It All Started with a Bench and an Umbrella

During lockdown, our founder, Milly, sat on The Moor in Knutsford with nothing but an open heart and a quiet offer to listen. No signs. No forms. Just a place where anyone could sit, talk, and be heard.

What started as one simple act of kindness soon became something more — a connection, a movement, a safe space. That moment planted the seed for Stable Minds.

The Bench where it all started
Stable Minds Community Group

About Stable Minds

Stable Minds is a multi-award-winning, community-led mental health organisation based in Knutsford, Cheshire East. We provide trauma-informed, neurodivergent-aware emotional and mental health support for children, young people and adults, offering a truly inclusive alternative to traditional services.

We work with people at every stage of need, from early emotional support through to more complex mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Our services are grounded in compassion, safety and relationship, and everything we do is shaped by the voices of our community.

Although we are a not-for-profit organisation, Stable Minds is intentionally designed and delivered as a five-star service. Our spaces, practitioners and approach reflect the highest professional standards, while remaining warm, human and accessible.

Meet Our Team

Amelia (Milly) Peel

Amelia (Milly) Peel

Founder & CEO
Patrick Breheny

Patrick Breheny

Operations Director & Lead Psychotherapist
Sarah Bolton

Sarah Bolton

Director
Rachel Thompson

Rachel Thompson

CYP Lead Counsellor
Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

CYP Lead Counsellor
Alison Shaw

Alison Shaw

CYP Lead Counsellor
Deborah Ford

Deborah Ford

CYP Lead Counsellor
Lucy Knight

Lucy Knight

Adult Lead Counsellor
Bianca Borrello

Bianca Borrello

Counsellor
Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson

Volunteer Counsellor
Chris Barlow

Chris Barlow

Placement Counsellor
Lorriann Cummings

Lorriann Cummings

Placement Counsellor
Steven Reid

Steven Reid

Placement Counsellor
John Sherlock

John Sherlock

Volunteer
Jade

Jade

Volunteer
Cara Moore

Cara Moore

Volunteer
Elitsa Yakimov

Elitsa Yakimov

Marketing
Zayne Poole

Zayne Poole

Marketing
Domino

Domino

Therapy Dog

Our Funders

Cheshire East Council Knutsford Town Council Co-op Local Community Fund Manchester Airport Dan Price Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner The National Lottery Community Fund Waitrose & Partners The National Lottery Heritage Fund People's Postcode Lottery Postcode Neighbourhood Trust Cheshire Community Foundation Wrexham