Fertility Support Hub

Kate is a senior women's health nurse dual registered in the UK and Ireland, specialising in the areas of fertility and the menopause. Kate has worked in women's health since 2007 spending 6 years at a top IVF clinic before working independently. Kate also works as a nurse lecturer on the MSc women's health program for nurses at Dublin City University. Kate enjoys supporting patients in all aspects of their fertility journey, but has a special interest in low ovarian reserve, egg donation and premature menopause.

Kate recently completed an MSc in reproductive medicine and is currently studying for a part time PhD with the Centre for Reproduction Research at DeMontfort University. Her PhD is looking at women's lived experience of a premature menopause. When not seeing patients I enjoy spending time with my husband and 4 dogs.

Jackie trained as a nurse in the Military Queen Alexander Royal Army Nursing Corps, qualifying in 1993 and serving for 12 years. Following her military service, she transitioned to working as a practice nurse until embarking on her fertility nursing career in 2011. Currently Lead Nurse in a top fertility clinic in Colchester, she is known for her passion and enthusiasm in her role. Her love for fertility nursing stems from her deep commitment to supporting individuals undergoing IVF treatment, guiding them through what can often be a difficult journey. With a belief in continuous learning, she finds the ever-evolving nature of the fertility field fascinating, as each individual presents unique needs and circumstances. One of Jackie’s main specialities within fertility was working alongside Kate on the egg donation programme. Beyond her clinical duties, she finds fulfillment in teaching and mentoring new staff members, ensuring they stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Angela has specialised in Fertility counselling for 20 years, has personal experience of fertility treatment and is driven to improve professional standards and the accessibility to support whatever your circumstances. Angela will be supporting visitors: - whether you are starting out with fertility investigations, in the process of fertility treatment, perhaps you are considering alternative family building options such as, donation, surrogacy or adoption or contemplating what your life may look like without children. You may be here to consider freezing for future family building. Whatever your circumstances, speaking with a specialist fertility counsellor can be hugely beneficial as you navigate the emotional impact this may be having on you and your relationships with others around you and/or the practical and physical impact this may be having on your social life, your work and your finances.

Debbie is a fertility counsellor with over 14 years’ experience of counselling people at various stages of their fertility journey. Debbie is passionate that people receive the support they need as part of their fertility journey and talking therapy can provide an important part of your support network. Prioritising your self care as you go through your fertility journey is important and having a professionally trained counsellor to speak with can provide you with a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Debbie is accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA).

Helen is a fertility counsellor experienced in supporting people at all stages of their fertility journey, promoting support and self-care, and exploring options including donor conception, surrogacy, adoption and contemplating a life without children. Helen is an accredited member of both the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and works in a fertility centre for the NHS.

Vicky is a specialist fertility counsellor who was inspired to do additional training in this area after her own journey. “Counselling can be seen as a scary word – some people I think feel it implies they can’t cope. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I much prefer to think of it as support at a very difficult time. The diagnosis of infertility can often feel like a life crisis, it may be very difficult to come to terms with and it is completely normal to experience feelings of distress, loss, anxiety, sadness, isolation and frustration – all these feelings can be overwhelming and difficult to deal with. Infertility can affect all your relationships. Counselling is vital as it gives you a confidential safe space and some support during what may be a very difficult time. Furthermore, infertility counselling can often be a great stress reliever, which, of course, can only help during a treatment cycle. Counselling can be quite practical; we can look at strategies that can be put in place to cope with a treatment cycle, including the infamous two-week wait.”