Sydney, Research, Evidence & Impact Lead

My name is Sydney.  I have the exciting and complicated job of demonstrating the impact of our various projects and communities, showing people all the great work we’re doing at Why Not! I also write additional pieces on issues that are relevant to our work and the change we want to see in the wider sector.

I am originally from Los Angeles, California but have lived in Glasgow for over three years. I studied both psychology and music during my undergraduate and completed my MSc in Clinical Health Psychology in Scotland. I had worked in different mental health and social care roles before joining Why Not, including inpatient psychiatry, elder care, homelessness services, and residential care.

Outside of work (and sometimes in my work if I’m lucky!) I like playing piano and guitar, doing arts and crafts, reading, and learning languages. Personally, my research interests are in the benefits of social connection and arts and cultural engagement for improving long-term mental health and life outcomes.