We are delighted to welcome two new members of staff to our team.
Participation Manager Kate Wickens is a dedicated, innovative professional with over twenty years of experience. She has lived in Newport all her life and, for many years, managed the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, leading the canal and countryside volunteer team to promote, maintain and restore the canal network around South East Wales.
Kate said: ‘At the Canal Centre, I set up educational activities to enhance emotional wellbeing and increase community activity within our local area. Like Inside Out Cymru, the centre provides refuge for people to combat loneliness and to improve their physical, social and mental health.’
‘We had fewer opportunities to continue the Canal Centre’s work during the recent lockdowns so I am very impressed that the team continued to reach out and support people in their homes during the pandemic. I look forward to working for such a resilient and committed company.’
Also joining Inside Out Cymru is Becca Collins who is our new Participation Engagement Officer. Becca is a former manager for a large studio in south London where she taught workshops to students as well as overseeing the studio’s marketing function.
Becca said: ‘I’m excited to be working with Inside Out Cymru. I truly believe that art helps people with their wellbeing and I know that’s extra important in our communities right now.’
Becca is looking forward to meeting the artists and participants and is keen to see the artwork being produced in the workshops. She adds: ‘I’m really passionate about accessibility so it’s exciting to be part of the Inside Out team, making sure as many people as possible can join our workshops across Gwent!’