Emma Cooper - Chair
I have worked in mental health for the past 10 years, working on inpatient wards covering general mental health, personality disorder, autism and learning disability. This work was across medium secure, low secure, locked and rehab wards. The majority of my career has been working for St Andrews Healthcare which I said goodbye to at the start of 2024.
I joined Derbyshire Community Forensic Mental Health Team at the end of 2023. This career move has provided a valuable insight into how people adjust from prolonged inpatient admissions to living in the community and the impact this can have on their knowledge, skills, nutritional intake and overall health.
Around eight years ago I offered to co-chair the special interest group “National Forensic Dietetic Forum” which has now become the Forensic Sub-Group of the Mental Health Specialist Group.
I have loved the opportunity to meet dietitians and other health professionals who work in Forensics from all over the four nations. I am excited to see the sub-group grow and create a network which supports our members. We might be a small area, but our jobs are never dull!
Outside of work I love walking in the Peak District and running. I have recently been learning to crotchet, but this is not progressing quickly. I have two young children who keep me pretty busy!
Dale Crookes - Vice Chair
Hello! I am the Lead Dietitian in forensic services in Tees Esk and Wear Valley and lead on dietetic students in the trust.
I have worked in a low and medium secure inpatient service with male and female service users with severe mental health issues, learning disabilities and autism for roughly eight years. I started as a band 5 working across a whole service then developing the service proving the worth of dietitians in a forensic setting and now, I lead a wonderful forensic dietetics team of four full time staff made up of dietitians, a nutritionist, and a dietetic associate practitioner.
I have a special interest in using a trauma-informed approach to weight management treatments for service users and lead on a large project within our service to reduce the obesogenic environment by holistically looking at the issues we face that contribute to service users weight gain.
When I’m not at work you will find me spending time with my little boy and family making as many memories as possible.
Iduna Heinrich - Co secretary
Hello! I’m a former fine-dining chef turned passionate dietitian, currently making a difference at a medium- and low-secure Forensic Mental Health Hospital with East London Foundation Trust in Hackney, London.
My dietetic experience spans general community service, weight management and learning disabilities. This diverse background has been invaluable in meeting the nutritional needs of those living with severe mental health conditions. Working in a secure mental health hospital has been both challenging and exciting, and I thrive on navigating the complexities of supporting individuals living within a restrictive and obesogenic environment.
My colleagues might describe me as calm, passionate about optimising processes, spearheading innovative projects, and leveraging technology to enhance our services. It’s probably no surprise that I also serve as the sub-group’s secretary.
When I am not at work, you’ll find me on the field hockey pitch or enjoying downtime with my cats, Babu and Rey and yes, they are named after the Star Wars characters.
Beena Patel - Co-secretary
Hi, I’m Beena – a Dietitian working at St Andrew’s Healthcare (Northampton), an inpatient mental health charity caring for those with complex mental health needs. I started my career in 2019 in mental health by chance... and am still here!
I enjoy the ‘problem solving’ aspect of Dietetics we face in this setting and am passionate about educating people about the impact diet can have on both their mental and physical health. I am also keen to raise awareness of our growing profession, collaborate with others and share good practice, which is why being part of this committee is great!
Outside of Dietetics, I enjoy yoga, pilates, baking and travelling around the world to explore new cultures and cuisines!
Garreth Burke - Treasurer
I’ve been working in forensics for around two-and-a half years or so. I’m currently working for Oxford Health NHS FT where I cover 10 secure inpatient wards – seven in Oxford, one in Aylesbury and two in Milton Keynes.
Originating from Ireland, before my current job I’ve worked in various different mental health posts including forensics in another trust, mental health services for older people and catering. I’ve always had a strong interest in psychology, behaviour and mental illness – my father has schizophrenia and my mother trained as a counsellor so it’s not too surprising why working in this area is so interesting for me!
I decided to become a committee member for the Forensics Sub-Group as I thought it to be a good opportunity to help steer the development of forensic dietitians as a whole.
I find it to be a fascinating area to work in because of the unique characteristics of the service users and because of the challenge of service development to help improve their physical health and wellbeing. A common issue to dietitians new to forensics is lack of guidance or policy around practice and service development. Being on the committee provides the perfect opportunity to address this and other common challenges we face.
Charlotte Harmsworth - Social Media Officer
Hi! I have been a mental health dietitian since 2022. I am currently a Specialist Dietitian in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, with the majority of my role working on low secure forensic mental health wards for Bradford District Care Trust. I am passionate about my role and this area of dietetics, and I hope to channel my enthusiasm into my role in the sub-group as your social media officer.
I love animals and have a pet giant African snail (he is really big!) I enjoy crafting in my spare time as well as baking and cooking.
Nicki Wolfe - Ordinary member
Hi I’m Nicki and I have joined the sub group as an ordinary member. This will allow me to use my skills and expertise where required to help support the group.
I work at St Andrews Healthcare in Northampton with patients who have complex clinical problems eg males and females with disordered eating, diagnosed eating disorders, renal disease, obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, dysphagia. I have been in post here for nearly 14 years.
Outside of work I enjoy cooking and spending time in my garden with my 2 little girls.
Diane Mullen - Scotland Link Member
I’m Diane, a dietitian working in a high secure forensic hospital, and I’ve recently taken on the role of Scotland representative for the group. I’m really looking forward to getting involved and getting to know you all.
I started my career in CAMHS in 2014, then moved into malnutrition and community weight management. I’ve always been really interested in mental health and how nutrition — or sometimes a lack of it — can affect both physical health and overall wellbeing. Working in a forensic setting has brought all of this together for me, and I’m especially interested in weight management, the impact of medication, and supporting patients in a compassionate, non‑judgemental way.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, meeting new people, and spending time with family and friends. I’m always up for a good chat and learning from other people’s experiences — something I really value in my work too.
Looking forward to connecting with you all!