Rachael Whittaker

I am a high energy trainer who has dyslexia and is neurodivergent so my classes are very interactive and punchy. I have previous knowledge of drama and performing arts so I try to bring as much fun and passion to my learners experience

I am a highly motivated and experienced practitioner with a strong background in substance misuse, mental health, criminal justice, and community engagement. Throughout my career, I have developed a consistent ability to work with individuals with complex needs, delivering person-centred support that promotes confidence, resilience, and long-term positive outcomes.

My experience within both community and custodial settings has enabled me to build strong expertise in managing complex caseloads, facilitating structured group interventions, and working effectively within multi-agency frameworks. I have a proven ability to adapt my approach to meet the diverse needs of individuals, using an engaging and inclusive communication style to build trust quickly and encourage meaningful participation.

I strongly align with the values demonstrated by organisations such as Calico, particularly around empowerment, inclusion, and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. I am passionate about supporting people to recognise their strengths and take ownership of their journey, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and supported. I consistently work to reduce barriers to engagement by creating safe, welcoming environments and delivering services that are accessible and responsive to community needs.

A key example of my commitment to these values is the creation of the Real and Resilient Women’s Group, which I independently developed after identifying a gap in local provision. I successfully secured National Lottery funding and delivered the programme in my own time, creating a safe and empowering space for women to build confidence, resilience, and peer support networks. This demonstrates my initiative, leadership, and passion for community development, as well as my ability to design and deliver impactful services.

I pride myself on my professionalism, strong safeguarding knowledge, and ability to manage risk effectively while maintaining a compassionate, non-judgemental approach. I am confident working collaboratively with partners including social services, probation, and voluntary organisations, ensuring a coordinated and holistic approach to support.

As a neurodivergent professional, I bring creativity, energy, and a fresh perspective to my work. My dynamic and engaging approach enables me to connect with individuals from all backgrounds, encourage participation, and deliver interventions in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and results-focused.

I am committed to continuous professional development and driven by a genuine passion for making a difference. I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to any organisation that values compassion, innovation, and community-focused practice, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to positive outcomes for individuals and communities.