Simon Richardson

BAAT Honorary Treasurer 2009-2010

I did my PG Dip Art Therapy training at the University of Hertfordshire (1993-1994) and subsequently a Research MA, also at UH (1994-1995).  I have been a joint Regional Co-ordinator for Region 4 and continue to attend meetings of the St Albans painting group held in the region.  Since 1999 I have been a member of the Newsbriefing editorial team, helping it to evolve from a 12 page newsletter into a 104 page journal (the most recent issue) that reflects current developments in the profession.  I believe it has an increasingly important role to play in providing Art Therapists with a positive experience of writing about their practice, not only to encourage debate within the profession but also to enable people to feel more confident in presenting their work in other forums.  Over the years, I have represented Newsbriefing on BAAT Council both as a co-opted and elected member.  I have also been involved with the Art Therapy and Autistic Spectrum Disorder BAAT sub-group, and with the now defunct Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Arts Therapists Network. 

I welcome the proposal before this year's AGM about social inclusion as it has particular relevance for the people with whom I presently work: people with enduring mental health problems and substance dependencies and people who are street homeless.  If I am elected to the post of Honorary Treasurer, I will continue to advocate for the improvement of employment and career prospects for all Art Therapists.  I will also continue with my work for Newsbriefing.

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