Meet the Team
Lois Sidney - Executive Director
Hi, I’m Lois. I am the Executive Director here at The SUN Network and have been here for over 11 years. Like everyone at The SUN Network, I have my own lived experience of mental health challenges which helps me understand others that experience them too.
I previously worked for HM Prison Service and made the transition into mental health about 14 years ago when I retrained as a Psychodynamic Counsellor, and honestly love the work we do here at The SUN Network.
If you are wondering how you can get involved in our work, we help you to learn more about how decisions are made in services and funding and look for ways for you to be involved in making those decisions too. This could be through sharing your own experiences or thoughts at workshops or meetings, designing posters and leaflets, or having a one off consultation or being involved in a six month project or longer. There are loads of ways to be involved and share your invaluable experiences. I never thought as someone who has needed a service that I could possibly influence how that service runs, so to be able to help others do just that is such a joy. And we support you every step of the way so do connect with me and have your voice heard. Lois.sidney@sunnetwork.org.uk
In my spare time, I absolutely love nature and animals, so I have a house and garden full of flowers, plants and pets which I find really therapeutic. I also play competitive football for a local ladies football team.
Anne Wigglesworth - Co-Production Facilitator
Hi everyone, I am Anne. Throughout my life, my work has been inspired by my interests in the arts, fitness and the outdoors and to work with people, to make a difference, speak out and make sure voices are heard. Through my own experiences of the mental health challenges I have had and still experience, I have finally settled, working in mental health, in a role that enables me to strive and help make a difference.
I have worked for The SUN Network since August 2015 and I am a Co-production Facilitator here, but what does that actually mean?…Basically, I work with people like myself, who have their own experiences of mental health to enable them to be involved in projects, where their understanding of the challenges they have experienced help to make a difference to change, design and be involved in the development of mental health services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
I also love to travel, exploring different cultures, architecture, ancient history and religion. I’m also a keen gardener and very passionate about my allotment.
KC Cade - Co-Production Facilitator
I’m so pleased to be part of The SUN Network team. I enjoy connecting with people who struggle with addiction, while encouraging them with the best support in our county.
I’m learning so much about recovery by talking to people who are in very different places–what a privilege!
Partnering and sharing what I learn about taking care of ourselves is one of the rewarding parts of my job and I love finding a place ‘around the table’ for people to help improve services and tell their stories.
After a long career in corporate IT, the time came to pursue my passion in recovery and wellness. A few years later, I look back and realise I’m having the best time of my life! I’ve had friends and family with short and long term mental health challenges and I have my own story of addiction recovery which fuels my desire to help others pursue their own health.
Rachel Nightingale - Co-Production Facilitator
Hi, I’m Rachel. I am the Older People’s Co-Production Facilitator and have been lucky enough to work here since January 2022.
When this opportunity came up, I couldn’t pass up the chance to have a direct positive impact on people’s mental health. The work that is done here at The SUN Network is so crucial to the local services and I just want to spread the word. Had I known about all the things available when I first started experiencing my own mental health challenges, I think I would have felt better supported and less alone. I feel like it’s important to give people knowledge of what’s available to them! It’s a great privilege to be in the position that I am working in now and I feel passionate about being able to make a difference.
Spare time wise, I don’t get much of that but it’s important to me to stay active through running and I also love gardening too. For me it’s also really important to stay connected to my friends.
Sue Nicol - Co-Production Facilitator
Hi everyone, I’m Sue. I recently started working for The SUN Network after being involved with them as a service user.
I’m very passionate about the organisation and what they do, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with The SUN Network as a Co-Production Facilitator. I have my own lived experiences of drug and alcohol addiction, and I’m looking forward to listening to and learning from other people’s experiences within the services so we can maintain and continue to grow.
In my spare time, I enjoy team personal training, which I really feel benefits my mental health and well-being.
Adam Earl - Marketing and Content Creation
Hello, I’m Adam, and I handle the marketing, content creation and social media needs for The SUN Network.
I’ve previously worked in various roles, including as an academic editor, in software development and in education. It’s fantastic to help extend the work and reach of The SUN Network, and I look forward to seeing how it will grow and develop over time, and the positive effect it will have on services and service users.
Kev Clift - Chair of Directors
Hi, I’m Kev. I am the new Chair of Directors here at The SUN Network. Like others at The SUN Network, I have my own lived experience of mental health challenges, which contributes to my understanding of those who may need support.
I recently retired from HM Prison Service after 28 years and am now adjusting to life outside of the service. I have previously been involved in supporting others, and it’s something I was going to miss in retirement. I was delighted to hear about The SUN Network and all the work they do. I was extremely pleased to be appointed as the Chair, where I can continue to help others and improve services within the community.
I enjoy keeping busy in my spare time and use fitness and mindfulness to maintain a healthy balance of well-being. I enjoy travelling, motorcycling, and anything to do with home improvement.
I have been made to feel very welcome by the amazing team, and I look forward to being involved and supporting The SUN Network.
Laura Matthews - Non-Executive Director
Hello, my name is Laura and excited to be joining the board of The Sun Network. I hope my skills and experience can support the drive and future ambitions of the organisation, and the fantastic work and projects it undertakes.
I work full-time as a Marketing & Communications Officer at the arts and music venue, Cambridge Junction. I also freelance as a workshop facilitator, running art and craft sessions for adults and children in my local community. As well as running my own regular art groups, I have also run workshops for; The Cambridge Junction Creative Learning Department, Arts & Minds, The Kite Trust and Ely Arts Festival. As someone who has experience with mental health issues, I am passionate about access to creativity and arts as I know the benefits it can produce.
In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, writing treasure hunts and mysteries for my friends to solve, live music, theatre and karaoke. I’m a member of my local theatre group – the Littleport Players. And, I am also a Town Councillor for Littleport Town Council.