Michelle Baharier's abominable treatment from staff & trustees could've lead to nervous breakdown.
Mental health organisation CoolTan Art's trustees suspended Michelle Baharier the CEO, the reason is unclear, as is their contempt of her, yet they are relentless in their quest to destroy her &, all she has enabled CoolTan Arts to be.
Below are edited comments from supporters of #CoolTanMichelle and @SaveCoolTanArt5
“I met Michelle in the early 2000′s. I admired her initiative in setting up CoolTan which, fulfills an essential role in enabling people to realise their creative potential in a professional way, I agreed to become the first Patron.
Participants used to Michelle’s trusted presence are given mixed messages by staff, told “not to worry their heads about it.” One group was told Michelle was on sick leave, then that she'd been suspended. Some participants with long term mental health issues, must find the present climate extremely unsettling.
I would like the situation of Michelle’s suspension fully explained. CoolTan’s money is being wasted on human resources consultants etc. How much money has CoolTan raised in Michelle’s absence?” Painter, sculptor and CoolTan patron Maggi Hambling C.B.E.
"Michelle is CoolTan Arts! which, she has built up over 24 years &, is faced with being ousted by a group, who know virtually nothing about CoolTan or it's history and achievements." Bob Skelly, former trustee of CoolTan Arts.
CoolTan Arts 1991 - 1992.
"CoolTan Arts was a squat. For over 22 years Michelle put her heart into, making it a supportive & respected environment. The current staff & trustees lack its ethos & values. They're bullying Michelle into leaving, they underestimated her popularity. Michelle's supporters will succeed in righting the wrongs." Elaine.
"I've been an animation workshop instructor at CoolTan Arts. I've worked at several other mental health centres & hospitals but, at CoolTan it was different, it felt like family. Members & staff were equal, friends. It was clear that Michelle's labour, dedication & spirit made this wonderful place what it is." Assaf.
"Michelle has been a constant inspiration to me for over a decade. With enormous compassion, she's improved the lives of 1000's of vulnerable individuals. Michelle does not see her role as a job but, a life style now she is in limbo. She must be reinstated to maintain CoolTan's success for decades to come." Steve.
"I'm unsure what has occurred though, the board of trustees have something to fear by placing a gagging order on someone." Lizzie.
"Whatever faults she has, Michelle is not a bad person, she was good to me. From what I can see, nobody has cut her slack in the same way she has, for loads of people." Alexandra.
CoolTan Arts 2006 - 2013.
"I would like CoolTan Arts to go back to its usual activities & safety to vulnerable users. The only person able to offer that security is Michelle B. She was an original founder & a people person." Isabel.
"Michelle is a kind hearted, generous & talented woman, whose made a positive impact on many lives. How can her trustees turn against her? The mental health world should be about compassion & support for one another. These principles are at the very heart of CoolTan." Stephanie. WHAT'S LACKING AT COOLTAN:
”To be able to turn up & speak to a caring member of staff, or just to chill out & feel accepted. Chatting to other service users could literally be the difference between life & death. When there is nowhere else to turn &, when service users are being pushed past their limit by the government & an absolutely shambolic mental health service.” Jo-Anne.
