about me

I worked at Manchester Art Gallery from 2006 – 2024 and loved every minute of being the gallery’s Health and Wellbeing Manager working as part of the Learning and Engagement team. Leading the development of its creative health work, I transformed it from a small initiative into a large, impactful programme that is now central to the Gallery’s mission. Through collaboration with multiple community partners and agencies, I expanded its reach with dedication and creative vision, working closely with the city’s most vulnerable communities and discovering unique, meaningful ways to engage them with art and collections.

This growth and success led to international recognition, establishing Manchester Art Gallery’s health and wellbeing programme as a model of best practice in the arts and cultural sector. I’ve had the privilege of being invited to speak across Europe about the relationship between museums and well-being

the Mindful Museum

I created the the Mindful Museum campaign which trained other UK museums and galleries on integrating mindfulness across their programmes. A key part of the Mindful Museum campaign was the creation of Room to Breathe mindfulness exhibition, and the 2.5 year research study with psychologists from Goldsmith’s University of London.

trauma-informed practice

Towards the end of my time at Manchester’s largest public art gallery I led on research on applying trauma-informed principles to gallery practice. Working with trauma professionals and people with lived experience we were able to explore just how cultural spaces could become more trauma-informed. This is now something I love to support other organisations to learn, understand and apply.

consultant

It’s so rewarding to use my years of experience in a niche field to support other organisations to deliver evidence-based and effective creative health work.

I love working with people, creativity and collections to improve mental health and wellbeing – it’s my passion.

A few of my favourite things…