Break the Silence has a dedicated and passionate team of Staff and Volunteers. As an organisation, we recognise that our Staff and Volunteers are key assets of our organisation and as such they are highly valued.
We follow strict recruitment procedures to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion ensuring staff have the appropriate credentials, qualifications and experience for their role.
Learning and development opportunities and CPD are available to all staff in order to ensure their continued personal and professional development, enhancing their skills, knowledge and experience.
Clinical staff are professionally qualified Psychotherapists with either the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA), British Psychological Society (BPS), or British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP) or other relevant body in line with their therapeutic modality.
PVG/Disclosure verification is carried out for all Break The Silence Staff and Volunteers prior to commencement and all staff and volunteers are subject to the organisation’s policies and procedures.
The Leadership Team comprises of Chief Executive Officer – Clinical and Chief Executive Officer – Operations, who work together to lead the charity with vision, inspiration and integrity;
Sharon Belshaw
Chief Executive Officer - ClinicalSharon and Lesley support a dedicated and passionate Team of staff who in their individual roles contribute both to the development and growth of the charity and to provide support and opportunities for people affected by sexual trauma.
Initially recruited in the role of Clinical Lead, Sharon has responsibility for the Clinical Team and all Clinical Services in addition to her Co-Chief Executive duties. Sharon has a range of varied and relevant clinical experience working within public sector, private sector, education and consultancy environments. Member of BACP and BPS. Associate – Trauma Response Network UK.
Relevant Qualifications: MSc in Counselling, Pg Dip Person Centred Counselling, Pg Cert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, BSc Hons. Psychology, Qualified Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner. Trained in EMDR and Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors. Participant in King’s Fund Cascading Leadership Programme and Inspiring Scotland Inspiring Leaders Programme. Sharon is a Doctoral candidate currently undertaking University of Chester’s Doctorate in Psychological Trauma.
Everyday Hero Award, North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Lesley Craig
Chief Executive Officer - OperationsLesley and Sharon support a dedicated and passionate Team of staff who in their individual roles contribute both to the development and growth of the charity and to provide support and opportunities to Survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse.
Initially recruited as Head of Income Generation in 2016, Lesley has previous experience both in the private and third sector. Previous experience includes charity management, trusts/foundation fundraising, project management, development and sustainability. Member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising – MCIOF(Dip).
Relevant Qualifications: Institute of Fundraising Certificate/Diploma in Managing Fundraising, Institute of Fundraising Certificate in Fundraising Practice, Institute of Fundraising Future Leaders Programme Participant in 2019, European Framework of Quality Management Accredited Assessor, CPD Certificate in Best Practice Consultations, SVE/EVOC Training for Advisors of Small Charities. Participant in King’s Fund Cascading Leadership Programme, Inspiring Scotland Inspiring Leaders Programme, mchPositive’s New Leaders Programme (2022). Completed Social Investment Scotland’s Coaching for Impact programme (2023). Completed Sustainable Leadership Programme delivered by Graeme Reekie, (The Lasting Difference) (2024). Currently participating in Social Investment Scotland’s Ambitions Programme, 2025.
Employee of the Year 2018, Association of Scottish Businesswomen
The Management Team: Jim Smith – Finance Officer, Melanie Fieldhouse and Lesley Anne Pratchett – Clinical Leads
Melanie Fieldhouse
Clinical LeadMy Journey to Becoming a Therapist:
My career path has been diverse and enriching. I’ve worked in roles ranging from Hairdressing and Machining (sewing upholstery and clothing), to Banking, Administration, and many other jobs along the way. After leaving school with few qualifications, I made the decision to return to education—completing courses in Maths, English, and Computer Studies.
Around 20 years ago, I enrolled in a Basic Counselling Skills course, thinking that no matter what career I pursued, enhancing my people skills would be a valuable foundation. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, which planted the seed for what would eventually become my vocation.
After several years of travelling, I resumed my Counselling Studies and began working in the Health Care sector, supporting voice hearers in a residential setting. It was during this time that I experienced a turning point: I realised that my work no longer felt like “work”—it felt meaningful. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a Counsellor.
In 2015, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling at the University of Strathclyde. Counselling is deeply rewarding, though it can also be challenging. To support my own mental well-being, I developed a personal interest in Mindfulness, especially Compassion-Focused Mindfulness. This interest has become a vital part of my practice, and led me to completing a Diploma in Compassion Focused Therapy.
