Who's Who

Katy Holtham- Founder

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

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. 

 

 

Annalise Eustace 

Hello, I’m Annalise. I am 22 years old and recently graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Psychology. I am currently studying for my Masters Degree in the Psychology of Education and work in primary schools throughout Staffordshire and the West Midlands as a qualified Educational Assessor performing NGRT, APT, EVT and GAPS assessments .
I started working with Fireworks  during the final year of my undergraduate degree and I am passionate about promoting positive mental health, resilience and self belief in young people. I strongly believe that children may forget what they have been taught but will never forget someone who believed in them, validated their feelings and experiences and helped them to discover their own self worth and strategies to assist them in fulfilling their potential.
Outside of Fireworks I enjoy travel, music, theatre and spending time with my family and my fiancé Phil.
Mental health affects us all and encouraging early communication skills is vital for breaking an age old taboo and empowering youngsters to live their best lives without fear or judgement.
After my Masters degree I hope to study further to become either a Clinical Psychologist or an Educational Psychologist to continue to make a difference .

 

Becky Meechan 

I'm Becky, a long time resident of Hednesford. I'm an author and former forensic scientist. 

I live with my beautiful daughter Sofia, who was born at 24 weeks.

Fireworks, plays such an important role in supporting children with their emotional health. I became involved, because I have been my daughter's advocate from the very start and I understand how important looking after a child's mental health can be and also how important their voice is.

Like adults, children too can find life too overwhelming. It is our priority that we ensure openness from a young age, and giving children the freedom and right to tell us when they are struggling. If we teach our children from a young age not to be afraid and how to cope and reach out in times of need, we are actually laying the foundation for greater awareness, better understanding and kindness as they navigate the challenges posed as they enter adulthood. Laying the foundation for their future.

Conor Bentley

I'm Conor, local Accounting Firm owner in Cannock, I jumped at the opportunity to come onboard as a board member for Fireworks because of the clear passion of Katy in improving the mental well-being of children. As someone who would've benefitted from this charity in my younger years, my sister too, I am extremely grateful to be a part of this charity. 

 

 

 

Stephen Fischbacher MBE- Patron and Advisor  

'Fireworks are doing great work in supporting children and young people’s wellbeing. They share similar values to Fischy Music, the charity I have been leading for 26 years, and I am delighted to support them in their vital work.'

Stephen runs his own charity "Fischy Music". Find out more by using the link below:

https://www.fischy.com/fischy

Dave Westhead

Volunteer's: 

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 more than five years  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.

 

Charlotte Birch

Hi, my name is Charlotte and I'm a volunteer for Fireworks, supporting children in schools with their mental health and well being.

I am a primary teacher and I live with my son, dog and rabbit in Cannock.

In my spare time, I enjoy running. I'm a member of my local running club and I have completed many races including marathons.