Lunchtime Learning

Petra qualified as an osteopath at the University College of Osteopathy (formerly the British School of Osteopathy), before going on to complete postgraduate diplomas in both Paediatric Osteopathy and Women's Health Osteopathy. She has undertaken extensive additional training in women's health, including continence, gynaecology, and the menopause. Her professional development includes observing at the specialist menopause clinic at Guy’s Hospital and regularly attending educational events organised by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, as well as the British Menopause Society. After practising in England for 8 years, she relocated to the Orkney Islands 3 years ago, where she continues to practise and gives public talks on a range of women’s health topics, including the menopause.

Dee Bell is a registered midwife, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and a Specialist Tongue-Tie Practitioner based near Brighton, where she lives with her daughter, Florence. With over 20 years of experience in midwifery, Dee began her career training as a midwife and went on to serve within the NHS for more than 16 years. She later transitioned into private practice, focusing exclusively on infant feeding and tongue-tie treatment—areas in which she has become a highly respected expert. To offer more personalised care, Dee founded Birth, Baby & You, a dedicated feeding support service for new families. Her mission has always been to provide families with the expert guidance and time they truly need during the early stages of parenting. Over the past 13 years, Dee has supported thousands of families with infant feeding and has carried out thousands of tongue-tie release procedures, solidifying her reputation as a leading specialist in the field. In 2021, she realised a long-held ambition by founding The Infant Feeding Academy. This platform was created to train other professionals in delivering the same high-quality support that Dee is known for. Teaching and mentoring dedicated practitioners continues to be a profound passion, and she […]

Dr Shireen Kassam is a Consultant Haematologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer at King’s College Hospital, London with a specialist interest in the treatment of lymphoma. She is also a Visiting-Professor at University of Winchester, Hampshire, where she has developed and facilitates the UK's first University-based course on plant-based nutrition. In 2023 she launched a course on lifestyle medicine for cancer. 

Niki Dunkley leads Silver Strength and Move To The Beat exercise classes, specifically designed to support older adults in maintaining their strength and mobility. Silver Strength is an Otago-based strength and balance class that helps improve posture, strengthen the core, and reduce the risk of falls. Move To The Beat is a fun, music-based chair exercise class, offering an effective and safe workout for those who may not be able to attend traditional fitness sessions. Inclusivity is at the heart of Niki’s approach—no one is turned away. Her classes are open to all, promoting health, movement, and community at every age.