Linda’s first degree in Psychology 1972-1976 was in the fascinating city of Edinburgh, followed by post-grad training 1976-1978 in Clinical Psychology at Liverpool University and Mersey Region. Then a bit of a diversion for two years, which was spent in Kenya as a VSO science teacher, a life-changing experience.

She returned to work as an NHS Clinical Psychologist, always in mental health services, and increasingly with people with severe, enduring and complex mental ill health. Stewart and Linda married in 1987, and have two sons, who gracefully endured having two clinical psychologist parents and the inevitable dinner table conversations …

Stewart studied and trained in Bradford and Stirling. His Clinical Psychology career in the NHS initially focused on working with children and young people. After moving to Chester, he embraced additional training, and specialised in Learning Disability. He then worked in and led LD services for adults across Cheshire.

Having discovered the Countess of Chester partnership with Kisiizi Hospital in SW Uganda, Linda looked for a way to involve CWP NHS Trust, to support the mental health work going on there. (And combine her attachment to that part of the world with her clinical skills and family circumstances!)  In 2010 our Director of Nursing, Linda, and one of our Psychiatrists went on a scoping visit to Kisiizi and so joined the endeavour.  Out of that, and from the tragedy of the death in East Africa of Jamie Devaney, came Jamie’s Fund. That small charity now supports 25 Ugandan Hospitals and Health Centres in developing their mental health services.  Stewart and Linda (also a Trustee) support the charity in a voluntary capacity as clinicians and advisors, both here and in Uganda.

Retirement gifts you time to make space for your other interests; art and crafts, the environment and local history among them. We contributed the small display representing the development of Clinical Psychology to the Riverside Museum, and we are now glad to have the opportunity to share with you a little of the scope of Clinical Psychology now, and its origins.

This talk will take place in CRV016 (the Music Room) at the Wheeler Building – all welcome.

Host: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society (FHMS) Historical Society

Admission is free, but booking encouraged for refreshment and seating purposes. Please contact fhsc.histsoc@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 512126 to confirm your place.