I have over 17 years experience of working within the mental health sector, both with adults, as well as children and young people. I have extensive experience and training in psychology and a range of psychotherapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness and Compassionate Based Approaches, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

I have effectively provided strategies in helping individuals for many years and based on my work in 2017 I won ‘The Shining Star’ award. This award was received from the Centre of Excellence for ‘making a positive difference to the lives of others’. I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapists (BABCP) and receive regular clinical supervision from an experienced CBT therapist.

I am clearly passionate about mental health, specifically improving services and the provision available for children and young people. In January 2017 I supported the ShawMind Foundation’s petition which argues for the discussion of mental health to be made compulsory to the school curriculum. This was debated in parliament after receiving over 100,000 signatures. I recognise the importance of raising awareness of mental health, hoping to increase understanding and reduce the stigma attached to this issue. I have been actively involved in raising awareness of mental health issues through training school staff, as well as professionals working for various organisations, targeting those who have the greatest impact.

In 2017 I developed a Mental Health Model for Schools which was successfully implemented in schools around the Preston area. The strategic model offers a whole-school approach to mental health; helping schools to support children and young people experiencing mental health problems and promoting positive emotional health among the student population. I have had a large number of articles published based on this model and links to these articles are highlighted in my work in schools.

I regularly write about mental health issues for various organisations, aiming to raise awareness of mental health for different audiences. I have also recently written a Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Certificate for professionals to complete online.

In 2019 I developed a strategic plan around mental health and wellbeing for all Pupil Referral Units (PRU's) across six Local Authorities in South Wales. This involved carrying out an initial audit of the mental health provision provided in each school, identifying good practice, highlighting staff training needs, areas where improvements were needed, offering an action plan to each school and then delivering training to staff later in the year. I was then invited to be the keynote speaker at a headteachers conference in Swansea, subsequently being asked to offer mental health training to education staff within numerous primary and secondary schools. Similarly, I have recently started working in collaboration with the Family Wellness Practice based in London. This service consists of a friendly team of psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists who all have the same vision as me in terms of improving outcomes for children, young people and families. More detailed information about what the Family Wellness Practice offers is provided on their website: Family Wellness Practice

I am passionate about research and in 2014 I had an article published which explored service-users experiences of receiving trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TFCBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A link to this article is provided below:

Read article here

Organisations and services I have written for include: Insight for Life, The Wigan Observer, The Lancashire Evening Post, Education Executive, Socialcare.co.uk, MQ Transforming Mental Health through Research, Education Magazine, the Shaw Mind Foundation, Centre of Excellence, Division of Clinical Psychology, NCC Resources Ltd. and the Contemporary Journal for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.

Most importantly I am mum to two amazing children of my own; every day they teach me to be mindful and remind me about what’s important in life.

Qualifications and Training

• P.G.Dip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Pass, The University of Cumbria.
• M.Sc Psychology, First Class Honours Degree, The University of Central Lancashire.
• B.Sc Psychology, First Class Honours Degree, The University of Central Lancashire.
• Eye Movement Desensitisation (EMDR) - Fully Accredited
• Self-Harming Behaviour
• Bipolar Awareness Training
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Compassionate Mind Therapy (CMT)
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
• Delivering Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Person-Centred Counselling - Level 2
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Training in Suicide and Early Intervention (ASSIST)
• Loss and Bereavement
• Diploma in working with Eating Disorders and Personality Disorders
• Level 3 in Education and Training
• Diploma in Couples and Family Therapy
• Sensory Processing Disorder Diploma
• Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young People Diploma
• Diploma in Pain Management
• ASD and the Anxiety Disorders
• Understanding Adolescent Risk
• Mindful Mental Health Diploma
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Level 3

Firstly I'm a mum. A mum to an amazing young man, who has shown me what it is to love unconditionally. To be selfless, to always be yourself and to keep going, to always look on the bright side of life, no matter what is happening in your world.

As a child I had experienced emotional trauma, and as a result i nurtured the creative side in me, as I could set my worries aside, while focusing on the detail of what I was creating.

"Art washes from the soul, the dust of everyday life" - PABLO PICASSO

I have qualifications in Art Therapy and Training and Educating.

I believe there is a positive connection between art and mental health. Engaging in the arts is a way to improve your wellbeing, both for Adults and Children. It enables us to express thoughts that are beyond words, as we use art to work through our emotions and communicate them to others.

Art Therapy has been proven to lower stress levels and promote mental calmness.

I offer both group sessions (4 to 6 students max) family sessions and individual art therapy sessions. Each block consisting of 6 hour long sessions.

You don't have to be good at art to take part!! It's a calm, fun, structured way to empty your mind of your thoughts and create something personal and positive to you!

"To practice Art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, so do it" - KURT VONNEGUT

Hi, I’m Emma Winrow. I work with Charlotte in a mentoring role to the teenagers in the My Oasis Therapeutic Alternative Provision. I support the teenagers throughout the programme and assist staff the in the delivery.

When I am not being a mentor, I enjoy Pilates, yoga and walking. Also, I am avid rugby Wigan Warriors supporter.

Hello, I'm Mac, an integrative therapist specialising in cognitive-behavioural techniques to help individuals achieve positive and long-lasting outcomes. My professional background encompasses supporting teenagers and adults in various environments.

Outside of my therapy practice, I am deeply passionate about amateur dramatics and have actively participated in numerous plays. Engaging in theatre allows me to explore my creative side and connect with others through the art of storytelling. Additionally, I enjoy spending quality time with my dogs, taking them on adventures and exploring the outdoors together. Being out and about with my furry companions brings me great joy and allows me to appreciate the beauty of nature.

My names Fatima, I have currently finished my master's in clinical psychology. In my spare time I love to bake (mainly cakes!).

I also am quite adventurous and love to explore new places.

Hello, I am Julia. I enjoy witnessing individuals overcome obstacles and struggles in life.

Having a caring nature and knowing how prevalent mental health problems are in our society, has inspired me to do everything I can to assist Charlotte and the team.

In my spare time, I enjoy trying new things and making great memories.

Hello, my name is Patricia and I am an adolescent mental health practitioner.

I currently have a Bsc degree in Clinical psychology as well as a Msc in Clinical psychology.

In my free time I do jujitsu in which I am training to become a sensei.

David was a Headteacher of a secondary school for 17 years.

Having been a Head of English in 2 schools and Chief Examiner for English. He was a National leader of Education and national representative on the Association of school and college leaders and general teaching council.

On his retirement in 2002 he was the director of his educational consultancy company. Until recently he also worked for the Ministry of Justice which involved monitoring prisons.

Hi I’m Grace! I work as an adolescent wellbeing practitioner in schools within the North West providing 1-1 sessions. I have my BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and have a passion for helping people through difficult times within their life. In my spare time I play in the world’s #1 ranked brass band and enjoy going to the gym.