Alison Roberts has lived many lives. She's been an entrepreneur, minibus driver and even a footballer for the Barbados national women's football team. But she spent most of her career as a psychological wellbeing practitioner. Now retired, the secretary for the Lytton Estate Tenant and Residents Association (TRA) runs her own mental health organisation to continue to give back.
Tell us a little bit about yourself...
I was born in Kentish Town in 1964, but I spent most of my childhood in Barbados. I moved back to London when I was 24. But my life changed forever when my son Michael was in a road traffic accident. He sustained serious brain injuries and has suffered from many mental health issues ever since.
To help me support him better, I studied psychology and counselling at the University of Roehampton. I enjoyed it so much I went onto a postgraduate certificate in psychotherapy and counselling and then a mental health diploma. When I left school, I never thought I would go on to have three degrees, it's something I'm incredibly proud of!
This education was the best way to find answers to help my own son. I also ended up helping others along the way, through my 20-year long career as a psychological wellbeing practitioner.
Sounds rewarding but intense. How do you relax?
My work and having children with mental health issues can be challenging, but ballroom dancing is my way to switch off. I do it whenever I can to give my life balance. Another way I relax is cooking. My signature dish is oxtail, rice and peas. It's my favourite. I also love to play games with my family and take walks in nature.
I process my emotions through writing and poetry. I'm currently writing two books, one explores how psychology affects our physical health and the other is autobiographical about my personal family experiences with mental health.
What inspired you to set up your own mental health support organisation?
Managing Our Mental (MOM) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) I established with my son Chris in 2024. We wanted to set up an organisation that could help reach the unreachable and get people talking.
We run psychological workshops to support people with depression, anxiety, stress and other conditions. Our motto is turning pain into purpose and this is what these workshops hope to achieve.
We recently ran a successful Spacehive campaign, fundraising to expand our free MENtality talking groups, bringing free mental health support to more people across H&F.
We hear you're also the secretary for the Lytton Tenants and Residents Association (TRA). What inspired you to join?
I joined the TRA to get involved in my community, get to know my neighbours and give back. The TRA is all about creating community cohesion and working collaboratively to make Lytton Estate a great place to live.
We host coffee mornings, work to beautify our green spaces and run an annual trip to the seaside. Being outdoors is so important for our mental wellbeing so it's great that we do everything we can to help people from the estate access nature.
Amazing. Where do you like to go to be outdoors?
I love listening to the birds in Gwendwr Gardens just off North End Road. It has absolutely beautiful flowers and planting.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I would love to open a charity shop for MOM and set up a soup kitchen in the local area so everyone can come and get a lovingly cooked hot meal.
Do you know a community champion like Alison who should be featured in one of our Q&A stories? Email ourplace@lbhf.gov.uk
