Meet the team
Trustees
John Pimblott
John was at The Space during the inception in 2017 and has been part of the vast changes establishing The Space to what is has become today.
Currently the chair and trustee of The Space and Director of the Cheddar Community Partnership.
He is retired and has a business background, specializing in business excellence and quality assurance with global organisations.
John is keen on building a Circle of Support around children, young people and families to enhance their resilience and wellbeing for later life.
Sandy Legg
Sandy has been involved with The Space since it began.
She feels passionate about educating young people on how best to look after their mental health and providing a service which allows prompt access to assistance when needed.
Her children attended school locally in Cheddar and she has been struck by the incredible sense of community which exists in the local area.
Since retiring from her business she now works locally and enjoys spending time with her family cooking, travelling, and walking their two beloved cockapoos.
Suzi Smith
I’m Suzi Smith and I’m the proud Head Teacher at Cheddar First School and Preschool. Our families and children have benefited hugely from the therapists and services provided by The Space and I’m keen to be a part of how we can expand and ensure that these services are available to all of our community that needs them. As a qualified SENDCo I’m passionate about ensuring that all children get the support and provision that they need to be happy and fulfil their potential, so when the opportunity came to be a Trustee for The Space I leapt at it! Having grown up in Cornwall, I completed my teaching degree at Bath Spa university and finally settled in Somerset with my two children. With my own children now grown I’m looking forward to seeing how I can support the wider Cheddar community more, just as they have embraced me.
Steve Kite
Originally from Bristol and schooled at QEH, Steve studied Medicine at The Middlesex Hospital, University of London and completed GP Vocational Training in Norfolk. He then became a partner at a 6 handed GP practice in Knebworth, Hertfordshire and later a single handed GP in Ware, Hertfordshire. Always interested in Mental Health and Medical Politics he became a member of the local Clinical Commissioning Group and was their MH Lead GP for over 10 years before retiring in 2016. Steve moved back to the West Country to be nearer his father and threw himself into his lifelong passion of music playing his 12 string in a covers duo called “Strum and Bass” with his friend and bass player, Darren Field.
“I don’t want to lose the expertise in medicine and especially Mental Health that I have acquired over the last 20 years or so. The services for Children and Young Adults are particularly sparce and especially in rural communities like Cheddar where funding and transport create major barriers to an already fragile service.”
Ian Biggs
My name is Ian Biggs and I joined the team of trustees at The Space in February 2024. I am deeply impressed by the work that The Space has done to help build communities of support for young people in Cheddar Valley and the potential to improve the mental health and wellbeing of so many people. I am passionate about sharing our feelings even when it feels hard to talk and the importance of listening to each other so that we all feel heard.
I am retired after 28 years in a variety of management roles in the NHS nationally and in the south west. Most recently I have been involved in supporting primary care and community based healthcare. I have seen the power of local people and organisations pulling together to improve health and wellbeing.
I have loved living in Wells since 2008 with my family. My two children went to The Blue School and my son went on to Strode College in Street. I get outside in all weathers, whenever I can, usually on foot exploring the Mendips and the Levels, walking or running. I enjoy messing about in the garden and have started a no dig vegetable patch. Mixed results but there is nothing more satisfying than washing off strange shaped vegetables ready to eat. I have a 30 year old camper van called Bert, who needs quite a bit of attention, but brings me joy whenever I sit behind the wheel heading out on an adventure.
CEO
Head of Community and our Connect Somerset Champion
Hi I’m Victoria, I am a wife and mother of 4 and we live in Cheddar. After moving here around 13 years, I have been involved in many community projects and have often stepped into helping/supporting many people where they have needed staff, meaning that I have worked all over Cheddar and in a diverse amount of jobs roles. I am currently working at Fairlands Middle School as a Cover Supervisor, as well as being the Youth Leader for The Space. I also volunteer at two other youth groups. I am passionate about community and how we can support one and another.
Head of Clinical Services
My name is Laura Wilcox.
I have worked with in education for 5 years prior to working for The Space and am impassioned about working alongside children and young people.
I recently gained a qualification in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health to help within my role.
