We are a small team of staff and Trustees dedicated to supporting people's emotional wellbeing. We work with a group of qualified therapists and counsellors offering talking therapies, massage, music therapy and art therapy.
Staff
Alastair McGregor, Chief Officer
I am delighted to have been appointed the Chief Officer of the Creative Living Centre. I’ve had a wide and varied career but have spent the last 20 years working in senior roles within the charity sector. I hope I can use that experience to help the Creative Living Centre in delivering support to those who need help with their mental health.
I have a lived in experience of the difficulties and challenges of living with mental health issues so understand how vital organisations like the Creative Living Centre are. My happy places are gigs and music, watching Oldham Athletic, walking my dog, comics and being active – playing football, running and hill walking.
I am delighted to have been appointed the Chief Officer of the Creative Living Centre. I’ve had a wide and varied career but have spent the last 20 years working in senior roles within the charity sector. I hope I can use that experience to help the Creative Living Centre in delivering support to those who need help with their mental health.
I have a lived in experience of the difficulties and challenges of living with mental health issues so understand how vital organisations like the Creative Living Centre are. My happy places are gigs and music, watching Oldham Athletic, walking my dog, comics and being active – playing football, running and hill walking.
Lorna Wilson, Service Delivery Manager
I am privileged to join the team here at CLC. With over 10 years in welfare to work with not-for-profit organisations, then retraining to become a person-centred counsellor, I believe that holistic person-centred support is integral to wellbeing.
I am privileged to join the team here at CLC. With over 10 years in welfare to work with not-for-profit organisations, then retraining to become a person-centred counsellor, I believe that holistic person-centred support is integral to wellbeing.
Cody Hodkinson, Service Delivery Manager
I've spent my career working as a youth worker, then a science teacher, and then moving on to manage university mental health and wellbeing services. Making sure that people feel empowered to manage their wellbeing is really important to me, so I'm excited to join the CLC and support the amazing work that it does.
I've spent my career working as a youth worker, then a science teacher, and then moving on to manage university mental health and wellbeing services. Making sure that people feel empowered to manage their wellbeing is really important to me, so I'm excited to join the CLC and support the amazing work that it does.
Anne Rabbitt, Office and Reception Administrator
I've had quite a few jobs over the years! I worked at the BBC for 28 years, managed a charity and worked in events. I'm really looking forward to meeting members and getting to know them.
I love reading and cooking - If anybody has any good recommendations for books or recipes, please let me know!
I've had quite a few jobs over the years! I worked at the BBC for 28 years, managed a charity and worked in events. I'm really looking forward to meeting members and getting to know them.
I love reading and cooking - If anybody has any good recommendations for books or recipes, please let me know!
Shelley Dunec, Senior Support Coordinator
I have been involved with CLC since 2007. I am passionate about working with people helping them to have a better understanding of how to manage their own mental health leading to a more fulfilling life.
Holly Brown, Senior Support Coordinator
I started my position as a support coordinator at the centre in January 2014. In my role at the centre I particularly enjoy facilitating the 'Your Wellness Toolkit' course.
Jon Guerrier, Support Coordinator
Hello all! Some of you may recognise me as I was a volunteer and helped out on reception did some co-tutoring as well as peer mentoring. I enjoy to work with people in my own community and helping out in any way I can.
Susan Morton, Support Coordinator
I have been working with the Creative Living Centre since 2017 as a complementary therapist, offering holistic therapy and mindfulness based meditation. I have been a Complementary Therapist since 2000 working at Bury Hospice and various cancer support charities, as well as offering therapies at local mental health and wellbeing charities.
My role at the centre has changed, and I am now taking on the Support Coordinator role. I look forward to meeting old and new members in this new role.
I have been working with the Creative Living Centre since 2017 as a complementary therapist, offering holistic therapy and mindfulness based meditation. I have been a Complementary Therapist since 2000 working at Bury Hospice and various cancer support charities, as well as offering therapies at local mental health and wellbeing charities.
My role at the centre has changed, and I am now taking on the Support Coordinator role. I look forward to meeting old and new members in this new role.
Tom Wild, Take Part Coordinator
In my role I will be supporting and training volunteers, peer mentors and co-tutors at CLC. I’m excited about getting involved at the centre, particularly with walking/bike groups and helping support our incredible volunteer team and members accessing the services we provide. I am also a trainee music therapist at UWE Bristol and fully support a holistic, person-centred approach to mental health services. My work background is varied and colourful, but music has always been my passion!
In my role I will be supporting and training volunteers, peer mentors and co-tutors at CLC. I’m excited about getting involved at the centre, particularly with walking/bike groups and helping support our incredible volunteer team and members accessing the services we provide. I am also a trainee music therapist at UWE Bristol and fully support a holistic, person-centred approach to mental health services. My work background is varied and colourful, but music has always been my passion!
Eric Lloyd, Caretaker
I'm Eric and I have been with the CLC for many years supporting the running of the centre. In my spare time, I do a lot with local football groups and supporting with fundraising to make sure people can access group sport. Lots have things have changed over the years but I enjoy my job and seeing how the centre helps lots of the members who attend the CLC.
I'm Eric and I have been with the CLC for many years supporting the running of the centre. In my spare time, I do a lot with local football groups and supporting with fundraising to make sure people can access group sport. Lots have things have changed over the years but I enjoy my job and seeing how the centre helps lots of the members who attend the CLC.
