Karen Pickering
Place Based Co-ordinator
I am a Healthy Schools officer. I co-ordinate the delivery of the primary smoking and vaping workshop. I have worked in various educational roles in the past, and also for the NHS as a community nursery nurse and a dental nurse. I enjoy working with children of all ages and their families to give everyone the same opportunities.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I couldn’t remember what I wanted to be when I was growing up, so I had to ask my Mum, She told me I didn’t want to do anything, but travel, I am certainly enjoying visiting different countries.
What are some points of interest about you?
I have been fortunate enough to have travelled to different countries, I enjoy the rawness of the cultures and religions. My favourite place to travel is Barbados, the people are so friendly and welcoming.
I was also born with 2 extra ribs, which have now been removed, thank goodness.
Vanessa Carter
Place Based Co-ordinator
Hi, I’m Vanessa, also known to the team as Ness!
I am a Healthy Schools Officer focusing on the delivery of the primary smoking and vaping workshops.
I trained and worked as a nurse for over seventeen years, specialising in Intensive Care. I then worked as a Paediatric Research Nurse with diabetic children and teenagers monitoring and helping them manage their condition whilst also encouraging attendance to clinics.
I have three daughters and after my youngest was born I retrained as a secondary school teacher, mostly teaching sixth form students. I am proud to say I have taught many students over the last fifteen years who have gone on to work and train in the healthcare sector.
I’m passionate about education and helping to improve the health and wellbeing of others.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Funnily, I always wanted to be a nurse and was often photographed as young as three wearing a nurse’s cape and hat, pushing a pram with my cat in it, who was my patient!
What are some points of interest about you?
I love textiles and all creative arts. I have made many costumes for the local pantomimes and recently branched out into being a film/TV extra in my spare time.
I had a line of dialogue in the Netflix series ‘Fool me Once’ where I play the midwife. Which feels very surreal
Daniella Budd
Service Manager
Hi, I am Daniella and I lead our team in the delivery and development of our Healthy Schools programmes including our Catch Your Breath, Young and Free and Healthy Schools Accreditation work. I ensure that our team provides high quality support across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that allows young people to make informed choices about their health.
Previously, I worked as a psychotherapist, primarily supporting young people who had experienced trauma and used psychoeducation to help them understand their thoughts, behaviours and emotions. I am passionate about helping young people build resilience and providing guidance that makes a real difference in their lives.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I always wanted to perform, and had dreams of being a part of entertainment teams on cruise ships or in holiday resorts.
What are some points of interest about you?
I am completely obsessed with cheese and love any kind – the smellier, the better!
Sophie Garton
Sexual Health Coordinator
Hi, I am the Sexual Health coordinator. I am responsible for delivering the C-Card to young people aged 13-24 across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. With the support of the team, we provide young people with safe and easy access to free condoms, STI testing and sexual health information. The overall aim of the C-Card scheme is to lower unplanned pregnancies and STI rates among young people. We visit schools, community settings and attend events to encourage and empower young people to take responsibility for their sexual health. This is something I am passionate about- I want to normalise talking about Sexual health and well being for our young people.
I have previously worked in Targeted Support (Early Help) and the NHS in maternity services. I really enjoy working with young people, no two days are the same! I also have 4 young people of my own at home- 2 girls and 2 boys.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
When I was younger I changed my mind daily on what I wanted to be when I grew up. Even though I don’t feel ‘grown up’ I always knew I would end up working with people. I love to talk, and this job involves a lot of talking!
What are some points of interest about you?
I used to have a pet sheep called Barbie and I saved her life more than once! I was in the final of a cooking competition when I was at school- I didn’t win sadly! I have met Eddie the Eagle and Lewis Capaldi- separately!
Louie Garner
Youth Health Improvement Practitioner
I’m a passionate and dedicated Youth Health Practitioner with a focus on delivering targeted health education and intervention workshops around vaping and smoking to young people. My work involves engaging with youth in schools and community settings, supporting them to make informed decisions about their health, and addressing the growing challenges posed by nicotine use and e-cigarette trends.
With a strong background in public health and research, I previously worked as a Research Study Assistant on the Fenland Study — a large-scale epidemiological project aimed at understanding the interplay between lifestyle, genetics, and metabolic disease. During this time, I gained valuable experience in participant engagement, data collection, and the implementation of research protocols in clinical and community settings. My combined experience in both research and frontline health education allows me to bring an evidence-based approach to youth engagement, ensuring that interventions are not only impactful but also rooted in the latest science.
What are some points of interest about you?
Outside of work, I’m a keen sports enthusiast with a particular passion for football, cricket and golf, these play a big role in my personal wellbeing and drive for promoting active, healthy lifestyles.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
like many young lads the dream was to become a professional footballer, but after doing a scholarship for Cambridge United it was clear the players who would make it compared to those who wouldn’t! At least I’m currently playing semi Pro though and still enjoying it