Fundraising Lead
My name is Sara Appleton. With over 20 years’ experience in marketing and the past five as a consultant, I’m thrilled to join The Space as Fundraising Lead. My role focuses on building strong connections with local businesses across the Cheddar Valley, encouraging vital support for the charity’s ongoing work with children and families.
I live in Axbridge with my son, who attends school in Cheddar. We’ve long appreciated the incredible services The Space provides, and I’m proud to now contribute my skills to a cause that uplifts others. When my son was born prematurely, the support we received from charities made a lasting impact—an ethos that continues at the heart of The Space.
Outside of work, I love to travel and am a regular at live music events and festivals.
Head of Marketing & Impact
My name is Ruth and have worked in and around the Cheddar Valley area for all of my working life. I grew up in Winscombe and went on to own & run an interior furnishings business in Cheddar for 11 years.
After having my daughter in lockdown, I decided I wanted to get back into the world of work when the opportunity to join The Space arose.
I love the ethos of The Space, everything it stands for, even the name. I’m proud to now be part of this incredible team.
After being an avid fundraiser for many different charities over the years, I know how hard charities work and how the wider community benefit from such amazing resources. To be involved in helping children and young people in whatever way I can is such a privilege.
Having a family of my own only makes me want to help others more and going forward, to see these young people growing into confident, well-adjusted adults with help from this invaluable service is inspiring.
Head of Strategic Operations and People
Katharine Thompson has spent almost 30 years leading small to medium sized charities both globally and nationally through Viva’s work with vulnerable children and most recently with Windsor Hill Wood refuge near Shepton Mallet. She has a passion to see people fulfil their potential and is a firm believer in the power of collaboration. Katharine joins The Space as Operations Manager.
She is married to Chris and they have two boys, Josh (14) and Natty (12). A keen runner and nature lover, in her free time Katharine is happiest outdoors.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Kirstin Lean. I am a HCPC registered clinical psychologist with an interest in therapeutic play and systemic therapy.
I believe in the importance of play in order to process difficult experiences. Using creative means (such as stories, music, puppets, sand and clay) helps children and young people to express their feelings without having to exclusively draw on words as well as offering an excellent opportunity to increase their self-esteem.
My work helps children to become more confident to trust others and form secure attachments. Wherever possible, I actively involve parents/carers/guardians and the wider support network. I believe that healing can take place when the child’s needs are noticed, understood, reflected back and met.
I love creating and making things as well as spending time in nature and looking after our tortoise and chickens.
Play Therapists
Hi I’m Lindsay and I am a Qualified Play Therapist. I have worked with children, young people and their parents and carers for over 20 years in social care, school and charity settings.
Often children and young people can struggle to vocalise their thoughts and feelings and play therapy gives them the way to explore their feelings and thoughts in a safe environment. Play Therapy can help children and young people to develop tools to cope with things they may be going through and to help them build and support relationships with people around them.
I aim to create a playful space for children and families to feel accepted, heard and safe.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, doing pilates and having fun on the beach.
Laura is a student practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills & a student Play Therapist with Play Therapy UK.
I have worked with C/YP for over 20 years, including worked in Healthcare (NHS) as a Health Play Specialist. Laura also has worked in the Social care/ charity sector.
I am passionate about PLAY! I use PT to help C/YP explore & express themselves in a creative way- through Play.
‘Toys are children’s words & play is their language’ (Landreth, G)
C/YP may need support to work through difficult feelings & things in their childhood. Play can help us to recognise difficult feelings & aspects of their life. I use PT to help C/YP to explore, express & support their feelings, thoughts & behaviour in a safe therapeutic space.
I’m Katie and I’m a qualified Play Therapist registered with the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT). I’m an early years specialist with over 18 years of teaching experience in primary education, including senior curriculum leadership roles.
I’ve supported children aged 3-10 in both school and community settings, helping them navigate big feelings, build resilience, and strengthen their relationships. I believe that play is a child’s natural language. When words are hard to find, it provides a powerful way for children to express themselves, heal and flourish.