Why I Work at Break the Silence:
Since entering the Health Care sector, I’ve worked across a variety of settings, including Mental Health Residential Units, Women’s Refuges, and Substance Misuse and Addiction Services. I joined Break the Silence around four years ago and found a deep sense of alignment with its mission.
I’m passionate about breaking down barriers and supporting individuals through adversity. In my work, I’ve walked alongside people who have endured some of the darkest aspects of life, and I’ve also witnessed incredible resilience and hope. These experiences constantly remind me of the human capacity for healing and Post-Traumatic Growth.
What I Believe is Important in the Therapeutic Relationship:
Trust is the foundation of any therapeutic relationship. My first priority is to create a space that feels safe—where clients feel welcomed, seen, and heard without judgment. I aim to offer empathy, compassion, and validation in a collaborative way—working with people, not for them, as they move toward their own goals.
I also believe therapy doesn’t always have to be heavy. When appropriate, I bring a sense of humour and playfulness into the room, helping to create connection and moments of lightness in the process of healing.
Lesley Anne Pratchett
Clinical LeadJourney to becoming a therapist:
I left school and initially trained as a physiotherapist. I worked all over the UK specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation and Long Term Conditions. From the earliest stages in my career I was drawn to clinical areas that placed an emphasis on treating the body and the brain and being aware of the broader factors that would impact a person’s health. I started taking opportunities to learn a little more about supporting emotional distress as I became a more senior physiotherapist. While on a career break in the early 2000’s I had the opportunity to undertake some training to become a relationship therapist – this started me on the path to my second career. I worked initially as a relationship therapist for a number of years and gradually over the next 16 years I undertook training in a number of different approaches and worked both as a physiotherapist and a counsellor then psychotherapist for another 10 years before opting to work solely as a psychotherapist in 2021.
Reasons for working at Break the Silence:
I started to work at Break the Silence in 2012. I came to provide some absence cover for 3 months and I am still here all these years later. It has been such a privilege to work with the clients that use this service and I believe they have taught me so much about trauma, resilience and the different ways that we can learn to heal and stay well. I appreciate the way Break the Silence is able to put clients right at the centre of the service we offer and I really enjoy the team of people that I work with.
What Do I Believe is Important in the Therapeutic Relationship:
I have seen how making a space where people learn to find words to express their thoughts, feelings, experiences and behaviours without feeling ashamed has helped people change their lives. I always hope to create a space that is safe, where despite dealing with large upsetting feelings we can become a little playful and we can share laughter on occasions.
When I work with people I hope that they can learn to trust and share anything about themselves with me without feeling judged. Over time I would hope that this helps them to connect with others in their journey to feeling healthy and whole again.
Jim Smith
Finance OfficerJim Smith joined Break the Silence Finance Officer in March 2022.
Jim is a CIMA qualified management accountant with over 30 years’ experience in various finance roles, mainly within FMCG, manufacturing and e-commerce environments.
In the past year, Jim has continued to develop his skill-base. Since joining, Jim has undertaken CPD and training in areas such as Charity Accounting, GDPR training sessions, Volunteer Scotland PVG training courses, a ACOSVO RS Macdonald Cohort 22/23 Masterclass on Funding & Recruitment and a Specialist Volunteer Network Workshop on Full Cost Recovery.
The Finance Officer assists the CEO (Operations) to ensure compliance with the income generation strategy and associated workplans, and to undertake the effective operation of all accounting functions within Break the Silence. The range of responsibilities relates to financial forecasting, project budgets, income/expenditure, payroll processing, quarterly and end of year accounts and reports, and formal submissions in line with legislative requirements to OSCR, Companies House and HMRC.
Jen Richards
Development OfficerJen brings over 12 years of communications expertise to her role as Development Officer at Break the Silence, where she will support the charity’s sustainability and growth through leadership of a key accreditation application and management of several development projects. With a law degree from the University of Edinburgh and experience in academic publishing, she takes a thorough approach to her work with great attention to detail, standing her in good stead to prepare documentation, impact reports, and submissions while navigating BACP, OSCR, and fundraising standards.
