Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Theatre Director
Nicola is a qualified MHFA England Instructor, specialising in delivering courses for those in the Arts and creative industries. Attending a Mental Health First Aid course herself in 2017 inspired her to train as an Instructor.
A theatre director with 10 years’ experience, Nicola also has her own theatre company, Up The Road Theatre, that create and tour new plays to areas with little access to the Arts.
As a freelancer herself, Nicola really understands the challenges facing freelancers in the industry and those working for Arts organisations. The MHFA England courses provide a valuable opportunity to look into mental health issues and to talk about those challenges and obstacles.
Mental Health First Aid instructor, Trainer & Psychotherapist
Tracy is a qualified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Instructor Member, with a background in training for over twenty years. She delivered personal development courses at City Lit and Mary Ward Centre in London (2003-2016) with topics including communicating assertively; raising confidence & self-esteem; the challenge of change; and developing positive body image. She was also involved in counselling training at Introductory, Certificate & Diploma levels at City Lit.
Tracy also has twenty years’ experience as a psychotherapist, with an MA and PGDip in Counselling & Psychotherapy from UEL. She is an accredited member of The British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), and has worked in various settings: Primary Care, Voluntary Sector, Secondary Education, Higher Education and Private Practice. Tracy held the post of Head of Student Wellbeing at RADA for seven years, leading a team of eight sessional and placement counsellors.
A graduate of RADA, Tracy worked as an actor in TV and theatre for ten years (1992-2002) before re-training as a psychotherapist. Tracy is passionate about improving understanding of mental health issues experienced by creatives and technicians, and challenging the stigma those working in the arts can face.
