Meet the Team - Footsteps Forward by Spectrum People Charity

Bridget Gill - Chief Officer

Bridget is Spectrum People’s glue.

As the Chief Officer since 2015, Bridget manages the team working across multiple sites within the community.

She ensures the day-to-day running of the charity and also represents Spectrum People at a high level within the Wakefield community and West Yorkshire and wider areas.

Bridget has a background of 20 years in the NHS and has also run her own business and worked in the private sector.

Daz Dooler - Social Prescriber

After living with his mental health condition for several years, Daz realised upon returning to work that he needed the freedom to take charge of his own life.

Despite his dedication to becoming a social prescriber, he sought an organisation that would grant him the necessary time to focus on self-care alongside his professional responsibilities, ensuring top-notch service for his clients.

When offered a position at Spectrum People, he saw it as an ideal opportunity to collaborate with individuals who could empathise with his condition while allowing his talents to shine. He has not been let down.

The flexibility provided by the organisation enables him to assist more individuals in ways that previously seemed unattainable. Moreover, the chance to shape local policies by leveraging the insights and experiences of his colleagues has been a significant factor in his decision to work with Spectrum People.

Katie Armstrong-Lamb - Trainee Art Therapist

I'm Katie, and I'm a trainee Art Therapist at Apple Tree Community garden. I offer 1:1 sessions on Friday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. I also work with Merita to run Art Therapy group sessions on Friday mornings. I adore art and creating in general, and really thrive on connecting with people through their creativity, in whichever way that manifests for them. Everyone is creative in some way, it's our basic human nature, accessing that creativity and using it to express our true selves is incredibly powerful and Art Therapy helps to empower people in this way. The atmosphere of community and support at Apple Tree enables the therapeutic process to be really holistic in a way that's truly unique within the mental healthcare system and I'm grateful to be a part of the service for my training.

I enjoy knitting, crochet and sewing in my spare time. I love gardening but, unfortunately for my long-suffering plants, am not very good at it. I have unusual pets, (8 ducks, 3 cats and a bearded dragon,) who are all adorable and keep me on my toes. I also run my own business offering kids art clubs after school and in the holidays, teaching art skills and inspiring appreciation for the joy of art making as much as I can.

Della Banksy - Art Therapist

Della became a member of Spectrum People in 2021, right after completing her master's degree in art therapy.

She considers her position to be both demanding and fulfilling Positively utilising her creativity and witnessing the positive impact on individuals brings her joy

Testimonials from clients highlight the significant benefits they have experienced through Art Therapy and their interactions with Spectrum People.

The flexibility provided by Spectrum People is something she values greatly in her role This flexibility allows her to deliver tailored services to meet the unique needs of clients, resulting in long-lasting positive changes.

Della is grateful for the team's support and enjoys being part of a cohesive team with a common objective of assisting individuals with their mental well-being She feels comfortable reaching out to her colleagues for assistance when necessary

Judith

LindleyCharity Connector Martin Bazzant - Charity Connector Manager

Martin and Judith have recently joined Spectrum People after the transition from Richmond Fellowship.

They are both passionate about their role and keen to deliver the same high-quality service to support people and give the best possible help.

Matt Gordon - Project Manager Appletree Gardens

Matt joined Spectrum People in 2019 and, as Project Manager for Appletree Community Garden, works with groups and individuals from a variety of backgrounds, helping them to find meaningful outdoor activities at the garden.

Matt oversees the day-to-day running and development of Appletree and is passionate about promoting sustainable gardening practices and making growing accessible to all. He works alongside the Appletree team to share horticultural knowledge and build a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant community where everyone feels welcome and engaged.

Cora Easton - Charity Project Worker

Cora joined Spectrum People in April 2021 and participated in the Prince’s Trust Programme as well as the Flex Programme online.

The course leader of the Flex Programme recommended the Charity Project Worker position through the Kickstart scheme, which aimed to provide job placements for individuals aged 16-24 during the pandemic.

Cora is passionate about working for a charity that is dedicated to assisting those in need through various means, and she appreciates the organisation's emphasis on the value of lived experiences.

She finds fulfilment in the diverse challenges that come with her role at Spectrum People, allowing her to express her creativity in multiple ways.

Dee Hawkins - Charity Support Worker

Dee became a part of the team back in 2018.

She participated in the Prince’s Trust Programme to develop a more solid career plan for herself. Subsequently, she was directed to Talentmatch, a project designed to assist individuals in securing employment by establishing and financing 6-month positions with various organisations throughout the district.

Throughout the past year, Dee has been leading a creative group for mothers called “Maternal Journal” in the community and at Pinderfield’s Neonatal Unit, where her twins were cared for in 2020.

She has had the opportunity to aid individuals from diverse backgrounds, engage in remarkable projects, and utilising her personal experiences to advocate for and bring about change on a larger scale. In addition to her charitable work, she volunteers at her local Maternity Voices partnership and neonatal parent advisory group.

Merita Sulmina - Trainee Art Therapist

Hi My name is Merita.

I am presently studying for a master's in art therapy at Sheffield Hallam. As a result, I am a trainee at Appletree Community Garden on a Wednesday and Friday. I am a former primary school teacher and am now enjoying this new challenge in my career path.

I have worked so far with young people and adults alike and pride myself on being approachable. Art Therapy can help you explore your thoughts and feelings on any topic and can be described as a way of telling your story without saying words. It can help alleviate anxiety and worries, as well as promoting your self-esteem.

Carla Rivers - Connector Co-ordinator Airdale

Hi, I’m Carla Rivers, Connector Co-ordinator for Airedale, this is my first month working here and I’m absolutely loving my position, I’m getting to meet some amazing people and organisations.

I come from a background in education, working with KS1 children and children with SEN in a primary school. After having breast cancer 2 years ago, my outlook on life changed, that’s when I wanted to work more closely in communities and help where I can with wellbeing and mental health. I also work with Pinderfields supporting people with Breast Cancer.

I can’t wait to meet more of you in the coming months.

Jonathan Simmons - Horticulture Apprentice

Jonathan joined the team in 2022 as a horticulture apprentice shortly after attending the Prince’s Trust Programme.

Matt Gordon, Appletree Coordinator, has supported him during his time. Jonathan’s confidence has grown and he often enjoys the hard work that working at Appletree brings, the Garden gives him a sense of freedom and experience.

Adele - Crafting4Good CIC

Adele is the Founder of Crafting4Good CIC, a non-profit promoting creativity for mental health. They source art supplies, sell on eBay, and donate surplus to community groups. Adele also provides digital support, integrating technology to enhance efficiency Passionate about creativity, psychology, and wellbeing, she incorporates art into her life, evident in her colourful home décor

Will Jones - Art Psychotherapist / Art Therapist

Will is an art psychotherapist registered with The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), specializing in child and adult mental health

He helps individuals express themselves through art, focusing on children's emotional and psychological development. Will believes art unlocks difficult emotions beyond spoken language, using a child-focused approach to support children in exploring their difficulties in a safe and expressive space

Saima Amir - Charity Peer Support Lead

Saima works at Appletree Community Garden supporting visitors with emotional and/or practical support, signposting where necessary. She works with the team to ensure safety at Appletree as well as organising events.