Our staff spotlight series celebrates the people behind our organisation, sharing their stories, work, motivations, and the journey that led them to where they are today.
Statistician, Brooke Avey, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Business Analyst, Shaheer Javed, both joined us this year through the Civil Service Fast Stream placement scheme. Both Brooke and Shaheer have made a real difference at the organisation, illustrating how technology and statistical knowledge can pave the way for innovation in the mental health sector.
In this edition, we spoke to Shaheer and Brooke on what motivates them, how they apply their skills in a mental health setting, and key takeaways from their time with us.
Tell us about your professional background and what drew you to your current field of work?
Shaheer: “I started my career in tax and finance before realising I wanted a shift so moved onto digital and tech. I’ve always liked problem solving and finding ways to make things simpler and efficient, so moving onto the digital space felt like a natural next step.
What drew me in is the idea of how technology can make efficiencies in day-to-day work, and the real difference it can have on people’s lives.”
Brooke: “I worked in a health economics consultancy for two years following university. Whilst I enjoyed building health economic models on spreadsheets, I knew that I didn’t want to work in this area long term, so sought out other opportunities where I could apply my statistical knowledge for the benefit of others.
I applied for the Government Statistical Service Fast Stream because I wanted the opportunity to rotate around different departments and work on varied statistical projects to discover what I’m passionate about.”
How does working for a mental health focused organisation differ from your previous roles?
Shaheer: “It feels a lot more human. In previous roles, the outcomes were mostly financial or operational. Here, everything we do links back to wellbeing - whether it’s staff or service users.
It also means thinking even more carefully about ethics, privacy, safety and impact - especially when working in AI. The work feels more meaningful because you can see how the small things contribute to something much bigger.”
Brooke: “Both of my previous Fast Stream roles have been heavily data focused. As Northpoint is a mental health organisation with a strong people-centred focus, I appreciate the opportunity to witness how my work influences change first-hand.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
Shaheer: “My typical day is usually a mix of researching AI tools and seeing how they can help staff, supporting ongoing projects, reviewing digital opportunities or risk, speaking with different teams and pulling everything together into recommendations or pilot ideas.”
Brooke: “I’ve been heavily involved in visualising data, providing recommendations for the website statistics, and helping with analysing data for the annual report. I’ve also been helping to input data and conducting data analysis on the new room booking system.”
Why do you think it is important for mental health organisations to do the work they do?
Shaheer: “Mental health support is needed more than ever, and organisations like Northpoint help people access that support early and in an approachable way.
It’s important because it’s about helping people feel heard, supported and understood -preventing things from getting worse further down the line. It’s meaningful work, and being able to contribute to that, even from the digital side, feels worthwhile.”
Brooke: “Northpoint’s work is vital and really makes a difference. It is so important that people have timely access to support to promote emotional wellbeing and relieve mental distress.”
After a busy day, what are your top ways to relax and look after your wellbeing?
Shaheer: “Mostly spending time with family - that always helps me switch off. And if I need some proper downtime, I’ll stick on a good TV show. I’ve been watching Stranger Things recently, so that’s been my go-to way to unwind!”
Brooke: “I enjoy a game of badminton after work. I also enjoy doing the free Open University language courses, particularly the Italian ones. I am also in the process of writing a short murder mystery, but with little success (I’ve fallen down 50+ rabbit holes, and the plot no longer makes any sense!)”
What’s one thing you’ll take away from this experience when you move on?
Shaheer: “I have a much deeper understanding of how digital and AI tools can support real clinical work. Not just in theory, but in a safe and ethical way. I’ll also take away how collaborative and supportive the culture is here. It’s shown me how powerful it is when tech and people work together.”
Brooke: “Working as a Statistician at Northpoint has only strengthened my view that data is vital for the public good, and that effective communication and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for creating meaningful change.”
Want to learn more about the people behind the organisation and what we are up to? Follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky for more staff stories and updates.
