Emily Spooner

I am co-founder and trustee of The Phoenix Foundation. I started this project as an inpatient in a psychiatric hospital. I wanted people to be heard, to feel accepted, to be treated fairly, to be understood and to feel like they mattered. I am autistic as well as having EUPD, anxiety and depression. Quite often, people like me... like us get forgotten about or ignored in society. Well... not anymore! Our mission is to build a community of connectivity, where professionals, organisations and the public come together to make positive changes. We want to provide resources to those that have access to none, give voices to people who have been kept mute and to provide a safe community so people can help each other, make friends and live happier!

Amy Spooner

Hi, My name is Amy and I'm 37 years old. I am co-founder and trustee of The Phoenix Foundation. I first experienced symptoms of depression at the age of 12, but I wasn't until my 22nd year that I was finally diagnosed with a severe depressive disorder. I am a fully qualified teacher, having attended the universities of London and Cambridge, however my mental illness led me to having to leave my full-time post. I have two children who are very much the light of my life, however I did experience post natal depression as well. In 2021 I was further diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and PMDD. Thankfully I was able to have a hysterectomy with effectively cured the later. I specialise in creating resources, education and liaising with professional world.

Steph Lees

Hi, my names Steph, and I’m 37 years old. I have struggled with my mental health since I was 21, and was the revolving door patient, in and out of psychiatric units all the time. I met Emily there and we became good friends. I was diagnosed at 33 with autism which has explained a lot about how I view the world and why I always felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. I also have physical health struggles which can really affect my mental health. I have a background as in nursing (adult) so have seen how the NHS works and can fail both staff and patients. I joined The Phoenix Foundation to support people who have been through similar issues and to try to make a difference to mental health services so they can better support us. I am passionate about hearing people’s experiences and working to improve policies and procedures to better support us. I have a cat called Fiyero (named after the Wicked character) who enjoys attention, belly rubs and Dreamies.