I am the Founder of GRIT. I have worked as a doctor in the NHS since 2004 and I am here to honour the mission of my fifteen-year-old self, to change the way the system works for young people struggling with their mental health.
The issue of self-destructive behaviour in young people, whether that be physical harm, school refusal, restrictive or excessive eating or another form is ever increasing and we need a different approach before the current system becomes completely overwhelmed and young people are lost within it. This is where GRIT comes in...
Chief Executive Officer. Rebecca boasts a wealth of experience and expertise in driving impactful change and growth through her roles as a coach, coach supervisor, leading her own businesses and previously as a fundraiser in the charity sector. Having navigated the complexities of charity fundraising through her roles at RNIB and Keech Hospice Care, Rebecca brings a deep understanding of the organisational landscape, donor relations and strategic planning to her leadership role. In addition, with a background in coaching and supervising coaches, Rebecca possesses a deep understanding of the nuances of coaching methodologies and practices. This expertise allows her to effectively lead GRIT in developing a strategic approach that empowers young people and supports their mental health. Rebecca's leadership ensures that GRIT's initiatives are not only effective but also aligned with the organisation's mission and values. Rebecca leads with a commitment to supporting young people's mental health through a holistic approach, combining embodied coaching with non-contact boxing. With a dedication to empowering voices and facilitating transformative growth, Rebecca is driven by her mission to make a positive impact on young lives.
Lead Health & Wellbeing Coach for Letchworth and Baldock. Tessa's journey into coaching was inspired by life's unpredictable twists and turns. As a former teacher deeply committed to supporting young people, she found herself drawn to the idea of providing personalised, one-on-one guidance to individuals. Her experience teaching and mentoring, coupled with her personal encounters with mental health challenges among her family, fuelled her passion for coaching. Joining GRIT felt like a natural progression for Tessa, as she was deeply moved by the organisation's local roots and its mission to support children from her own community. With a coaching qualification accredited by the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council), Tessa's coaching philosophy revolves around building trust and connection with her clients, grounded in compassion and understanding without judgment. Tessa tailors her coaching style to each young person, taking a genuine interest in their passions and interests. Tessa's proudest accomplishments at GRIT include witnessing the positive transformations in the young people she coaches and contributing to the charity's growth. Outside of coaching, Tessa finds rejuvenation in her love for horses, singing and boxing, which she finds both powerful and inspiring. Through her coaching endeavours, Tessa aims to make a positive impact by creating resilience, facilitating positive change and raising awareness about mental health among young people.
Gill is passionate about coaching and values the uniqueness of each young person. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of poor mental health on young people’s lives and is committed to making a positive difference. With a degree in psychology, 27 years of teaching in primary education and special educational needs and an Advanced Certificate in Coaching accredited by the EMCC, Gill brings a wealth of expertise to her coaching practice. Beyond her professional pursuits, Gill enjoys spending time with her friends, family and rescue dog. Her zest for life extends to her love for comedy, drama, music, and travel, enriching her coaching practice with a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. With a proven track record of supporting young people through various challenges, Gill's dedication to active listening and genuine empathy shines through, earning her the reputation as "someone who actually listens."
Health & Wellbeing Coach and Boxing Coach. James is driven by a desire to positively impact the lives of young people, drawing inspiration from his experiences as a parent and his passion for coaching. With a background in boxing and a Level 1 qualification from England Boxing, and a qualification in Coaching accredited by the EMCC, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at GRIT. James prioritises continuous growth and development, tailoring his coaching approach to each individual and emphasising kindness, empathy, and creating a safe space. His proudest accomplishments include receiving positive feedback from parents who have witnessed significant improvements in their children's wellbeing and confidence. Outside of coaching, James finds rejuvenation in long-distance running and prioritises his work-life balance by dedicating time to family and self-care. Through his coaching endeavours, he seeks to guide young people towards greater direction and peace in their lives, leaving a lasting positive impact.
Health & Wellbeing Coach.
Boxing and Health & Wellbeing Coach As an amateur boxer, level 1 boxing coach and fine artist, Hannah's aim is to blend these disciplines to empower the next generation. The mental strength she gained inside the ring has positively impacted her life outside the ring over the last couple years and Hannah wishes to share that with young people to reach their full potential, both physically and mentally. With a coaching qualification accredited by the EMCC, Hannah's passion is to use the mindset of a boxer, to encourage resilience, confidence and determination to overcome life’s challenges.
Health & Wellbeing Coach Lottie has recently joined us having retrained as a coach with particular interests in mental health, neurodiversity, loss, trauma and change; gaining several qualifications with Barefoot Coaching. With 3 children of her own ranging from 9-18, who lost their father in a road accident in 2018 and all diagnosed with neurodiversity ranging from ADHD to ASD, Lottie is sympathetic to a wide range of behavioural and emotional needs, social anxieties and mental health challenges. She is committed to helping young people to empower themselves, build resilience and use creativity and physicality to express emotions, thoughts and feelings, coaching with empathy and without judgement. Providing a safe space to work through personal challenges toward a positive resolution, Lottie is passionate about enabling young people to unlock their own potential. Outside of coaching Lottie is a huge music and literature fan and can often be found at a gig or a festival or by a pool in warmer climes (especially Ibiza!) reading anything from the huge pile of books kept by her bed!
Health & Wellbeing Coach Hannah is a recent graduate from Nottingham Trent University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Counselling. Her personal journey from battling anxiety, low mood, trauma and self-destructive behaviours in her teenage years to becoming confident and resilient has not only shaped her understanding of mental health but has also fuelled her passion for supporting young individuals facing similar challenges. Hannah's approach is all about being open-minded, non-judgmental, and empathetic and believes in the importance of community. Hannah believes in guiding young individuals to navigate forward, equipping them with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. Her ultimate goal is to inspire a generation to embrace their true potential and to lead fulfilling lives.
Community Fundraiser and Marketing Manager With a background in events marketing and running her own holistic business, Bec joins the team aiming to making valuable connections within our community, broaden our communications reach and create some fun campaigns and events for our supporters too! Bec is hugely passionate about advocating for better mental and menstrual health support and would love to see this starting in schools – which is what led her to GRIT!
Corporate & Major Donor Fundraiser Joining Grit as an accomplished event management consultant with 30 years of experience, Suzanne is excited to bring her extensive background to GRIT, helping to grow the charity’s influence and support network by cultivating strategic partnerships. Her passion for making a tangible impact in the local community fuels her dedication to expand Grit’s outreach and resources.
The Chimo Trust is a grant giving charity supporting young people's mental health through the arts, creativity, nature and support. GRIT is privileged to have The Chimo Trust as one of our strategic partners, supporting the organisation to grow our services for young people in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and beyond.
GRIT collaborates closely with the NHS to enhance the support available for young people's mental health and wellbeing. Through this partnership, GRIT integrates its innovative coaching approach with the NHS's clinical expertise to provide a comprehensive and holistic support to young people. By combining coaching with evidence-based practices and therapeutic interventions, GRIT ensures that young people receive tailored and effective support that addresses their unique needs.
GRIT partners with Elite Fitness Academy, Hitchin which generously provides the venue for our GRIT Programme. This collaboration allows us to offer young people a safe and supportive environment where they can engage in our innovative coaching approach combined with non-contact boxing.
Bedfordshire & Luton Community Fountation
The National Lottery Community Fund
