Safe Minds Strong Schools Initiative

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About us

We empower educators and parents to safeguard young minds. Through expert-led training in mental health, online safety, and safeguarding, we tackle the real challenges facing children today. Together, we're building stronger schools and safer communities—creating spaces where every child can thrive.

The Safe Minds, Strong Schools Initiative is co-founded by Dr. Marilena Hadjittofi and David Hughes-Record — a Clinical Psychologist and a Police Constable, but also a husband-and-wife team. As a couple with nearly 30 years of combined safeguarding and clinical experience, their mission is rooted in a deep commitment to protecting children and supporting those who care for them.

Marilena brings expertise from her work at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she supported young people facing complex mental health challenges alongside physical difficulties. David brings frontline insight from years in policing, now working within Counter Terrorism across Merseyside and Cheshire, where early intervention and prevention are key.

Together, they recognised a growing need for proactive, real-world support for schools and parents—particularly around online safety, mental health, and social pressures. The Safe Minds, Strong Schools Initiative was born from this vision: to equip educators and families with the confidence, skills, and tools to help children navigate life’s challenges safely and openly.

Their combined approach bridges psychology and safeguarding—offering practical, evidence-based training that’s rooted in compassion and real-world experience.

Dr Marilena Hadjittofi

DClinPsy, PGDip, BSc, HCPC Registered

Dr. Marilena Hadjittofi is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist, combining a dedication to child mental health with a wealth of clinical expertise. As a psychologist at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, she has spent years supporting young people facing complex emotional and psychological challenges, particularly those navigating both mental health difficulties and physical health issues. Dr. Hadjittofi is also the founder of The Chester Psychology Clinic, where she delivers tailored, evidence-based psychological services to children, young people, and their families. She has completed extensive training in a wide range of therapeutic models and her work is grounded in trauma-informed care — equipping her to work sensitively and effectively with children affected by adversity, loss, and stress. Her broad clinical experience, specialist knowledge, and passion for supporting schools in creating safe, resilient environments make her an ideal co-founder of the Safe Minds Strong Schools Initiative. By blending frontline psychological expertise with strategic insight, she empowers educators and parents to navigate the complexities of mental health and online safety in today’s world.

David Hughes

Before joining the police, David worked at a FTSE 100 company, where he held the role of Commercial Analyst. In this position, he focused on identifying growth opportunities, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and implementing efficiency processes to drive business performance.

Seeking a new challenge, David transitioned to Surrey Police, beginning his career as a response officer in the busy and vibrant district of Guildford. During this time, he gained an in-depth understanding of the rapidly evolving risks faced by young people, particularly those arising from the rise of social media and the increasing influence of online environments.

Following this, David moved to Merseyside Police, where he encountered similar safeguarding issues, compounded by the complexities of inner-city dynamics. His work during this period earned him his first commendation for exemplary service.
As the Chester Psychology Clinic began to take shape, David became increasingly involved in supporting Marilena in expanding services to better support the community. This collaboration led to the creation of the Safe Minds, Strong Schools initiative.

In 2024, after nearly a decade on the front lines of policing, David joined Counter Terrorism North West. There, he gained valuable experience in preventative policing and developed insight into the Prevent Channel, further strengthening his expertise in safeguarding.

Combining David’s early commercial background with over a decade of experience in policing and safeguarding, and Marilena’s passion and commitment to the psychological wellbeing of young people, their shared mission is to empower educators, parents, and young people to develop strong, resilient mindsets in an ever-changing world.