Therapists
Anne Marie Stephens
Art Therapist / Art Psychotherapist
I trained at the Northern Art Therapy Programme in Sheffield and qualified with a MA in Art Psychotherapy Practice in 2014 allowing me to become a HCPC Registered Art Therapist/ Art Psychotherapist. I have worked with people with a wide range of mental health issues, with a background working in Stroke and Neurological rehabilitation, Dementia Care, Community based group work, charity sector and private practice.
I have been working at the Creative Living Centre since 2016, providing group and individual Art therapy sessions, helping people to better understand their inner worlds, feelings and emotions, build their confidence and improve their well-being through creative exploration in a safe space.
I love being part of the team at the CLC because of its holistic and person centred approach to supporting each person's individual needs in all aspects of their well-being.
When I'm not working as an art therapist I enjoy painting and have recently started making stained glass art pieces in my garden studio!
Art Therapist / Art Psychotherapist
I trained at the Northern Art Therapy Programme in Sheffield and qualified with a MA in Art Psychotherapy Practice in 2014 allowing me to become a HCPC Registered Art Therapist/ Art Psychotherapist. I have worked with people with a wide range of mental health issues, with a background working in Stroke and Neurological rehabilitation, Dementia Care, Community based group work, charity sector and private practice.
I have been working at the Creative Living Centre since 2016, providing group and individual Art therapy sessions, helping people to better understand their inner worlds, feelings and emotions, build their confidence and improve their well-being through creative exploration in a safe space.
I love being part of the team at the CLC because of its holistic and person centred approach to supporting each person's individual needs in all aspects of their well-being.
When I'm not working as an art therapist I enjoy painting and have recently started making stained glass art pieces in my garden studio!
Ganya, Holistic Therapist
Hi, I'm Ganya the Holistic Therapist for the Creative Living Centre. I have 15 years experience as a massage therapist and am happy to join the Creative Living Centre as I wanted to do something rewarding, helps people and also gives me a sense of wellbeing knowing that I am making a difference.
Q: What would I like people to know about me? I am an easy going person and I understand that you may feel nervous but I hope to create a safe, welcoming and calming space to support you with this aspect of your wellbeing journey.
Jenni Benham, Counsellor
Hi, I am Jenni and I am qualified person-centred counsellor, CBT trained and offer integrative counselling support. Trained at Bury College in person-centred modality and additional training completed for CBT therapy.
I focus on providing a safe, empathic space for you to talk about your experiences and difficulties and work with you to make sense of these. Whether you are facing a period of difficulty, feeling overwhelmed, confused or want to explore past events. Taking those first steps to understand and talk can feel difficult but I can take those steps with you and provide a non-judgemental and caring space.
Hi, I am Jenni and I am qualified person-centred counsellor, CBT trained and offer integrative counselling support. Trained at Bury College in person-centred modality and additional training completed for CBT therapy.
I focus on providing a safe, empathic space for you to talk about your experiences and difficulties and work with you to make sense of these. Whether you are facing a period of difficulty, feeling overwhelmed, confused or want to explore past events. Taking those first steps to understand and talk can feel difficult but I can take those steps with you and provide a non-judgemental and caring space.
Trustees
Rachel Hopkins, Chair
I live with my husband and children in Prestwich. I have spent my career working in IT and I hope to bring this experience in my role as trustee at the Creative Living Centre. The Creative Living Centre plays a vital role in our local community and I’m delighted to make a contribution to its continuing success. 
Nigel Hoolachan, Trustee
Since commencing my career as a building surveyor many years ago I have since become involved in many aspects of property, facilities & project management but over the last 10 years my focus has been on property strategy & planning. I am married with 2 sons & 2 Bedlington Terriers, I support Manchester United, enjoy keep fit training & playing my guitars. 
Nichola Cooke, Trustee
I am a qualified procurement professional with a background of working in the public sector and shared services within Greater Manchester. I am passionate about helping to secure value for money, collaboration and joint working. I live near Prestwich and an active member of Prestwich AC running club and both run and volunteer at Heaton Park Run. I strongly advocate the importance of mental health and wellbeing and therefore delighted to be a trustee and support the invaluable services that the Creative Living Centre delivers. 
Gareth Monger, Trustee
Gareth is the Operations Director of a company who supplies working at height equipment, across the Construction, Manufacturing and Retail sectors and comes from a background of Supply Chain operations. In his spare time, he likes to run, swim and dance whilst also having a keen interest in the outdoors, foraging and reiki |
Andrew Leeson, Treasurer
I am a qualified accountant with a background of working in healthcare. I have particular experience of working in Greater Manchester, including working for organisations involved in providing mental health services. My focus has been on providing strategic guidance to healthcare organisations, in particular relating to proposals for capital investments. 
Claire Duffy, Trustee & Board Secretary
I have a background of working within health and social care with a particular focus on homelessness, addiction and recovery. I have a passion for improving health inequalities, especially in relation to mental health. 
Joanne Wells, Trustee
I remember CLC when it first started and have watched its growth from afar. I was delighted when the opportunity came to join the centre as a Trustee earlier this year. Mental health support is very, important to me, and I feel privileged to be part of something that is a real lifeline to many in the community. I was born and raised in Prestwich and the community means a great deal to me. I run my own business as a HR Consultant in addition to being a qualified Person-Centered Counsellor. I enjoy being able to use my experience to support the Centre, and I am proud to be part of the brilliant trustee team. I am also massively in awe of the fantastic work that the staff and volunteers carry out at the Centre – we couldn’t do it without them! |
