilitating participatory training and conversations around mental…
Read bioLeila Baker
Associate
Leila is an Associate of Just Ideas and is a researcher with 25 years’ experience in the public and voluntary…
Read bioLisa Meaney
Research Associate
Lisa is a researcher specialising in co-production of knowledge and brings to the Just Ideas’ team over 20 years of…
Read bioShae Eccleston
Associate
Shae is a creative consultant, author and corporate trainer. She works with corporate clients, organisations, creatives, visionaries, researchers, health care…
Read bioAmardeep Kainth
Associate
Amardeep is a Social Development researcher and practitioner, with a particular focus on Communities; Race; and Gender. She brings a…
Read bioMichila Critchley
Associate
Michila has been an independent consultant since 2007, and is an Associate of the charity InterClimate Network (ICN). Michila’s core…
Read bioNatalie Ganpatsingh
Associate
Natalie is founding Director of Nature Nurture CIC an award winning community organisation, enabling people to connect with wild spaces. As…
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Associate
Formerly Head of Research at NCVO, Veronique is a freelance social research consultant, with substantial experience of designing, managing and…
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