AoC Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference 2024

Kim Rutherford is a registered psychotherapist, with a background in FE, specialising in the mental health and wellbeing of senior leaders. She is the founder of the critically acclaimed 8Wise Mental Wellbeing Programme and Author of the 8 Wise Ways to a Healthier Happier Mind, book series, and host of the Live The 8Wise Way podcast.

Aimey Adamson is the Vice Principal for Students and Communications and Strategic Designated Safeguarding Lead at Middlesbrough College. Aimey has been a champion of relational and restorative practice for many years though NAMSS and more recently developing the team at Middlesbrough College to embrace attachment aware and trauma informed practice which among other factors lead to outstanding grades in a recent Ofsted Inspection for Personal Development and Behaviours and Attitudes.

Cat holds pivotal positions within regional boards that reflect her commitment to advancing skills education at a broader level. In addition to her role as Principal, she serves as Vice Chair of the Worcestershire LSIP Board, shaping policies and projects to address skills gaps and the evolving needs of the local workforce. Her support of initiatives to bridge the gap between education and industry is evident in her role as the Further Education representative on the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership Board, where she actively contributes to discussions and decisions that impact the economic and educational landscape of the region.

An accomplished experienced senior leader and Group Director with a track record of initiating and managing change by turning ideas into viable solutions; a passionate advocate for education who communicates with strategic intent and a solid grasp of context. A confident public speaker and excellent networker adept at creating lasting connections with stakeholders and industry partners which support strategic planning and commercial decision making.

Professor Prathiba Chitsabesan is National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, NHS England and has been involved in a number of regional and national transformation programmes. She is also a Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry working in a large mental health and learning disability trust. She has an interest in the mental health and neurodevelopmental needs of children and young people in contact with the criminal justice system. Over the last 20 years she has published in peer reviewed journals and books and contributed to national reports and guidance for NHS England, Youth Justice Board and Office of the Children’s Commissioner. She continues to be research active as a Visiting Chair (University College London and Manchester Metropolitan University).