The people who make The Thrive Place what it is

We are over the moon to be able to share with you the knowledge and expertise of some amazing medical, wellbeing, coaching and business professionals.

These fabulous practitioners are key contributors to our journals and events, so without further ado let's introduce you to our experts...

  • Helen Russell

    Creator, facilitator, business mentor, ideas generator, chatterbox

    Over the past 20+ years I have worked in the creative industries either in economic development, arts marketing or running my own art business Helen Russell Creations.

    I created The Thrive Place because through my mentoring work I noticed a recurring theme that many of us work long hours, have terrible working posture and we forget to eat and drink because we're in the zone! (Or just trying to balance too many plates, ring any bells??) Time to make some gentle but positive changes.

    The Thrive Place (i know, you're already here!)

    Helen Russell Creations

  • Tracy Roe

    Excel whizz, data lover, thinker, crafter, lifelong learner

    I’ve worked in various business admin roles for most of my career and I’ve learnt loads of useful ‘office stuff’, including being an Excel and Word whizz, which is something I hope will be of value to the Thrive community. I did a 10-year stint as a copywriter too, with a focus on writing and editing instructions for games and toys.

    I am a creative at heart and I’ve developed a few skills along the way. I can crochet a blanket, weave a scarf, make a mug and build furniture in both wood and metal. Oh, and I’ve been on a TV show where I learnt how to make a rag rug. In theory, I could furnish my house!

    The Thrive Place

  • Hayley Banks

    Coach, mentor, creative engagement facilitator, retreat leader, eternal optimist

    I am passionate about supporting artists, makers and creative souls to achieve their goals and live balanced, fulfilled lives.

    Qualifying as a coach in 2023 was a turning point; I am now following my dream to establish a coaching practice and lead retreats to nurture creativity, build confidence and grow resilience. Doing this alongside a job I love is the perfect scenario (but also a juggling act!) as I manage / mentor the portfolio of designer makers at Design-Nation, developing and delivering bespoke membership activities. Always happiest at the coast, I’m most inspired and energised by blustery seascapes and the beauty and power of nature.

    Hayley Banks and Design Nation

  • Hannah Brabbs

    Musician, sound healer, dancer, yogi, ray of light

    For the last 12 years it’s been my intent to create beautiful music that makes people feel better. Music that makes people feel calmer, more peaceful, nostalgic, lighter. Music that makes people feel seen.

    We live in a world filled with constant stimuli and background noise - silence can be hard to find. During a sound bath, instead of inviting you to quieten your mind, I will cocoon you in a world of glittering melodies and healing vibrations. 

     As you immerse yourself in these soothing sounds, the nervous system responds by slowing down, promoting a state of deep relaxation. This, in turn, helps to alleviate stress, tension, and anxiety.

    www.goodvibrationswellbeing.com

  • Tom Jones

    Business & cricket coach, nature lover, allotment owner

    I’m a business coach and consultant with a genuine interest in people, business and what connects the two to make a successful combination. With 20 years of experience in supporting people in a coaching capacity, I’m committed to helping others grow in confidence and achieve great personal and professional results.  I’m a passionate believer in self-development and striving to be your best. My clients describe my style of coaching as understanding, patient and impactful.

    Cresco Coaching

    Cricket Coach 365

  • Lynne Midwinter

    Chartered physiotherapist, cook, singer, lover of life

    I have a passion to help people live their best life, in their best body, by getting to the root of their musculo-skeletal problems. My specialist interests are in treating the spine, pelvis and headaches - where I've been involved in research concerning the treatment of cervical headaches run by the University of Manchester.

    I love the way my private practice, Physio & Therapies, has developed over the years into a diverse clinic that offers a holistic approach to healing. And, after 30+ years I still love my job!

    Physio & Therapies

  • Clinton Perren

    Former professional cricketer, high performance coach, golf badger

    As a former professional cricketer for the Queensland Bulls in Australia, and now a high performance coach for Lancashire Thunder, I've got a diverse and proven track record of success in the Sports and Leisure industry.

    Success in the sporting arena is as much about mindset and mental resilience as it is about technical skill and physical conditioning. These mental qualities are transferable to any business, and it's a pleasure to be able to share my accumulated knowledge of performing in high pressure sport and business situations with aspiring cricketers and business owners alike. There is nothing better than seeing people you've coached achieve their goals!

    Clinton's LinkedIn profile

  • Bex Shindler

    Ayurveda Lifestyle & Nutrition Consultant, super foodie

    I am a Plant-Based Chef and Ayurveda Lifestyle & Nutrition Consultant who creates wholesome recipes and menus through my business The Mindful Kitchen. My mission is to empower you to nurture your relationship with food and nature, and to get cooking with plants! For me, food is more than sustenance: it is energy that has the power to heal and transform. I have catered for 70+ yoga and wellbeing retreats, as well as cooking for private clients including renowned musicians will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas. I'm now looking to thrive within my own business as I use my experience to teach and train others.

    The Mindful Kitchen

  • Sarah Soltanowicz

    Photographer, writer, stylist, teacher

    I grew up in the Lancashire Pennines, surrounded by wild moorland landscapes and fierce weather. Our home was filled with books, music, and objects with interesting stories to tell. My mother’s Polish heritage was woven into the food we ate, traditions we observed and the stories we were told - folklore and forests will always hold a deep interest for me.

    Two things have been a constant for the past decade and beyond: photography and writing. My passion has become my career. Being able to combine a love of collecting and arranging and using my camera and words every day, is truly inspiring.

    Photography

    Frond & Feather

  • Photograph of Fi Woodhead

    Fi Woodhead

    Website designer, branding genius, graphic designer, epic tea drinker

    I'm the design half of Fi & Becs, a company I run with my sister. From website design and branding to awesome artwork and graphic design I offer a creative, inventive, quick but thorough service.

    I graduated with a degree in Design for Industry and have worked with numerous well-known brands and retailers including TK Maxx, House of Fraser, Mamas & Papas, Samsonite Nursery, Mothercare, Gelert, Koo-di and McCann Pet Group.

    I've also written and illustrated a series of children's books called Once-Upon-a-Slime that are available in independent book shops all over the UK.

    ​Fi & Becs

  • Nicky Xandora

    Cognitive behavioural therapist

    CBT is a very enabling process with the emphasis on you being the expert on YOU. I work with people in a highly collaborative way to find strategies and ideas that work for them. CBT can transform lives and is particularly helpful for anxiety, depression, OCD and trauma. It is highly effective at helping people manage problems through changing the way they think and behave.

    I work from my therapy room in Hebden Bridge, alongside Pi the dog! Pi is a 5 year old female collie, with a lifetime’s experience in the therapy room, she is also a registered Pets as Therapy dog. Through The Thrive Place I'll be helping you to explore some common barriers to business growth, such as procrastination and boundary setting.

    Oxford - CBT