Our team comprises of dedicated professionals and volunteers who are passionate about mental health and suicide prevention. We work tirelessly to offer resources, support, and guidance to those in need. By fostering open conversations about mental health, we aim to break down the stigma surrounding these issues and encourage individuals to seek help. At Ask for Jake, we believe that every emotion, no matter how intense or difficult, can be managed with the right support and care.
Meet the team
Linzi Mcphail - Trustee and founder
Hi, I’m Linzi. I am the Chairperson and Trustee of the charity. Jake was my son, and after losing him, I became determined to help others struggling with any aspect of their mental health. With the support of others, the charity was formed. I consider myself a caring, compassionate, and understanding person who listens and is empathetic. Having experienced poor mental health myself, I can truly sympathise with the struggles it brings.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and chakra dancing.
Marie Ash - Trustee and Treasurer
Hello, it’s Marie here. I am Co-Chair with Linzi at Ask for Jake and also serve as Treasurer and Trustee. Being part of the original group that established the charity makes it very special to me. I have experienced chronic mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts and attempts. I use my lived and living experience to support others on their individual and unique recovery journeys. I strive to offer hope, opportunity, and choice to everyone I meet, bringing my own unique, slightly quirky, but always authentic self to the charity.
Phoebe Hawkins - Volunteer
Hi, I’m Phoebe 😊 I’ve been part of Ask for Jake since the beginning, and it has been such a privilege to watch the charity grow to where it is today. Volunteering for Ask for Jake inspired me to pursue a career in mental health, which I have now been doing for the last couple of years. I primarily help run the social media channels, but I also love assisting at other events, like the Christmas Day lunch.
Dianne Rice - Volunteer
Hi, I’m Dianne. Before retiring, I worked at Braunton Chemist. I enjoy talking to and meeting new people, often sharing information about the charity—I’m often known as the lady with the bucket! I’m a compassionate person, and I pride myself on being able to listen without judgement.
Kieran Evans - Volunteer
I run the Men’s Hub section of the charity and am also a committee member. I became involved after experiencing my own struggles and wanted to turn that into a way of helping others. I’m a dad to two young boys and enjoy hiking in my spare time.
Laura Howard - Volunteer
My name is Laura, and I am an Integrative Counsellor. I’ve been with Ask for Jake since moving to Braunton in 2022. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that supports the local community. You might see me at the Ask for Jake Hub, offering a listening ear, or at local events like Fireworks Night and the August Summer Bash. Connecting with others is vital for mental health and wellbeing.
I’m passionate about emotional health and enjoy yoga, Pilates, swimming, and nature.
James Ward - Volunteer
Hi my name is James Ward. I have been a committee member with AFJ for over 5 years. I am passionate about making a difference within the local community and doing so by breaking down the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention. I am particularly passionate about the positive influence of the AFJ walking group and the fundraising challenges we take on!
Karen Mottram - Volunteer
Hi, I’m Karen. I live in Braunton with my family and have been involved with the charity since the beginning. As a mindfulness teacher, my goal is to share these practices with our local community to support mental health. I am also training to become a Counsellor. In my free time, I enjoy surfing and walking my dog along our beautiful coastline.
Jayne Ley - Volunteer
Hello, my name is Jayne, I am a retired children’s nurse and live in Braunton. I went to the AFJ black tie event and got inspired to volunteer from then. I am very aware of the need to raise awareness about suicide.