About us

Katy Holtham

Hello, I'm Katy.  I founded Fireworks in 2012. I am married to Peter and we have two sons Ollie and Hamish. I'm a qualified teacher, have qualifications in child counselling, mindfulness and mental health. In my spare time I like to expand my knowledge and experience - so am also currently studying song therapy. 

I am passionate about mental health of young people and the importance of this in society today. From my experience as a teacher and a Mum of a son with autism I realised how little support was available for the children's mental health - helping them to see their own worth and potential in a gentle way. My part in Fireworks is to volunteer, plan and carry out our workshops in schools, something that I love doing!

We are supported by trustees and volunteers who are passionate about mental health in children and young people.

 

Trustees

Becky Meechan

I live in Hednesford with my Wonder Woman mad daughter, Sofia. I was a Forensic Scientist for many years until I gave birth to Sofia who was born critically ill. She was an impatient little monkey and decided to scare the life out of us by arriving at 24 weeks! I later suffered a breakdown and left my career on the grounds of ill health. Rather than let it beat me, I slowly learned to face my illness and I continually work hard at breaking the stigma that surrounds mental illness. 

I then became an author, I wrote a book on my daughter's fight for life in a bid to raise support and awareness for people facing the same journey we had experienced. I wanted people to see the life that some of us have. I wanted to give hope. 

For a number of years now I have worked for charities in and around Hednesford. Fireworks is a charity very close to my heart. As an adult it was hard for me to cope with so many things going on that were out of my control so when I see children struggling I want them to know they are not alone and sometimes all they need is to be shown ways in which they can relax or express themselves. I see the work that Katy does with children as breaking down barriers from a young age. Encouraging children to understand their emotions and to learn coping mechanisms which have a positive impact on their own emotional health. Fireworks enables and encourages children to embrace their own identity in a positive way. No child should be put in a corner.

Every child is born different. Every child has a sparkle inside of them. Every child has a right to shine in their own way and by encouraging children to express themselves in music, art, signing etc. I genuinely believe that it will give them the confidence and strength they will need when entering adulthood. 

 

Gemma Giles

I've worked in the mental health world for over 11 years. My passion is recovery and ending stigma and discrimination. It's important that everyone feels they are able to talk about how they are coping and not coping and seek help no matter their gender, race, religion and age. The one thing I have seen over the last 11 years is the importance of educating people on the basics of emotional health, but the basics need to be in place at a young age so that it can be built on and strengthened into adulthood. Fireworks is a great charity that is trying to educate young minds around the importance and benefits of mindfulness and I'm looking forward to being part of something so important.

 

Peter Holtham

I am married to Katy and have been a supporter of and a trustee of Fireworks since the beginning in 2012. It is my own personal experience with my children that made me see the importance of mental health in children and young people. I believe that all children need to grow up resilient to the things they will face in life. Life will throw things at you that you are not expecting and it is important to be able to face these and have the skills to cope with them. Fireworks helps children and young people to face up to their fears and provides them with skills take them on. The passion behind Fireworks is what makes me want to be a part of it. 

 

Louise Newman

I'm Louise, between myself and my partner we have 6 children, 1 grandchild and 1 very spoilt cocker spaniel.  I have lived in Hednesford for over 40 years, hobbies include walking on Cannock Chase and Hednesford Hills. I enjoy music and am an active member in a Sign Choir. 

I have worked in hospitality for 20 years, now our children are grown up I began to study. I will be starting my second year at University soon where I am studying Educational Studies alongside British Sign Language. I have recently completed training in Deaf blind awareness and Children's Mental Health. 

Future plans include more study and completing my Master's Degree in English Interpreting.

I wanted to become involved in Fireworks because it is based in Hednesford and the charity works with the children and young people in the local community to promote positive emotional and mental health. I love what Fireworks stands for and promotes. The charity encourages expression through music, sign language and mindfulness. So, for me personally it is very important to support our future generation and I am looking forward to working with Fireworks, Katy and, team. 

 

Claire Nurse

Claire has worked within secondary education for over the past 20 years teaching humanities and social sciences including history, law, politics and Religious Studies.    

 

Claire loves watching students develop a love of learning.  She firmly believes that education can help young people find their voice and shape and change the world around them.  Claire was motivated to apply for a trustee role after seeing an increase in mental health issues within her own school community. Fireworks can help young people develop vital strategies needed to help them manage their mental health.

 

Claire is married to Kevin and has two children aged 10 and 8.  As a family they spend a lot of time enjoying long walks with their dog, Monty.  Her favourite walks include walking over the Roaches in Staffordshire and around Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales.    She also enjoys listening to the Archers and anything on Radio 4.   

 

Stephanie David

I'm Steph married with two daughters plus some...

I've lived in Heath Hayes for 25 years and grew up in Burntwood. I've been with Fireworks for three years as a trustee and volunteer with our projects in our local schools. I'm also a foster carer so I have an ever changing home, which is how I first met Katy in the school playground, and how I first became exposed to the vast needs of our children in schools which dovetailed amazingly with working with looked after children. My passions lie with helping children who are struggling no matter what the reason and the homeless. Both of these areas have my heart. Seeing all of the positive improvements in the children we have and are working with us truly heartwarming.

Professionally my background includes recruitment specialist and logistics. I still dip in and out of recruitment by supporting a Shropshire based company when they are recruiting. I love the F1 and follow it religiously, love to travel (especially the Caribbean) and would love to be good at gardening but the skill eludes me! My wish list Item is to go to Canada in the Rockys and see the bears.

Working with Katy and Fireworks in schools and organisations is rewarding and a pleasure to do. We never leave anywhere without a big smile.