Meet the team...
Project facilitators
Michael Grant
Michael is an international cabaret entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, composer and voice coach.
After completing his studies at the Royal College of Musical and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he went on to perform in many musicals, concerts and recitals in London’s West End and across five continents, and for many years was a popular Guest Entertainer on cruise lines including P&O Cruises and Cunard Lines.
Alongside his performance career, Michael has always been happiest when inspiring others with his infectious passion for music-making, and to that end runs a number of community choirs as well as a choir for NHS Staff in Kent that perform everything from The Jam to West Side Story – the weekly rehearsals always being the highlight of his week! He was also the creator of a highly successful series of music workshops for the charity HemiHelp, is a fully qualified teacher (Secondary Education), and has written the music for three ballets and two school musicals.
Michael is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and has also studied and works in the fields of Animal Behaviour and Horticulture.
Co-founder and Musical Director
Patsy Solanki
Project Facilitator
I’m a personal development coach and trainer, both in private and corporate/educational settings. I came into this work because I really love working with people who think that they’re stuck. I love seeing them go from “arghhh” (in pure frustration and “why bother?”), to “ahhhh” (in a state of calm self-acceptance and deeper personal awareness).
In the last 20 years I’ve been lucky enough to work with every age group in lots of creative ways, some involving music, helping people to understand their own emotional landscape to create change where they feel they need it.
From this work I had the courage to join several choirs to help soothe my own mind and body. It changed my life! Change doesn’t have to be heavy, painful and daunting; it can be fun, exciting and liberating, like A Time To Shine!
Catrina Lafferty
Project Facilitator
Catrina was involved in the music and theatre industry for 20 years as a singer/songwriter and performer. She has toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, playing large venues and festivals. As a recording artist she had several track releases under her own name and for other artists. She made a decision some years ago to develop her skills in supporting others in learning and wellbeing, working as a performing arts tutor at a children’s stage school and delivering singing for wellbeing groups to vulnerable adults.
She found a passion for working with these groups, so retrained as a youth worker, working with young people and families at risk in the local area, and studying a degree in Youth Work at Brighton University. She has worked for the past 16 years with vulnerable children and families in the Hastings and Rother areas, delivering holistic 1-2-1 and group interventions to support in improving their quality of life.
“I love to observe and experience the positive impact that music and song has on others, especially through group participation. Not only does it strengthen confidence and resilience, it also breaks down those barriers of social isolation which has been a real struggle for many in recent years".
James Cleeve
Music Therapist
I trained with Nordoff Robbins, qualifying as a music therapist in 2021.
I currently freelance, working with individuals and groups with a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. I have experience of working with adults and children with a range of diagnoses, including profound physical disabilities, autistic spectrum condition, learning disabilities, acquired neurological disabilities, dementia and schizophrenia. But what excites me most about music therapy is the power that music has to offer validation, opportunity and experience to the person beyond the diagnosis, and to help them discover new things about themselves.
Outside of music therapy, I freelance as a musical director, composer and arranger, working in many different theatre, education and community settings.
Board of Trustees
click on each member for more info
Ms Jan Allen
Chairperson
Martin Newlan
Mr David Price
Treasurer
Wendy Heeley
Ms Jacquie Gibbons
Administrator to the Board of Trustees
Jane Kendal
Helen Hordle
Rebecca Johnson
Hannah Millican Patel
Co-founder
Alison Cooper
The working side of my life has always involved supporting people to develop their own potential. This interest has led me to expand my skills and experience by completing a degree in Criminology & Applied Psychology, NVQ 1-3 in Counselling Skills & Theory and by training as a Mediator and Restorative Justice facilitator. I have also worked with people with autism, young people and people with substance and alcohol issues. All these skills seem to come together perfectly to succeed with The Time to Shine Project; using the feel-good factor of music for people to discover the best in themselves.