Give Space: Directors & Therapists
Rachel
Rachel: BA Hons, MA (Drama and Movement Therapy) HCPC Reg. AS16981
Rachel qualified in Drama and Movement Therapy (MA) in July 2020 with a distinction from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
After qualifying Rachel became the co-founder of Give Space, formed in the midst of Covid-19 in October 2020. Clinically, Rachel has worked with a variety of communities such as carers, older adults, those involved within the youth justice system, individuals with a diagnosis of brain tumour, brain injury, ADHD, autism, those suffering with bereavement and homelessness. Rachel also co-leads on the strategic development and operations of Give Space; locating funding and developing new partnership working collaborations. She continues to advocate towards mental health rights.
In addition to the above experience Rachel’s clinical placements on her drama and movement therapy training include working within a Social Emotional Mental Health primary school and a mainstream secondary. In her second year, her clinical hours focused on working in a secondary school for young people with Profound Multiple Learning Disability/severe autism and in an NHS medium secure forensic hospital working with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and personality disorders based on an acute ward. Rachel also worked as a youth worker supporting young people from an inner city borough during her therapy training.
The body of Rachel’s work has been with clients whose behaviour is challenging and engaging those who are disengaged.
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Becci
Becci: BA Hons, MA (Drama and Movement Therapy) HCPC Reg. AS16973
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Becci qualified in Drama and Movement Therapy (MA) in July 2020 with a distinction from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
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Becci has over a decade of experience working with children and adolescents and has always felt passionately about the necessity to nurture positive mental health. Before training as a drama and movement therapist Becci worked in adult acute psychiatric wards as a health care assistant and activities coordinator. These experiences have contributed, alongside her therapist training, to Becci’s dedication to working empathetically with a person centred and non-judgemental approach and recognition of the importance of early intervention and prevention for mental health. She has experience working with a diverse client group including supporting those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, eating disorders, brain tumour and injuries and carers. Becci is passionate about offering a safe, supportive space to empower people to support their own wellbeing, leading to personal healing and growth.
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Becci co-founded Give Space in October 2020 in response to the increasing mental health need and has felt it a privilege to contribute to ensuring accessibility of mental health services and promote creative therapies as a means of mental health support. Alongside her role as Dramatherapist and Co-Director of Give Space Becci is also currently working as a Senior Supervisor Practitioner and dramatherapist for the NHS within Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services in a Mental Health Support Team.
Board of Advisors
It felt critical to Give Space to have experienced professionals from a variety of fields offering advice and input into the landscape of Give Space. This idea evolved into Give Space recruiting for our very own board of advisors. This board enables Give Space to tap into the member's vast experience, knowledge and wisdom, in turn enabling the CIC to benefit from bespoke support and guidance, enabling Give Space to continue developing and strengthening. We are very thankful to all our advisors in continuing to be key members of the Give Space fabric!
Deb Hattam
My name is Deb Hattam. I work as a local authority Social Worker (for over 30 years) in Adult Safeguarding with every type of person who is vulnerable and in need of support and protection at the time that they come into contact with the service. And that’s all of us at some point in our lives.
I haven’t always worked with adults. I have a Youth Work qualification and am trained and experienced also in Child Protection. I have specialised in working with people with mental health needs and/ or learning difficulties. Back in the day I took a law degree which slowly morphed into the work I do now.
I do feel passionate about working in the mental health sector. My late mother had a postpartum psychosis from which she never really recovered, so perhaps it’s not surprising that my work and passion in life have ended up where they have. I know from first hand the difficulties many people with mental health needs have. I also know how important it is to support and nurture children’s mental health. I am, of course, eager to support young carers as their needs often get lost in those of other people.
I applaud ‘Give Space’ and so proud of the work they do - this is vital work which is often fun and creative too. It is an excellent use of their drama therapist credentials, and I really like the breadth of experience, their reach and vision, working with all age groups. I am excited and privileged to be on the board of advisors. Thank you Rachel and Becci for giving me this opportunity, I look forward to working with you and hope my experience will be of service to you.
Sarah Thomas
My name is Sarah Thomas and I have been involved in the education sector for over 30 years. Beginning with teaching, I moved into leadership becoming the head of 4 schools. I then furthered my career through University PGCE mentoring, moving on to become the Principal Educational Adviser for the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education and currently Director of TEAL – my Education and Leadership consultancy.
Throughout my career I have known the value and necessity of high-quality support and therapy for those in my care who have challenges that restrict their lives and their life opportunities. It has been a delight to see the impact that informed and well targeted intervention has had. Lives have changed and hope restored.
Give Space is one such organisation that can change lives and restore hope. The knowledge, insight and vision of Becci and Rachel enables them to work in tandem with other institutions, create appropriate therapy programmes which allow the well-being of staff/children to be at the fore front of their ethos and commitment.
It is a privilege to work with Give Space and to support its growth and development