
Our Mentors
All Maambo mentors are proudly UK-based—so they not only get your problems, but also your sarcasm, tea obsession and your constant complaining about the rain.

Poppy
Personal Growth & Support, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Friendship & Social Dynamics, Family Relationship
Raised in the chaos of neurodiversity and mental health struggles I became an adult before my years. This fuelled my enthusiasm to develop myself, I studied and trained as a CBT therapist. I have BABCP accreditation and 9 years of experience working in various mental health settings, reinforced by the challenges of life through burnout, heartache and independence. I understand how often we mask our feelings at the fear of exposure. I know the repercussions of bottling things up and spinning many plates at the same time. Take a step back, breathe and let’s unpick this together. Self- reflection is empowering.

Dexter
Personal Growth & Support, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Friendship & Social Dynamics, Family Relationship, Masculinity & Identity, Dating & Relationships (Men's Perspective)
I worked in a role that brought me face to face with people in crisis on a daily basis. Many of those crises related to a loss of sense of self. This meant a direct impact on person values, identity and purpose. Most people in life listen to respond, often with good intentions trying to be helpful and problem solve. However, it is often the case that real issues lay deeper than under the surface, and my strength is in listening to understand, not to respond. I help people to try to make sense of where they are right now, where they want to be and ultimately, the steps required of how to get there… wherever they may be.

Emma
Personal Growth & Support, Education-Career & Professional Advice, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Family Relationship
9 years experience within education, trained to support children and their families alongside a background in psychology and counselling. I thrive in supporting and empowering individuals to achieve the best possible outcome for themselves. I recognise that the routine of small everyday wins are what leads us to contentment. Through growing up with neglect, facing homelessness as a teenager, and surviving divorce I have gained a deep understanding of how we can successfully navigate life's chaos and really trust ourselves.

Luna
Personal Growth & Support, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Motherhood & Single Moms, Friendship & Social Dynamics, Family Relationship
I’ve battled Crohn’s, made peace with sobriety, and taken the scenic (and chaotic) route to spiritual growth. Healing doesn’t always look like therapy, sometimes it’s just a real conversation with someone who gets it. With a background in psychology, holistic health, and coaching, I offer a grounded, no-pressure space to breathe, vent, laugh, or cry. You’re not broken, you’re becoming. I’m here for the messy middle.

Grace
Personal Growth & Support, Social Media, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Motherhood & Single Moms, Loneliness & Finding Belonging
I served 5 years in the British Army. Having been posted to various units in the UK and deployments abroad, I understand what it means to appear strong when feeling lonely in a crowded room. I ended my service to be more present for my family and children. My time in the forces shaped my resilience, discipline, and deep appreciation for mental wellbeing and connection. As a mum, I also recognise the pressures, responsibilities, and emotional demands that come with caring for others while trying to hold onto my own identity. My life experiences allow me to support others with empathy, honesty, and without judgment - creating a space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.

Sarah
Personal Growth & Support, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Motherhood & Single Moms, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Family Relationship
I’m a designer, creative director and brand expert with years of experience shaping ideas and identities. After losing my daughter, I came to know grief intimately. In time, I forged a path because of that experience, not despite it. I now support others navigating grief and life’s challenges with grounded, compassionate guidance rooted in empathy and truth.

Freya
Personal Growth & Support, Education-Career & Professional Advice, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Motherhood & Single Moms, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Family Relationship
Mum of 3 and a military wife who’s helped people through life’s chaos, addiction, trauma, OCD, dementia, you name it. I’ve got a 1st BSc in Psychology (proud moment!) plus degrees in Counselling and Early Years Neuroscience. I’ve studied brains while losing mine to toddler tantrums. I specialise in ASD, ADHD, and welcome all cultural and LGBTQ+ backgrounds. No jargon. No judgment. Just real talk, real care, and someone who truly listens.

Lucy
Personal Growth & Support, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Motherhood & Single Moms, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Friendship & Social Dynamics
Living with a permanent stoma bag didn’t make me weaker it revealed my strength. I’ve faced mental and physical health battles that pushed me to the edge but I got back up. I’ve turned pain into purpose and now help others do the same, with empathy, honesty, and fire. You’re not too far gone. You’re not too broken. Let’s turn your hardest chapter into your comeback story. It starts now.

