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
Gareth, Chief Officer
Gareth has been appointed as Chief Officer at the CLC, having previously served as Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees. His strong understanding of the organisation’s mission, combined with his background in mental health and professional counselling qualifications, places him in an excellent position to lead the CLC. Gareth brings extensive operational experience, having worked as Operations Director for a company supplying equipment across the construction, manufacturing and retail sectors. He also has a solid foundation in operations, adding valuable strategic and organisational insight to his role. Outside of work, Gareth enjoys running, swimming and dancing, and has a keen interest in the outdoors, including foraging and reiki.
Georgia, Service Delivery Lead
I'm really excited to be joining the CLC team as Service Delivery Lead, it feels like a great fit! I'm passionate about supporting people in a person-centred way, and I'm currently working towards a professional doctorate in Health Psychology. I’m all about promoting well-being and connecting with people in meaningful ways. I’m looking forward to meeting our service users and being part of their journey. Outside of work, you’ll likely find me at the gym, catching up with friends, or taking time out for a bit of self-care
I'm really excited to be joining the CLC team as Service Delivery Lead, it feels like a great fit! I'm passionate about supporting people in a person-centred way, and I'm currently working towards a professional doctorate in Health Psychology. I’m all about promoting well-being and connecting with people in meaningful ways. I’m looking forward to meeting our service users and being part of their journey. Outside of work, you’ll likely find me at the gym, catching up with friends, or taking time out for a bit of self-care
Emma, Operations Lead
Hi there! I'm originally from Seattle (as you can hear from my voice), but I've lived in Manchester for about three years now. I come from a clinical administration and genetics research background, have grown up in Seattle and attended university in Boston. I've worked with several charities and hospitals, and love helping people whether it's from a counselling or practical standpoint. I'm currently doing postgraduate studies in Genetic Counselling at Cardiff University. My hobbies include knitting, vinyl collection, and reading! If you want to have a conversation with me, just ask me what I'm reading or how my baseball team is doing this season (they're the Seattle Mariners and they're probably losing at the minute). Looking forward to getting to know you all!
Hi there! I'm originally from Seattle (as you can hear from my voice), but I've lived in Manchester for about three years now. I come from a clinical administration and genetics research background, have grown up in Seattle and attended university in Boston. I've worked with several charities and hospitals, and love helping people whether it's from a counselling or practical standpoint. I'm currently doing postgraduate studies in Genetic Counselling at Cardiff University. My hobbies include knitting, vinyl collection, and reading! If you want to have a conversation with me, just ask me what I'm reading or how my baseball team is doing this season (they're the Seattle Mariners and they're probably losing at the minute). Looking forward to getting to know you all!
Shelley, Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing 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.
Fahmida, Volunteer Coordinator
I have worked in the community for over 30 years. I am an accredited Counsellor with a background in education and a strong commitment to supporting mental health. As a Volunteer Coordinator, I am passionate about building supportive and inclusive spaces where people feel heard, valued, and able to thrive.
I have worked in the community for over 30 years. I am an accredited Counsellor with a background in education and a strong commitment to supporting mental health. As a Volunteer Coordinator, I am passionate about building supportive and inclusive spaces where people feel heard, valued, and able to thrive.
Vivian, Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Coordinator
As a Person-Centred, creative counsellor & psychotherapist with a passion for my local community, I’m thrilled to be a part of the Support Coordinator team. I love working collaboratively with people to help them improve their mental health, wellbeing, and ability to meet their own unique goals. Outside the CLC, I also enjoy making music with my twin sister, talking films with friends, and playing with my cat Spaghetti.
As a Person-Centred, creative counsellor & psychotherapist with a passion for my local community, I’m thrilled to be a part of the Support Coordinator team. I love working collaboratively with people to help them improve their mental health, wellbeing, and ability to meet their own unique goals. Outside the CLC, I also enjoy making music with my twin sister, talking films with friends, and playing with my cat Spaghetti.
Olivia, Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Coordinator
I’m really pleased to be part of the Creative Living Centre team. I’m a qualified person-centred counsellor with experience working in the charity sector, and I’m passionate about supporting people to feel heard, empowered, and cared for.
