Board Member

Marie Fitzgerald

Board Member

About Marie Fitzgerald

I am a registered mental health nurse and have over 15 years of experience in supporting people, their unpaid carers, their families and children with special educational needs and disabilities; also including young carers. I am an unpaid carer for my partner, daughter and father. They all have complex mental and physical co-morbidities.

My previous education includes a BA Hons and a Masters in English Studies.

I have been involved in current and past research as a participant, including the National Institute for Health and Care Research Dementia and Neurodegeneration Policy Research Unit since 2024, The Carer and Service User Advisory Group (CSUAG) for The CARERS Trial since 2024, IMAGINE ID – Intellectual disability and mental health: assessing the genomic impact on neurodevelopment (2016 – 2024, The Tired of spinning plates: an exploration of the mental health experiences of adults and/or older carers of adults with learning disabilities (2023-present), and the Power Threat Meaning Framework and parent carer stress (2022).

I am a member of the Research Community for the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.

My feedback assisted in the development of a Debt Respite Scheme – a mental health crisis breathing space for people receiving mental health crisis treatment.

Previous to this, I was the Chairperson for the Carers Strategy, the Parent Carer Forum, the Carers Forum and a NAViGO elected community representative – all in North East Lincolnshire for many years. I am also a proof reader to many – assisting specialist projects along the way.

'During a challenging period, it was the first place i felt able to talk and be listened too - allowing me to feel better and valued'

'After many years of seeking help, I finally found a counsellor through Cudox who was and is fantastic as hat she does and would recommend to anyone'

'I can see progress in how i can reflect on things and approach things with a clearer and logical mind'

'I don't think I would have got through this without my counsellor. Her kindness, gentle tone and understanding have helped me so much. She is a wonderful person'

'The counsellors are really understanding and connect with the people who are involved. Also the progress from day 1 has been good and helped me progress with my mental health. It is highly recommended'

'I am really pleased i started with Cudox, it really is the best counselling i've had ever'

'I am so thankful to be able to talk to my counsellor, she has seen me through so much and I have gained more confidence in myself. People should use this service if offered, it works and I am so grateful how far I have come today'

'I feel without this help and ongoing support I would have ended up trying to take my own life'

My counsellor is the first person in my 36 years mental health battle that has listened to me without judgement. I couldn't have wished for a better therapist'

'Words cannot describe how much counselling has changed my life. I needed support but wasn't sure in what capacity. From my first session I felt seen and heard in a whole new way and it opened up so many things to explore.

'My counsellor really cares and provides the vital safe space in which to open and share the delicate and fragile contents of an extremely complex broken heart and mind'