05
Mar
Harrogate mental health charity boss steps down
This article is free to read. Help support independent local journalism at the Stray Ferret by subscribing for as little as 14p per day. You can do so here.
A Harrogate mental health charity leader has stepped down after 10 years.
Emily Fullarton, executive director of Wellspring Therapy and Training, took over from founder Elaine Wainaina in 2015.
She will be replaced by Nick Garrett, who has been interim chief executive for the last year.
Ms Fullarton explained she had decided to leave the Starbeck-based Christian organisation to spend more time with her two children and ensure that they had the best possible start to their lives.
She said:
It has been a privilege to lead the organisation through growth and change over the past decade. In this time, I have been humbled to see God's hand at work with thousands of children and adults saying they have experienced hope through counselling sessions at Wellspring.
During the past 10 years, Wellspring has moved into a brand-new home in Starbeck; seen the increase of counselling sessions from 60 to 150 per week; established new working partnerships with schools and organisations; and created new services, including a professional training programme and seeing work extend to Bradford and York through Wellspring Counselling centres.
I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this work and part of an organisation that puts people at the centre of every decision.
John Wood, chair oftrustees at Wellspring, said:
It is difficult to convey in words the incredible contribution that Emily has made to Wellspring Therapy and Training. Since she has started Emily’s hard work, dedication and kindness has shone through in all that she has achieved.
Thanks to her determination we were able to help thousands of people in their time of need. Our support into schools and children and young people’s counselling was led by her and it’s humbling to think of the number of our young people who are now adults and parents themselves who have benefitted from this service.
Wellspring provides affordable counselling and training.
The Stray Ferret reported in November it had made redundancies as part of a restructuring exercise.
The organisation said a decline in grants from foundations had led to this decision.
0