My approach is inclusive, child-led, and rooted in creating safe, nurturing spaces where children feel free to explore, create and be themselves. I hold a Level 3 Forest School qualification and a Certificate of Best Practice in Outdoor Play Therapy, and I’m passionate about bringing nature into the therapeutic process. Outdoor play offers a rich, multisensory experience that helps children regulate, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Whether indoors or out, my goal is always the same: to help children feel seen, heard, and understood, so they can thrive. I work closely with families, schools and community professionals to create a truly integrated support system.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. I sing in a gospel choir, which brings me great joy. I’m happiest outdoors and enjoy running, walking and gardening – especially when the sun is shining!
The Space Counselling Team
My name is Will. I currently work with counselling approaches that build on strengths and focus on meaning in people’s lives, such as Acceptance and Commitment and Solution-Focused Therapies.
I have been training therapists at Taunton College since 2022 and have counselled adults and teenagers. I have worked with young people in education in different countries since the 1990’s including in UK secondary schools.
We can talk about any challenges and issues you may be struggling with and within that discover your hopes, build on your strengths and find out the things you most care about and want for your life.
Hi, my name is Jenny, I am a qualified Therapist with 23 years of practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy, working mainly with young people, in delivering therapeutic support across diverse and complex settings, including primary care, schools, and the charity sector.
I work creatively using a variety of different resources, such as play, arts and crafts, stories and sand trays to help build trust and connection, I also love working outdoors and see the benefits of working alongside mother nature.
I am passionate about working with children and young people and feel privileged to have been part of many young people’s lives seeing the benefits that time and kindness can give to a young person, being part of a positive connection. Building trust in a safe and caring environment allows a young person to be seen and heard, giving space to explore feelings and help support tricky times when things can feel overwhelming. My sessions are child-led where their voice is most important, building a trusting, caring and compassionate relationship.
In my spare time I love being outside, I belong to a running club and do some cold-water swimming, I enjoy the theatre and the arts and enjoy sharing time with family and friends.
Play and Counselling Therapist
My name is Sue Summers and I am have lived and worked in the North Somerset and Sedgemoor area for over 20 years. My roles in supporting children, young people and their families have been in a variety of settings to include the youth work sector and education.
I trained as an Integrative counsellor and qualified in 2009 and since then I have continued my professional development in gaining my post qualification working with children and young people and more recently I qualified as a creative play and arts counsellor for children and young people. During my counselling career I have worked privately but also for charities and within the education setting.
I entered counselling as I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the issues that affect young people. My engagement with parents led me to expand this further to include working with families also in a informal non – counselling environment. This has enabled me to see the bigger picture and I believe help young people understand their own feelings and lives amongst the dynamics of their family and friends. By working with an integrative approach, I am able to draw on a selection of techniques providing support and empowerment. My wish is to enable young people to access their own thoughts and beliefs to unlock their potential, therefore benefitting them in finding the skills to work through their own processes.
Youth Club leader
Hi I’m Victoria, I am a wife and mother of 4 and we live in Cheddar. After moving here around 13 years, I have been involved in many community projects and have often stepped into helping/supporting many people where they have needed staff, meaning that I have worked all over Cheddar and in a diverse amount of jobs roles. I am currently working at Fairlands Middle School as a Cover Supervisor, as well as being the Youth Leader for The Space. I also volunteer at two other youth groups. I am passionate about community and how we can support one and another.
Volunteers
I’m Alan Flack and I have lived in Cheddar for over 40 years. I have in the past coached children in Cheddar from age 6 to 18 in football, squash and pickle ball over a period of 17 years. I have been a parish councillor for over 4 years. I have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. I am a qualified accountant, now retired and am looking for an opportunity to give my time to help children within the community. I play Bridge, Bowls and pickle ball in my spare time .I love all animals, particularly dogs and have worked for the RSPCA as a home checker in the past .
Hi my name is Nathan and I volunteer at The Space Youth Club. I was first invited to attend in my role as a Police Community Support Officer and the differences between my role and that of a Police Officer. I got to see how the team worked with the youth and what a safe space it was for them all. I was looking to find something to fill my spare time and The Space was where I thought I would fit in well and wanted to be part of a team that offers a safe space for the youth of mixed abilities.