Liz Watson Vice-Chair

I joined SWW Mind as a trustee in 201? when I retired from my job in Engineering at Rolls Royce where I had worked since leaving university. I had many roles during my years with the company initially working in the Industrial and Marine division providing engines for ships and gas pumping then moving to work on Aircraft engines. The roles I had were managing teams of engineers supporting large fleets of aircraft engines in service, designing combustors and developing low emissions Combustion Technology. I was one of a small but growing group of women in senior management at Rolls-Royce and I was actively involved in supporting young women engineers to develop their careers.  

I had a little personal experience of mental health problems supporting work colleagues and someone close to me but had very little understanding of the issues. I volunteered for Green Minds initially and later became a Trustee where the business skills I had could be useful and I could learn more about the mental health community and service users.  I am a member of the Finance Committee and Vice Chair of the Trustees.

I am married and have two sons and a daughter. My sons both work in Engineering and my daughter is a Psychologist working in Mental Health. All are married now and I have two lovely grandchildren too. My other love is gardening. I volunteer for the National Garden Scheme locally and we open our garden every year. We have done it for 12 years now and will continue as long as our bodies are willing!