Meet the Trustees

Trustee Georgia is a white woman, smiling whilst leaning forward and wearing a black top. Her curled brown hair falls just below her shoulders.

Georgia Dee Jaji (Acting Chair)

 

Georgia is a dedicated Art Psychotherapist with extensive experience supporting individuals facing complex mental health challenges, trauma, and social marginalisation. As a registrant with the Health and Care Professions Council, Georgia has devoted her career to empowering those navigating severe trauma, mental health struggles, homelessness, and displacement.

 

With an MA in Art Therapy from the University of Derby, Georgia blends creativity and compassion in her therapeutic approach. She has held various key roles, most recently as a Clinical Supervisor for the Coventry Refugee & Migrant Centre. Her former role as Therapy Manager with the same service involved overseeing clinical standards and supporting the recruitment and development of Counsellors/Therapists establishing her as a trusted leader in the field.

 

Georgia’s work also includes significant experience with survivors of torture through her role at Freedom From Torture, where she provided assessments, psychotherapy, and creative interventions. She has consistently advocated for the integration of therapeutic arts and mental health support in community settings, recognising the importance of connection and expression in healing.

 

Georgia’s expertise in trauma-informed care, coupled with her leadership in therapeutic services, brings invaluable insight to our board as we work to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring space for all participants.

Trustee Georgia is a white woman, smiling whilst leaning forward and wearing a black top. Her curled brown hair falls just below her shoulders.

Georgia Dee Jaji (Acting Chair)

 

Georgia is a dedicated Art Psychotherapist with extensive experience supporting individuals facing complex mental health challenges, trauma, and social marginalisation. As a registrant with the Health and Care Professions Council, Georgia has devoted her career to empowering those navigating severe trauma, mental health struggles, homelessness, and displacement.

 

With an MA in Art Therapy from the University of Derby, Georgia blends creativity and compassion in her therapeutic approach. She has held various key roles, most recently as a Clinical Supervisor for the Coventry Refugee & Migrant Centre. Her former role as Therapy Manager with the same service involved overseeing clinical standards and supporting the recruitment and development of Counsellors/Therapists establishing her as a trusted leader in the field.

 

Georgia’s work also includes significant experience with survivors of torture through her role at Freedom From Torture, where she provided assessments, psychotherapy, and creative interventions. She has consistently advocated for the integration of therapeutic arts and mental health support in community settings, recognising the importance of connection and expression in healing.

 

Georgia’s expertise in trauma-informed care, coupled with her leadership in therapeutic services, brings invaluable insight to our board as we work to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring space for all participants.

Nadine Holdsworth (Vice Chair)

 

Nadine is Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Warwick, UK, where she has undertaken a number of leadership and management roles including being Head of Department. Her research addresses questions of representation, participation, citizenship, political change and cultural value. She has published a number of books on theatre and is currently working on a new body of research on arts, creativity and homelessness.

Underground Lights trustee Nadine, in a blue blouse with ginger hair in a bob and black rimmed glasses, smiling against a foliage background.
Underground Lights trustee Nadine, in a blue blouse with ginger hair in a bob and black rimmed glasses, smiling against a foliage background.

Nadine Holdsworth (Vice Chair)

 

Nadine is Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Warwick, UK, where she has undertaken a number of leadership and management roles including being Head of Department. Her research addresses questions of representation, participation, citizenship, political change and cultural value. She has published a number of books on theatre and is currently working on a new body of research on arts, creativity and homelessness.

Beth (bio)

Benita Belgrove

 

Benita has extensive experience spanning community and mainstream theatre, large-scale outdoor events and educational work. Currently serving as the Theatre Manager at Blue Coat Church of England School, she has previously held positions at the Belgrade Theatre and Northampton Derngate, and also operated as a freelance Arts Marketing Consultant.

 

Benita has collaborated with many theatre companies to foster enrichment projects for students facing challenges in mainstream education, believing strongly in the empowerment of storytelling and the importance of theatre within local communities.

 

In addition to her theatre role Benita is Wellbeing Champion for the School and the Multi Academy Trust actively promoting health and wellness among staff members through awareness initiatives and engagement support.

Beth (bio)

Benita Belgrove

 

Benita has extensive experience spanning community and mainstream theatre, large-scale outdoor events and educational work. Currently serving as the Theatre Manager at Blue Coat Church of England School, she has previously held positions at the Belgrade Theatre and Northampton Derngate, and also operated as a freelance Arts Marketing Consultant.

 

Benita has collaborated with many theatre companies to foster enrichment projects for students facing challenges in mainstream education, believing strongly in the empowerment of storytelling and the importance of theatre within local communities.

 

In addition to her theatre role Benita is Wellbeing Champion for the School and the Multi Academy Trust actively promoting health and wellness among staff members through awareness initiatives and engagement support.

Ben Davenport

 

Ben has worked in the homelessness sector for over 10 years, developing adult education, wellbeing and arts services across the West Midlands. He has specialised in coproduction and adult education.

 

He is currently a recovery coordinator at a Birmingham drug and alcohol service, supporting people being released from prison and Artistic Director for City Jam, which provides open music sessions for people experiencing social disadvantages.

Underground Lights 13.03.2020-2_2
Underground Lights 13.03.2020-2_2

Ben Davenport

 

Ben has worked in the homelessness sector for over 10 years, developing adult education, wellbeing and arts services across the West Midlands. He has specialised in coproduction and adult education.

 

He is currently a recovery coordinator at a Birmingham drug and alcohol service, supporting people being released from prison and Artistic Director for City Jam, which provides open music sessions for people experiencing social disadvantages.

Hayley (bio)

Danny Evans

 

Awaiting bio.

Hayley (bio)

Danny Evans

 

Awaiting bio.

Sophie Hall

 

Sophie is Coventry County Council’s Housing and Homelessness Commissioning Lead.

Underground Lights Coventry-20
Underground Lights Coventry-20

Sophie Hall

 

Sophie is Coventry County Council’s Housing and Homelessness Commissioning Lead.

Underground Lights Coventry-34

Tracy Villiers

 

Tracy brings lived experience and a strong focus on equality and inclusion.

Underground Lights Coventry-34

Tracy Villiers

 

Tracy brings lived experience and a strong focus on equality and inclusion.