Vanessa is the qualitative lead co-applicant on Bridging Divides as well as the co-founder and research director at the McPin Foundation one of the project partners. Her work includes working with lived experience expertise in research studies such as youth involvement, coproduction and peer or co-research.  On Bridging Divides the day-to-day qualitative work is done by a fantastic team led by Zhuo Li alongside the youth leadership team and new co-researchers, and Vanessa offers advice and support. Currently she is also supporting evaluations of public health interventions, the development of a resources platform to support lived experience collaborations across the globe and a national clinical audit of psychosis – so a wide and diverse portfolio.

Away from work Vanessa likes to walk her dog, watch films with her family, and when she gets the chance she likes to travel, read novels and explore new places.