Hi, I’m Phil. My passion for mental health and recovery work is rooted in my own lived experience. Overcoming early challenges with addiction and mental health gave me a deep understanding of the power of meaningful support—and a desire to help others achieve lasting change. I began my career as an Addictions Therapist and later qualified as an Integrative Counsellor, working extensively with individuals in the criminal justice system. This frontline experience shaped my understanding of how services can be better designed to meet people’s needs. Since joining Focus in 2018, my role has evolved into leading strategic development across the organisation. I’m particularly driven by opportunities to improve and grow our services through smart systems, data-led decision-making, and emerging technologies like automation and AI. What motivates me is the potential to do things better—empowering staff, improving access to support, and helping the organisation grow in a way that stays true to its values.