Sam
Personal Growth & Support, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Motherhood & Single Moms, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Family Relationship
My story isn’t theory it’s lived. I’ve lived through bereavement, chronic illness, family dysfunction, and starting over when everything fell apart. For 20 years, I’ve mentored others through storms I’ve survived myself. This isn’t surface-level support it’s soul deep. You’re not broken. You’re becoming. Let’s turn what tried to break you into the reason you rise. I’m right here let’s move forward, together.

Mikhail
Personal Growth & Support, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Friendship & Social Dynamics, Dating & Relationships (Men's Perspective), Masculinity & Identity
In my role as business analyst for Emirates, I understand that life can be hectic, sometimes peer support is needed when it’s not so easily accessible. As a dedicated Father and mental health advocate, I strive in helping others break the silence and build emotional awareness while raising an empathetic son. With 15 years in the travel industry i’ve met people from many walks of life, despite our idividuality we all need connection which is what drives my passion for Maambo.

Kuky
Education-Career & Professional Advice, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Friendship & Social Dynamics, Family Relationship
As an expat and former international student, I know how tough starting over can be. I’ve faced homesickness, culture shocks, personal grief and all the “where do I belong?” moments. I’ve also worked in SEN and dementia care, walking alongside people through some of life’s hardest chapters. If you're feeling lost, unseen, or simply in need of a safe space I'm here. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s take the next step and find your strength again.

Chrissy
Personal Growth & Support, Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Friendship & Social Dynamics, Family Relationship
Living with impaired vision has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of showing up even when life gets tough. I’ve supported people through health challenges, addiction, and disability, and I teach Exercise to Music (yes, with great playlists) to help others feel strong inside and out. If you’re feeling stuck or need a nudge forward I’m here. Let’s take that first step, with heart, humour, and no pressure.

Sara
Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Family Relationship, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Personal Growth & Support
I’m Sara rooted in my Pakistani heritage, raised in the North East, and built by love, grit, and faith. I’m a proud mum to two energetic boys who’ve taught me more about resilience, chaos, and joy than any book ever could. Life’s messy, loud, and full of beauty and I embrace it all. I bring that same energy to others: grounded, open, and ready to lift you up. If you need a safe space to be seen, heard, and celebrated you’ve found it. Let’s grow together.

Aisha
Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Family Relationship, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Social Media
Turning 40 this year was a milestone of mixed emotions. Having battled many issues my entire life. My life has been ruled & ruined by mental struggles including extreme depression, social anxiety, eating disorders, OCD and certain autistic traits. Think a pick n mix but instead of an eclectic yummy mix of sweeties, a torturous medley of mental wars. Anyway, I'm still here and fighting! I count myself deeply blessed so I want to devote my time to helping others through mental health support in as many forms as possible. I know the all encompassing darkness so well & how lonely it can be when you're reluctantly residing in the gutter. As cliché as it sounds, if I can make a difference to 'just' one person then it's worth it. I will always fight for those blighted by mental difficulties as we tend to lose our confidence and, with that our voice. Please never give up! Together we unite in our mission to defeat mental illness and loneliness! I have undertaken many relevant mental health courses and I would be delighted to walk alongside you in your journey.

Kaan Singh
Dating & Relationships (Men's Perspective), Family Relationship, Loneliness & Finding Belonging, Personal Growth & Support, Friendship & Social Dynamics
My understanding of the difficulties we often face is very personal, I have been there wondering whether tomorrow is worth it, I understand the loneliness that many of us experience. The journey I have been on with my own mental health and wellbeing has fuelled my passion to spread happiness and support those who may be feeling similar to how I did. I am a wellness coach, poet and advocate for mental health and the importance of community belonging. I offer a safe space where you will be heard and supported all directed by you.

Jasmine
Dating & Relationships (Women's Perspective), Family Relationship, Friendship & Social Dynamics, Personal Growth & Support
I’ve spent the past few years working in mental health, training and practising as a CBT therapist, supporting people through anxiety, low mood and those dealing with the pressure of trying to hold everything together. Alongside this, my understanding isn’t just professional. I’ve experienced early loss and grief that changes how you see the world, as well as periods of struggling with my own relationship to myself, my mind, and my body. I know what it’s like to carry things quietly, to keep functioning whilst something underneath feels unsettled or hard to name. That’s shaped how I show up. I’m not here to fix you or rush you. Im here to sit with you in it, to help you make sense of what’s going on, and to gently find a way forward that feels realistic and true to you. Whether it’s relationships, identity or just feeling a bit lost in yourself, we can figure it out together, at your pace, in your way.