About Us
Action4Families C.I.C. is led by experienced professionals with a strong background in education, counselling, and therapeutic practice. We bring together a shared commitment to supporting children, young people, adults, and families through compassionate, ethical, and relationship-based work.
Our team includes qualified counsellors, therapists, and practitioners, as well as trainees who are supported through structured placements and supervision. This allows us to extend our reach while maintaining high standards of care, safeguarding, and professional practice.
We are united by a belief in the importance of early support, strong relationships, and creating safe, supportive environments where people can feel heard, understood, and able to grow.
Meet the Team
Our Senior Practitioners & Advisory Board
Joanne Baillie
CYP Therapist &
Creative Counsellor
Joanne Baillie, the founder of Action4Families C.I.C., has extensive experience working with children, families, and schools. She is a BACP Registered Counsellor and qualified play therapist, using a warm, trauma-informed approach to promote healing. She is passionate about improving access to support and creating lasting positive change.
Ruth Tong
Counsellor &
Clinical Supervisor
Ruth Tong has a background in education, and counselling, with experience in community mental health support. She is a BACP accredited counsellor, qualified clinical supervisor, and holds an MSc with distinction. Ruth is passionate about trauma-informed practice, psychoeducation, and helping people find healing, resilience, and hope.
Sally Greenbank
Safeguarding Trainer &
Supervisor
Sally Greenbank has over 30 years of experience in education and safeguarding. A former Headteacher and School Safeguarding Manager, she provides training, supervision, and consultancy to help schools strengthen safeguarding practice. She is passionate about supporting professionals to respond with confidence, clarity, and care.
Jenny Sutcliffe
Coach & Leadership Development Specialist
Jenny Sutcliffe has two decades of experience in health service management and leadership development within the NHS. An EMCC-qualified coach, she provides coaching, training, and leadership development to support individuals and organisations to thrive. She is passionate about building resilience and creating healthier, sustainable workplaces.
Our Therapeutic Team
Therapists, Counsellors & Coaches passionate about serving YOU!
Joe Bloggs
Adult Counsellor
Join us and help foster safer, stronger communities.
Mary Smith
Parent Coach
Join us and support parents & families to thrive.
Andy Bee
CYP Counsellor
Join us and support adolescents in their journey to adulthood.
Pippa Ford
Play Therapist
Join us and work in partnership with families & schools.
Parent Coach Training Programme – September
We are passionate about transformation in Derby and believe stronger families create stronger communities. Our new Parent Coach Training is a pilot project designed to help launch parent coaching circles within local communities, bringing real support, connection, and lasting change for parents and caregivers.
This is a very practical programme, supported throughout by our senior therapeutic practitioners, giving you real guidance, encouragement, and tools you can confidently use in your own community. No prior training is required—just a genuine desire to support families and make a difference within your faith group, church, or wider community.
To qualify for a place, you must be a resident of Derby City or Derbyshire and have the support of your faith or community group leader to help implement this programme. You will also need an enhanced DBS check and will be required to complete a safer recruitment process.
Over this 12-month supported programme at just £12 per month, you will gain practical skills rooted in attachment, child development, and relationship-based practice. You will be equipped to lead parent coaching circles that strengthen relationships, help families navigate challenges, and build resilience for the future.
With a maximum of just 15 participants starting in September, this reduced-price pilot programme offers a unique opportunity to be part of creating lasting change in Derby.
