Bloom

Louise is Bloom's founder, bringing over 20 years of experience in mental health and wellbeing. She has provided frontline support, and has held senior leadership and management roles in national and local mental health charities. Her passion for the arts and creativity as a powerful tool for personal development and social change was ignited while studying Theatre at the prestigious Dartington College of Arts. Alongside her career in mental health and wellbeing, Louise developed her skills and experience as a community arts and theatre practitioner, including running Open Door Theatre Company for adults with learning disabilities and leading creative workshops for a range of groups in community and health settings. In 2016, Louise earned an MA in Dramatherapy, blending her wealth of experience in mental health and her creative and community practice with clinical expertise. She has worked clinically in schools, psychotherapy services, hospices, and her private practice. Louise is dedicated to tackling wellbeing inequalities and driving social change through creativity and the arts - empowering communities to bloom! 

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Favourite Writer: Shakespeare | Favourite Colour: Green | First Gig: Meatloaf | Favourite Animal: Elephants

What did Louise want to be when she grew up?

Actress or Counsellor or Social Worker or Teacher

Region: The North and Midlands

 Iain is a professional musician, best known for his work on keyboards with the acclaimed band Mostly Autumn and his engaging solo projects. Iain is a successful touring and recording artist, and an accomplished composer and songwriter. He studied baroque, classical and jazz music at Leeds College of Music and then went on to study Composition and Electro-Acoustics at Huddersfield University. ​​Iain had his first piano lesson at just three years old and he was hooked! As an experienced music teacher he is dedicated to igniting a love for music in the children he teaches. Iain has many years' experience as a community music practitioner working with communities to make and perform music, from choirs and orchestras to rock school shows and festivals. He currently facilitates a performance group for people with disabilities. Iain brings his extensive musical experience, along with his passion for music as a tool for connection and expression, to Bloom. Our maestro also plays guitar, trombone, ukulele (and more!) so we're ever ready for a singalong at Bloom! 

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Favourite Band: Pink Floyd | Favourite Colour: Red

First Gig: Genesis | Favourite Animal: Fruit bats

What did Iain want to be when he grew up?

Stunt Man or Musician 

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Region: Yorkshire and the North East

Vicky is an experienced complementary therapist with international experience in prestigious spas and wellbeing centres across the world. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she is a passionate educator dedicated to holistic wellness and improving outcomes for young people facing socio-economic barriers to education. Vicky previously led an innovative and hugely popular service offering holistic therapies for people experiencing mental ill-health and significant barriers to accessing wellbeing support. She offered thoughtful tailored treatments to suit her clients' needs. Her warm, engaging and friendly approach, extensive multinational wellness training background, and love for travel and different cultures enrich her approach to community wellbeing, and make her an essential asset to Bloom.

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Favourite Treatment: Reflexology | Favourite Colour: Purple | First Gig: Kylie | Favourite Animal: Dogs

What did Vicky want to be when she grew up? 

Beauty & Holistic Therapist 

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Region: The Midlands 

Karen is a youth and community engagement specialist with extensive experience managing and developing projects across the UK and USA. Holding a BA in Youth & Community Work, an MA in Community Education and a Post Graduate Certificate in Social and Oral History, she champions collaborative practices to enhance community connectedness and wellbeing, particularly for women and families. As a lifelong dancer and beautiful salsera, Karen advocates for dance as a powerful tool to unite communities, combat loneliness, and improve wellbeing. She also has a special interest in community and heritage and leads community reminiscence and storytelling projects, Her commitment to community spirit and wellbeing through creativity aligns seamlessly with Bloom's mission to promote creative wellbeing. .

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Favourite Dance: Salsa | Favourite Colour: Pink

First Gig: Madness | Favourite Animal: Cats

What did Karen want to be when she grew up? 

Gymnast​

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Region: The North West

Carrie is a Voice Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, Vocal Massage Therapist and Clinical Director at The Singer's Clinic. She is a highly skilled vocal coach, and professional recording and touring musician and vocalist. Carrie's dedication to empowering individuals through voice and creativity, holistically integrating therapeutic techniques with creative expression, makes her an invaluable addition to Bloom as both an Associate Creative and an Associate Therapist.

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Favourite Singer: Whitney | Favourite Colour: Pink

First Gig: Republican | Favourite Animals: Her kids

What did Carrie want to be when she grew up? 

​Singer

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Region: The Midlands

Mel is an accomplished silversmith and creative. She is the owner of Silverlicious Artisan Jewellery, where she creates unique, handcrafted pieces and workshops for communities. With a strong background in design and a passion for creativity, Mel's work promotes self-expression and emotional wellbeing. Mel’s artistic expertise and commitment to creative wellbeing make her an invaluable addition to the Bloom team as a Creative Associate. 

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Favourite Shape: Stars! | Favourite Colour: Purple

First Gig: Magnum | Favourite Animal: Cats (lots of)

What did Mel want to be when she grew up? 

​Air Hostess or Band Manager 

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Region: The Midlands