Marilyn Saunders
Truro,Cornwall
Summary
Experienced mental health professional with expertise in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed practice, and psychodynamic-informed approaches. Skilled in safeguarding and risk assessment, active monitoring, and structured support. Proven ability to manage complex cases across secondary care, primary care, and community settings. Adept at multi-agency liaison with GPs, NHS services, Talking Therapies, and PCLS. Proficient in data collection (qualitative and quantitative), building therapeutic relationships, and providing emotional support. Committed to enhancing mental health outcomes through effective case management and comprehensive care navigation.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
4024
4024
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Wellbeing Peer Practitioner
Second Step
Bristol
04.2025 - 02.2026
- Deliver motivational and emotional interviewing via phone and face-to-face support.
- Provide structured weekly/fortnightly active monitoring sessions.
- Support behaviour change through strategies, resources, and signposting.
- Offer reflective summaries and progress reviews.
- Work with a wide range of mental health needs, including complex presentations.
- Maintain trauma-informed practice, safeguarding vigilance, and accurate record keeping.
- Recently TUPE-transferred from Bath Mind; service undergoing restructure.
Wellbeing Peer Practitioner
Bath Mind – Access Team
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed a diverse caseload, delivering structured emotional and motivational support.
- Conducted risk assessments, safeguarding monitoring, and referrals to NHS services.
- Provided psychodynamic-informed support for varied mental health needs.
- Delivered qualitative and quantitative data reporting.
- Networked with local services and gathered lived-experience feedback.
Befriender Assessor & Befriender
Bath Mind
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Assessed all referrals into the Befriending service.
Learning Support Assistant
St Brendan’s Sixth Form College
01.2017 - 03.2021
- Supported students with academic, emotional, and wellbeing needs.
- Contributed to Initial Needs Assessments and SMART target planning.
- Liaised with teachers, SENCO, parents, and carers.
- Delivered small-group sessions and 1:1 tailored support.
- Created learning resources and completed administrative tasks.
Learning Facilitator
Knowle DGE Learning Centre
11.2014 - 12.2016
- Supported students with behavioural and SEN needs excluded from mainstream education.
- Tailored lesson plans and ensured a safe learning environment.
- Used Team Teach interventions when required.
- Recorded safeguarding and behavioural incidents.
Support Worker
City of Bristol College
10.2012 - 10.2014
- Provided 1:1 and group support up to degree level.
- Assisted with note-taking, scribing, exam invigilation, and travel training.
- Supported students to meet work-experience targets.
Teaching Assistant
Plymouth College of Art
10.2011 - 06.2012
- Supported FE students academically and emotionally.
- Updated learning development trackers.
- Assisted students with behavioural and social needs.
Invigilator / Tour Guide
British Art Show
09.2011 - 12.2011
- Delivered tours and invigilated exhibitions.
- Engaged visitors and supported event operations.
Education
BA (Hons) - Fine Art
Plymouth University
PTTLS Level 4 -
City of Bristol College
CACHE Level 2 - Counselling Skills
Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools, Levels 1–2
Maths GCSE - undefined
English Language & Literature GCSE - undefined
Skills
- Motivational interviewing and emotional support
- Trauma-informed practice
- Psychodynamic-informed approaches
- Safeguarding and risk assessment
- Active monitoring and structured support
- Case management and record keeping
- Multi-agency liaison (GPs, NHS services, Talking Therapies, PCLS)
- Signposting and care navigation
- Data collection (qualitative and quantitative)
- Building rapport and therapeutic relationships
- Working with complex mental health presentations
- Experience across secondary care, primary care, and community settings
Relevant Training
- Psychological Adversity & Trauma-Informed Approaches (2025)
- Vicarious Trauma (2025)
- Trauma-Informed Cultures (2025)
- Personality Disorder & SCM (2025)
- Suicide Prevention (ASSIST, 2022)
- Mental Health First Aider (2023)
- Management & Leadership Training (2022)
Additional information
- British citizen with full right to work in the UK.
- Relocating to Cornwall; familiar with Cornish culture and community needs.
- Experienced working with diverse backgrounds in large urban settings.
Timeline
Wellbeing Peer Practitioner
Second Step
04.2025 - 02.2026
Wellbeing Peer Practitioner
Bath Mind – Access Team
03.2021 - 06.2023
Befriender Assessor & Befriender
Bath Mind
03.2021 - 06.2023
Learning Support Assistant
St Brendan’s Sixth Form College
01.2017 - 03.2021
Learning Facilitator
Knowle DGE Learning Centre
11.2014 - 12.2016
Support Worker
City of Bristol College
10.2012 - 10.2014
Teaching Assistant
Plymouth College of Art
10.2011 - 06.2012
Invigilator / Tour Guide
British Art Show
09.2011 - 12.2011
CACHE Level 2 - Counselling Skills
Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools, Levels 1–2
Maths GCSE - undefined
English Language & Literature GCSE - undefined
BA (Hons) - Fine Art
Plymouth University
PTTLS Level 4 -
City of Bristol College