I value self-care and creativity as important tools for wellbeing, and in my own time I enjoy painting, building Lego flowers, playing board games, and gaming all of which help me stay grounded and connected.
I’m really pleased to be part of the Creative Living Centre team. I’m a qualified person-centred counsellor with experience working in the charity sector, and I’m passionate about supporting people to feel heard, empowered, and cared for.
I value self-care and creativity as important tools for wellbeing, and in my own time I enjoy painting, building Lego flowers, playing board games, and gaming all of which help me stay grounded and connected.
Cath, Allotment Lead
I have had a varied work life, from running my own garden design business, project officer at a Country Park and more recently working with children in a forest school environment. I have always had a love of the outdoors especially when mountain biking in my younger years. Now you can often find me hiking in the countryside or spending time on my own allotment, aswell as at the gym or swimming. I love the ethos of the Creative Living Centre focusing on the holistic approach to mental health. Having had my own challenges, I take care to look after all aspects of my life and I hope I can share my experience with others. Time to get the wellies on!
I have had a varied work life, from running my own garden design business, project officer at a Country Park and more recently working with children in a forest school environment. I have always had a love of the outdoors especially when mountain biking in my younger years. Now you can often find me hiking in the countryside or spending time on my own allotment, aswell as at the gym or swimming. I love the ethos of the Creative Living Centre focusing on the holistic approach to mental health. Having had my own challenges, I take care to look after all aspects of my life and I hope I can share my experience with others. Time to get the wellies on!
Eric , 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 of 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 of 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.
Rum, Café Leader
Hi I’m Rum (they/them) and I’m the new Café Leader! The rest of the week I am an LGBTQ+ youth worker. In my spare time I love to sing, act, crochet and go foraging. I’m looking forward to getting creative in the Sunshine Café ☀️
Hi I’m Rum (they/them) and I’m the new Café Leader! The rest of the week I am an LGBTQ+ youth worker. In my spare time I love to sing, act, crochet and go foraging. I’m looking forward to getting creative in the Sunshine Café ☀️
Emma, Office and Reception Administrator
I’m Emma. I have spent the past 10 yrs working directly within my local community. Right now, I’m training to become a counsellor, with the ultimate goal of providing dedicated mental health support to the LGBTQ+ community. When I’m not studying or working you will find me walking in the woods with my dog, spending time with my friends and family or curled up with a good book.
I’m Emma. I have spent the past 10 yrs working directly within my local community. Right now, I’m training to become a counsellor, with the ultimate goal of providing dedicated mental health support to the LGBTQ+ community. When I’m not studying or working you will find me walking in the woods with my dog, spending time with my friends and family or curled up with a good book.
Gabbie, Link Worker - Neighbourhood Mental Health Team
I’m super pleased to be joining the CLC team as the link worker! I am passionate about working alongside individuals, listening to their needs, and helping them build confidence, resilience, and connections that support their mental health. I try to take positivity everywhere I go. When I’m not at work you’ll either find me at the beach or the cinema!
Therapists
Anne Marie
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, 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, 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. 
Mick, Deputy Chair of Trustees
I live in the north of England and I'm passionate about Mental Health. I have spend the last 30+ years working in IT leadership roles in multiple sectors and have ran a charity previously. As a trustee I aim to bring my experience to CLC to support our trustees management team, staff and service users. 
Andrew, 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. 
Alex, Trustee
I currently live in York with my husband, although I grew up much closer to the Pennines. I work as a HR consultant supporting growing technology companies across the UK, and in my spare time I focus on creating art and getting out into the countryside. I have a keen understanding of how important creativity and the outdoors are to supporting mental health, I believe every person should be able to access support. I aim to bring my experience and expertise to support centre’s mission, and I’m delighted to be a part of the Creative Living Centre. |
Nichola, 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. 
Julie, Trustee
I have worked with a wide range of people in my career in social housing supporting them with their mental health, running counselling services and low-cost community food stores, fundraising support for charities and community groups and leading a homeless charity. Strong, positive mental health and wellbeing is vital and to support mine I am keen swimmer and love a good spin class. |
