Our Team
Our trainers aren’t just educators; they’re experienced Mental Health and Wellbeing Experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session. With a focus on effective facilitation, they ensure our training is engaging, accessible, and relevant. Participants gain actionable insights that drive lasting personal and communal growth.
Kate Blakemore
CEO / Founder and Trainer
I am a highly qualified counsellor and trainer, with extensive experience supporting workplaces in prioritising employee wellbeing and inclusivity. I lead the Cheshire Menopause Strategy & Cheshire Women’s Collaboration, and I’m also the Founder & CEO of Motherwell Cheshire CIO.
With a special interest in women’s health & fertility, I bring expert knowledge and engaging consultancy. My background in retail and project management gives me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by modern businesses.
Alan Fairclough
I enjoyed a distinguished career within UK Policing, rising to the rank of Chief Inspector and developing a nationally adopted operating model. As a leader in the TVP Operational Training Team, I created leadership packages and Human Rights and Equality training, focusing on strategic and tactical leadership.
My work earned me a National ‘Customer Service’ Award, leading to promotions as a ‘Force Incident Manager’ and ‘Firearms Commander,’ where I managed critical incidents across the region. In ‘Strategic Partnerships,’ I supported national operations, including Refugee Reception and HMIC Diversity Inspections, while enhancing community engagement in areas such as ‘Hate Crime’ and ‘Stop/Search.’
Alongside & post my police career, I have consulted for over 20 years to charity, private & public sectors to provide training on Human Rights, Law, decision-making, and leadership. I also designed & led a national ‘peer support programme’ for Police Care UK and developed activity offers for care home residents with BUPA, earning national recognition for some best practices.
In addition to my professional work, I volunteer with ‘Cheshire Search & Rescue’ and other local charities.
Dr Diane Wright
Before moving into Higher Education, I worked in the private sector for 20 years. My career began at Holt Lloyd Limited, the market-leading manufacturer and distributor of car care chemicals at the time. During my time there, I held various roles, including Market Development Manager and Marketing Manager, where I was responsible for the strategic direction and positioning of the organisation’s products. I then became Marketing Director for a digital media agency. Additionally, I worked as a self-employed marketing consultant, supporting a range of businesses in developing their marketing strategies.
I later transitioned to Higher Education, taking on the role of Associate Dean for External Engagement and Head of the Business and Management Department at the Crewe Campus of Manchester Metropolitan University. I then moved to the Manchester Campus, where I became Head of the Management Department and Associate Dean for International at the Faculty of Business and Law. In this role, I focused on building global connections and developing international partnerships.
Since then, I have served as a Non-executive Director on several Boards, including the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where I was Chair of the Board of Directors for five years until 2024. During this time, I supported the Chamber in shaping its strategy, driving membership, and collaborating with key regional stakeholders to raise its profile. I also ran a government-funded Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Scheme on behalf of the Chamber.
Currently, I work as an Independent Apprenticeship Assessor for the Chartered Management Institute.