Who we are

You Matter Saddleworth is led by people with lived experience, professional backgrounds in wellbeing, education and community work, and a shared belief in the value of nature-based, creative spaces

The project has grown through collaboration, local relationships and a commitment to working alongside people rather than delivering to them

The founders

You Matter Saddleworth is co-founded and led by Michael Heron and Michael Bailey. Together, they bring a mix of wellbeing, education, creative and community experience that shapes how the project works in practice

Two men smiling outdoors, holding cups of coffee, with a campfire and green fence in the background.

Michael Bailey brings a practical and creative background, with qualifications in engineering and an art degree, alongside experience in design, tutoring and creative practice. Michael is a qualified youth worker and has worked within alternative education provision and specialist school settings, and currently works as a tutor supporting young people who do not engage with mainstream education. His approach is hands-on and creative, shaped by working closely with young people who benefit from learning through doing

Michael Heron has spent over fourteen years supporting people of all ages and backgrounds through counselling and therapeutic work. Alongside this, he is a qualified Forest School Leader and has experience working in education and alternative provision under his youth work qualifications. He currently works with Spark Oldham CIC, supporting local communities and helping to set up a men’s meet-up focused on mental health and wellbeing. All of this feeds directly into how You Matter supports people in a practical, down-to-earth way

Their combined experience underpins You Matter Saddleworth’s focus on nature-based, creative spaces as places where people can feel supported, included and connected

Alongside the directors, You Matter is supported by volunteers, partners, artists, practitioners and organisations who help shape and sustain the work

We thank you all for your continued support, we could not do it without you