Our Team
We are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers and trustees who help make Shine possible every day…
Lauraine Cheesman
Founder & Project Manager
Lauraine founded Shine after experiencing extreme postnatal depression following the birth of her daughter. She deals with all fundraising and continues to run the courses in Cirencester and Dursley. “I fought PND like a warrior,” she says. “Now, I have grabbed that positivity and poured it into Shine. I want to give mums real support that makes a difference.”
Kirsty Griffiths
Gloucester Lead
Shine honestly changed my life. At a time when nothing seemed to help, Shine gave me community, creativity and belonging that made such a difference. I knew this wonderful course needed to be brought to Gloucester, and I’m incredibly proud to now run the Gloucester Shine. I’m a nurse, wife, mum of three, and run my own arts and crafts centre. Shine helped me realise creativity and connection to other mothers can truly support our wellbeing.
Rachael Stone
Swindon Lead
Rachel runs our Swindon courses and Swindon drop-ins. She is Mummy to Lily (4) and Archer (1). Her experiences of psychosis and depression threatened to cripple her. But, when she reached out to Shine, everything changed. “Shine has been invaluable. Not just for the therapeutic opportunities and time with other adults without the children, but also the friends I have made, and the advice and support they are able to give.”
Rebekah Cox
Dursely Lead
I found becoming a mum incredibly difficult and isolating and I struggled with depression and anxiety. Being part of Shine was a vital part of my recovery. Not only was it a lifeline to have that pocket of time to myself to be creative each week, but it gave me a space to be open and honest about how I was feeling and it also provided community. I feel honoured to now be able to support other mums on their journey.
“Amazing things happen when women help other women.”
Creche Team
Elaf Dafallaah
Creche team, Cirencester & Swindon
After the lockdown I joined the Shine course, feeling isolated and anxious. I enjoyed every minute I spent in shine. I am now an honoured member of shine team in the Cirencester creche. I enjoy working with babies because they represent hope and the future to me. I LOVE watching children grow up. I have Level 2 certificate in teaching assistant, safeguarding, mental health and suicide awareness.
Karen Donoher
Creche Team, Cirencester
“I have been part of team Shine since 2015. I live in Cheltenham with my two children Bobbie (15) and Emily (11). I have worked in the field of childcare for roughly 25 years. Shine is such a special place. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a nurturing support group and to work alongside dedicated and warm-hearted people. I am truly committed to the crèche and to forming a positive, calm, caring and supportive environment. Where the little ones (& big ones) can learn, grow and shine.”
Our Trustees
Fran Embleton Smith
FRAN EMBLETON SMITH
“I have known Shine since its beginning and have seen its positive and sometimes transformative effect on the many mums it has supported. I am impressed by the passion of the team to make such a difference through the gentle approach of therapeutic arts and creating networks of support. I am delighted to be part of Shine as a trustee.
I led a local community charity, which worked with families and children, for 17 years. I am a qualified teacher and before having my family (I have 3 grown up children) I worked with young people.”
Claire O’Loughlin
CLAIRE O’LOUGHLIN
I’ve been a teacher for over 20 years and a mum to two gorgeous girls. I’ve been working as a Shine volunteer for over a year, having been through the programme myself when I was struggling with severe anxiety & depression with my second child. My daughter was older than 1 by the time I realised I needed help so I am passionate about helping Mums at all stages, from little ones to toddlers & beyond. I enjoy being able to hold a light & extend a hand to those caught in the awful mire of post natal depression.
Becky Kimberly
Sarah Bourne
SARAH BOURNE
“I am very excited to be a Shine trustee. I have seen the organisation grow and flourish over the years and witnessed the impact it has had on the women who have experienced the wonderful groups and all the peer and individual support. The positive energy and kindness are relentless. Women's mental health is something I feel very passionate about and will endeavour to use my many years of knowledge and experience of working and supporting families especially women and children to help this amazing charity. I presently manage the family services of a community charity and I am very involved with the local charity sector. I am also a mum of two teenage children. Being a mum is full of amazing experiences and daily challenges and everyone’s story is different. We regularly put so much pressure on ourselves because we want to be what we think is the best and judge ourselves too much. We don’t always get it right but that is OK and some days getting through is really enough.”
Lynette Robathan
LYNETTE ROBATHAN
I became involved with Shine in 2018 after one of my best friends, Sarah, joined the Swindon sessions. Since then,, I’ve volunteered at fundraising events and craft sessions for Shine, which helped me see how invaluable peer support is. In 2021 I gave birth to my second child who was born with a rare genetic disorder, resulting in weeks in and out of hospital, which caused severe anxiety. Not only was I lucky enough to provide support to the mums, they have provided a safe space for me to share my story and help me through the many hurdles too. I am delighted to now be a trustee for such an amazing charity. I am a Mental Health Trainer with Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind, delivering a variety of mental health courses and workshops. I love my job!
BECKY KIMBERLY
“I am a community artist and experienced practitioner with lived experience of anxiety and postnatal depression. I also run several Shine workshops, including collage, journalling and making beeswax wraps. My focus is always on encouraging openness and creativity in a warm and inspiring environment, with a focus on healing. I love bringing wellness and personal confidence to the group through mixed-media creative-play and curiosity, and am very proud to support Shine through all the amazing work that it does for mothers.”
“There are so many ways to be brave in this world. And, sometimes, it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life.”