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Hello, I’m Emma, Director of Youth Arts and Health Trust. I am passionate about helping children and young people feel better and more confident through creativity and connection.
I have extensive leadership experience across the arts, media, and charity sectors, and I’ve led organisations and teams through growth, change, and new opportunities.
I spent over a decade leading the childhood bereavement charity Families in Grief from a small grassroots organisation into a thriving charity supporting hundreds of bereaved children and families each year. This experience shaped my belief in the power of creative activities to encourage expression and wellbeing when words are hard to find.
Most recently, I was CEO of The Plough Arts Centre. When I joined, the charity faced the possibility of closure, but through strategic leadership, fundraising, creativity, and collaboration, I helped secure its future. The doors now remain firmly open, ensuring communities across North Devon can continue to access and enjoy arts and culture.
Alongside my charity leadership, I have more than 15 years experience in the media industry as an Executive radio producer, BBC journalist and broadcaster, working on high-profile national programmes for BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and launching Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston. These roles strengthened my skills in communication, storytelling, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Creativity has always been central to both my personal and professional life. I graduated with a Fine Art and Media degree and have long been passionate about the arts, from attending theatre shows, festivals, club nights and exhibitions to curating community events, DJ-ing and hosting events on stage. When I'm not working, you'll find me swimming, trail running or jumping into the sea!