Who We Are
Meet The Team Who are Here For You.
When Jim said to the boys from 50 and Coping? and Laura Drane the Psychotherapist what his plans to build community were they all without hesitation said "I'm in!"
Our team
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Edmund (Jim)
Aitken-Ballard
The CEO
Jim is the driving force behind this charity simply because it was his idea to start to build communities. He has owned tattoo shops for years but also has qualifications in counselling and child psychology as well as mental health first aid. Presenting the podcast 50 and Coping? has meant that his direction in life has changed and now its time to do some good and give back rather than take from the world.
Jim openly identifies as a recovering addict and has been clear of substance abuse since 2008. His understanding of solitude, homelessness and mental health struggles stems from his long run as an addict but now he is learning how to help others who have been where he has.
Lee
Robinson
The Chairman/Trustee
Lee has worked in various roles in the IT industry for over 30 years.
He has direct experience of mental health issues via his Dad who battled with depression his whole life, including various stays in mental health facilities. Whilst this is often seen as a situation that would have been difficult or traumatic, Lee’s view is that it was “just normal” for him, and it has resulted in him being comfortable with the whole topic of mental ill health.
Like many people, Lee has been through various tough times but has got through them and is able to talk openly and honestly about his experiences, and is always happy to listen to and support anyone who is struggling to cope, or simply needs a chat and a friendly face.
Laura
Drane
Trustee
BACP registered therapist Laura is a holder of a master’s degree in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling from the University of Hertfordshire. She has been working therapeutically with clients since 2012, specialising in Addiction Therapy. Laura’s rigorous 5-year training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy has provided her with an exceptional academic and experiential foundation for addressing a wide range of psychological issues.
Laura openly identifies as a recovering addict and has actively engaged in 12-step recovery since 2008. Her profound understanding of the addictive process, coupled with her invaluable personal experience of overcoming substance and process addictions, provides her with exceptional insight. She specialises in all aspects related to relationships, bringing a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to this particular field.
George
Hersant-Lisher
Trustee
George Hersant-Lisher is a Videographer & Photographer, based in Hertford. He works with businesses and individuals alike, making sure they get the best quality images available. He's a trustee of Coffee & Coping? for the simple reason that it's something he cares deeply about. He believes It's important for everyone to have a community of some description. If you'd like to see his work you can see his website or instagram pages.
George, as the producer and tech professional for the podcasts that all of this crew do, has added an edge above other content providers by his knowledge of sound and video as well as his masterful ability to output amazingly clear podcasts!
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