As a PR practitioner, Jen raised the profile of a range of clients from educational organisations to charities, healthtech pioneers to energy companies. She elevated clients’ reputations, helped them get in front of key audiences, and shared their voice on subjects that matter to them. The impact delivered ranged from increasing applications for a Government-led tech accelerator and building the interest of potential investors to attracting the attention of patient advocacy groups and generating sales enquiries.
Beyond work, Jen balances a busy family life in Scotland’s most southerly village, Drummore. In addition to home-educating the youngest of her three children, completing her first marathon and earning a 6th kyu in Shotokan karate, she also spent the last 12 months taking family walks on the beach, running her local book group, and undertaking her gym instructor qualification.
Passionate about health and wellbeing in its widest sense, Jen is committed to Break the Silence’s trauma-informed mission and is excited to join the team in 2026.
We are delighted to have Tracy Hurford and Margaret Moore, our Client Liaison team who will be the first person you may speak to if you call, email or refer for support online. All our team are trauma-informed. You will be treated with dignity and respect and our client liaison team will do everything they can to help. Winners of North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership Administration Stars Award 2020.
Tracy Hurford
Client Liaison TeamTracy joined Break The Silence in 2016 and has responsibility for all administrative functions within Break the Silence including; diary management, client appointments, client management system, clinical file management, and more. Tracy brings a wealth of experience to her role with previous experience in financial management, child protection, charity management, charity governance, business management and economics.
Margaret Moore
Client Liaison TeamDetailed below are the members of our clinical team. We provide these short introductions so that clients coming to Break The Silence can get to know a little about their Counsellor before their session. All our staff are trauma-informed, qualified Counsellors and registered with a professional body. They work within our values and aim to make a profound and positive difference in the lives of those affected by sexual trauma.
We understand that every person is different – we will listen, and work collaboratively with you at your own pace to facilitate positive change through healing to challenge the effects of sexual trauma and assist post-traumatic growth.
Andrew Baird
CounsellorI am a latecomer to counselling; in various roles over 45 years, I have helped many people who have suffered tragic and traumatising circumstances. I have experienced significant trauma on more than one occasion and I am grateful for the counselling support I received which led to my recovery. My past work and personal experience drive and inform my strong desire to help people.
Working with Break the Silence allows me to engage in my passion to help others. I particularly enjoy meeting with clients face to face at outreach clinics. There I do my best to create a place where clients can feel safe and in control, enabling them to make sense of their trauma.
Sometimes I describe myself as a guide, helping clients to make informed decisions about their destination and the route they choose to get there in their own time.
Susan Dickson
CounsellorMy name is Susan and I am one of the counsellors here at Break the Silence.
I have worked at BtS since 2013 and feel very grateful and humbled to have worked with so many courageous men and women over the years.
I am a person-centred counsellor which really just means my main focus is on the person and their unique experience and not solely on the problem/issues they may present with.
My aim is to respect and preserve every person’s autonomy and choice whilst encouraging every client I meet to be an active participant in all aspects of their therapy.
Over the last 10 years, I have continually trained and continue to train in various courses/workshops that have allowed me to learn a vast amount of knowledge around working with people affected by sexual trauma, however I feel that I have learnt so much more from the people themselves who have a lived experience. I feel passionately about the work that I do and see it more as a vocation than a job hence why I have been here for so long.
I have been fortunate to deliver training in the past for Break the Silence and this is an area I felt very passionate about as it involved educating and informing professionals within our community to better understand the impact of childhood sexual abuse. The hope is by them being more informed that they can help a person by being more mindful of some of the difficulties and challenges that may affect them.
So my message to anyone considering reaching out for help is please do because I see the difference every day it makes to peoples’ lives when they get the right specialised support. I look forward to meeting you and please feel free to contact the office if you have any questions around our service as we are all here to help.
Lorraine Fitzsimmons
CounsellorJourney into becoming a therapist:
Lived life experiences, including becoming a carer for my family members. During this period, I experienced a decline in my own mental health, and I engaged in the services offered by Break the Silence. I can honestly say that this was the turning point in my life and helped to determine my future path into becoming a counsellor. Being met with kindness, understanding, compassion and empathy allowed me space to believe in myself again and provided hope for the future. This experience gave me the motivation and inspiration to support others facing challenges and difficulties.
