Our work is rooted in personal experience, professional expertise and a shared passion for creating healthier communities.
Kate, one of our co-founders, spent many years as a primary school teacher before retraining as a Creative Therapist. Her own mental health journey helped her recognise that creativity is not simply a form of expression, but a powerful tool for healing, resilience and connection. Her experience of supporting children and adults through art, storytelling and play has shaped the heart of our creative therapeutic approach.
Sim, our co-founder, is a BACP-registered counsellor, higher education lecturer and advocate for inclusive wellbeing. She brings lived experience to the project, having grown up alongside and supported her brother, who has significant learning disabilities. Throughout her career, Sim has worked with neurodivergent individuals, carers and families, developing a deep understanding of the barriers many people face when accessing support and the importance of creating safe, welcoming and affirming spaces for everyone.
As School of You continues to grow, we are delighted to welcome Dr Charlotte Hardacre as a Director. Charlotte brings extensive academic expertise in health, education and research, alongside a passion for evidence-informed creative practice. Her experience strengthens our ability to evaluate impact, develop innovative programmes and ensure our work continues to be grounded in robust research while remaining accessible to local communities.
We are also expanding our team of facilitators and volunteers, bringing together counsellors, creative practitioners, educators, students and people with lived experience who share our belief that creativity can transform wellbeing. By investing in mentoring, reflective practice and facilitator development, we are creating opportunities for volunteers and aspiring practitioners to develop their skills while helping more people access creative health support within their own communities.
Together, our growing team combines clinical, educational, creative and academic expertise with lived experience and a genuine commitment to community wellbeing. School of You has never been about delivering services to people—it has always been about working alongside communities to help people rediscover themselves, build confidence and feel connected.
Since launching, we have delivered creative wellbeing programmes in schools, day centres, community venues and outdoor spaces across Lancashire. We've witnessed the difference it makes when people are given permission to create without pressure, talk without judgement and belong without expectation. Our sessions are filled with colour, curiosity, reflection, laughter and connection, helping people improve their wellbeing while building lasting relationships.
This campaign will allow us to continue delivering Creative Health programmes while developing the next generation of Creative Health Facilitators through mentoring, training and practical experience. By growing both our community programmes and our facilitator network, we can extend our reach, strengthen local communities and create a sustainable legacy of creative wellbeing across Lancashire.
We believe creative wellbeing isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline.
