Meet some of the team

Chad Schofield – Founder of HealBee

I wanted to set up a website than provided useful and relevant information to people who found themselves at the end of a relationship. Having gone through two failed engagements in the past, I felt that there was a space for such a resource. Of course, just because I have been through some breakups, does not make me a relationship expert – or indeed an ex-relationship expert! I did find it difficult to get pragmatic advice at the time though, especially when my second failed engagement came to an abrupt end over the Christmas period 2006.

If you are interested you can read my story here (be warned it's pretty epic in length). I am very lucky to have a fantastic group of friends and a very supportive family, however none of them had experience of the situation I found myself in or knew any of the legal standings. At a time when I was extremely emotional I found it difficult to find anything or anyone who could help guide me on decisions which would affect me financially over the next few years of my life – without in turn handing over large sums of money. On the other hand I was being pressured by my ex-fiancée’s father for a quick resolution, which included the “option” of having my home sold beneath me. It unfortunately cost everyone emotionally and financially involved more than it should have, but I’m certainly glad that it is over.

While my situation was similar to a divorce, it was not and this added a layer of complication. By no way am I suggesting it is worse, and I am pleased that there were no children involved - but it did get me thinking about divorce as a whole. How effective "quickie" divorces were, the benefits of mediation versus the strain of actually having to go through it, etc.

A lot of the websites I looked at seemed either be aimed at irrepressible rage, telling people to "get over it" or full of angst-ridden poems. There really didn't seem to be anything that addressed any of the problems that I was facing.

I also found that on the whole even the most supportive friends and family cannot always help with advice. Any advice they could offer me was based on their own experiences, which was generally very different to what I was going through.

It therefore seemed to make sense to create a broader website dedicated to relationship closures - regardless of age, gender, sexuality, marital status or any other factor. Of course while everyone's situation is unique, we aim to help you benefit from those peoples' experiences who have been in similar predicaments to your own.

Effectively we hope that you'll be able to pick out the information you need and interact in the way that suits you personally - that doesn't mean having to wear ponchos and chanting... but we can probably link you to a group who does if that's what you're looking for!

Obviously we have to stress that we can't offer any outlandish guarantees or actual professional advice, but hopefully by using the site and connecting you to your own support network within HealBee, we can help you find your way back to happiness.

Barbara Burton – Retired Social Worker

With 17 years experience of working with the elderly, specifically benefits for the the elderly, I can obviously offer a certain amount of advice on what you or somebody you know may need to do in terms of ensuring they receive everything they are entitled to. However, my real role for HealBee is based on a far more personal experience...

Ben - Clinical Psychologist

My role for HealBee comes very much from a personal perspective, rather than a professional one. I have found it therapeutic writing and contributing personal material and thinking about my movement through different stages following separation from a partner.

While not a clinically proven method, HealBee’s Five Steps to Happiness share many similarities to the ways in which people are thought to move back and forth through different emotional and practical stages following a loss, bereavement or separation. I would encourage people to take control of their path through the site and to feel comfortable moving backwards or forwards to a stage that fits their experience or needs at that time.

Pete Beaudro - Five Valleys Parents

I have been working with teenagers in the South West for over a decade, as a teacher, drug and alcohol worker and Connexions Personal Adviser (careers advice). Working in settings that include prisons and secure units, schools and colleges, youth centres and clinics. In addition, I have devised and delivered extensive training to parents and professionals, covering topics such as drugs and alcohol, careers, self-esteem, sex and risk-taking behaviours.

Ben and I set up Five Valleys Parents which provides sessions aim to help parents feel more confident approaching some of the challenges of the teenage years. Participants learn proven strategies based on a range of research, as well as exploring some of the key social and biological influences on teenage behaviour.

You can read Pete’s no-hold-barred, but insightful article, titled Parent and Child here.