Subsequently, I worked on a telephone counselling helpline and felt very privileged that people trusted me enough to hear how difficult life had become and to be able to offer my support, even in the moments of crisis.
I qualified as an integrative counsellor working with individuals and couples and have gained a further qualification to work with families.
Reason for working with Break The Silence:
Because of my own experience, I have always respected the passion, dedication and commitment that staff, board members and volunteers contribute to helping to deliver a service that is tailored to the individual needs of each client.
I wanted to work in an organisation that not only align with my own values but are fully committed to delivering the message of HOPE with the understanding, the tools and coping strategies, you can survive and thrive despite the devastating and distressing impact trauma can have on your life.
What do you think is important in the Therapeutic Relationship?
The relationship is key to recovery as it is a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel heard, seen and validated and because it is built on trust, respect, empathy and collaboration, it acts as a powerful tool for recovery and growth.
Ruth Hope
CounsellorJourney into becoming a therapist:
Lived life experiences.
Reason for working with Break the Silence:
Being respected and valued as a colleague/counsellor.
Having the privilege to be that person/counsellor that my clients share their stories, entrust their aims, goals and desires for change with.
What do you think is important in the therapeutic relationship?
Acknowledgement and validation, establishing a collaborative relationship fostering trust, safety and acceptance to explore feelings, thoughts, behaviours and experiences.
Louise Roberts
CounsellorJourney to becoming a therapist:
My journey began when I was a client in therapy myself. I learned that my past was impacting on my present in very real ways and with the support of my therapist I was able to trust myself and my abilities to make better choices to create change. I recognised the value of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and soon after I began volunteering with Victim Support Scotland then went on to Study CBT.
Reason for working with Break the Silence:
I have found the passion and commitment for the work we do is present throughout my colleague relationships. We support each other with the same kindness and respect we show in our work with clients and that is something very special.
What do I think is important in the therapeutic relationship?
To listen with compassion and care and believe in the power and potential of every client without forcing them to be anything other than who they are.
Ravinder Samuels
CounsellorJourney into becoming a therapist:
I initially questioned the idea of how ‘just talking’ could help with issues which were deep rooted. Having attended the introductory course while in a full time position as a teacher in a very challenging school I started to see changes not only in myself but in my students too as they experienced empathy, non judgement whilst being heard. I listened more and encouraged them to reflect. Overall attitudes and behaviours changed in a positive way. For a while I balanced both roles going part time as a teacher. I love my role of supporting clients on their journey as they find their own answers, build self esteem and confidence.
Reason for working with Break the Silence:
I recognise that the clients with we work can often feel disempowered and isolated. The fact the sessions at BtS are open ended demonstrate the recognition for the journey and time that is needed when working with our client group. I am thankful to be able to support BtS clients in feeling heard, build self esteem and regaining power and control back over their lives.
What do you think is important in the therapeutic relationship?
Undoubtedly it is trust… that the client is able to talk freely without being judged and they have felt listened to
Sheila Wassell
CounsellorI historically have worked with children and young adults who have experienced sexual trauma, and felt I would like to extend my knowledge and work therapeutically. I completed my counselling training in 2004 and have since always worked with sexual trauma
I value the holistic client led support Break the Silence provides. Break the Silence values the core beliefs that underpin my practice.
As a counsellor I believe the connection between myself and the clients I work with fosters trust, respect, acceptance, and a non-judgemental safe space to reflect and explore the challenges or obstacles they face.
Heidi Wilke
CounsellorJourney into becoming a therapist:
My journey to become a therapist started when, after a particularly challenging period in my life, I received some counselling and found it so helpful that it marked the beginning of a new more positive chapter and direction for me. I then wanted to be able to offer that out to others and so I started my counselling training.
Reason for working with Break the Silence:
I really wanted to work for Break the Silence because, over my counselling career, I have recognised that I have an aptitude for working with trauma and helping people heal from it. I’m aware of the devastating impact sexual trauma can have on peoples’ lives and want to be able to offer hope that growth can come from processing these distressing experiences.
What do you think is important in the therapeutic relationship ?
I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is key to recovery. It feels important that clients are able to trust me enough to share their stories and I know that trust is built when I demonstrate integrity and transparency. I might not always understand exactly what things have been like for my clients, yet my aim is to try and understand and empathise with every aspect of their story and distress.