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It’s a
Playground

Who we are

The IAP Crew

Meet some of the people behind It's a Playground.

Meet the team

Our Core Team

It's a Playground is built on warm, genuine relationships — and on knowing that the right people matter more than a big name on a list. Alongside our core team, we work with a wider network of experienced trainers, facilitators, consultants and subject specialists, so we can bring the right people together for each project.

Laura & Jennie — the core team

Your first points of contact — who you'll speak with, and who looks after every booking from first enquiry to follow-up.

Portrait of Laura Rigden

Laura Rigden

Founder · Lead Consultant & Facilitator

Laura founded It's a Playground in 2017. She brings evidence, lived experience and curiosity to consultancy and learning, with human connection at the heart of her work.

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Portrait of Jennie Edmonds

Jennie Edmonds

Training & Client Experience Coordinator

Jennie is one of the friendly people behind the scenes, keeping our training, events and client experience organised, welcoming and straightforward.

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Some of our specialist trainers & associates

Experienced instructors, L&D professionals and specialists who deliver our training, coaching and programmes — matched to your sector, context and needs.

Portrait of Faridat (Bisayo) Erikitola

Faridat (Bisayo) Erikitola

Associate Consultant & Facilitator

Bisayo works across leadership, learning and inclusion. Her specialisms include neurodiversity, psychological safety and ADHD coaching-informed practice.

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Portrait of Emma Saccomani

Emma Saccomani

Associate Trainer

Emma brings deep corporate learning and development experience to Mental Health First Aid and workplace wellbeing training.

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Portrait of Sasha McBean

Sasha McBean

Associate Consultant & Facilitator

Sasha's work brings together equity, diversity and inclusion, neuroinclusion and psychotherapy-informed workplace wellbeing.

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Portrait of Tina Copp

Tina Copp

Associate Trainer | Adult & Youth MHFA England Instructor

Tina brings over 25 years in education to warm, practical Adult and Youth MHFA training. She also volunteers with Shout and Crisis.

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Portrait of Brendan Roy

Brendan Roy

Associate Trainer | Adult & Youth MHFA England Instructor

Brendan is an experienced Adult and Youth MHFA England Instructor with over 20 years' experience in education and leadership. He delivers practical mental health training across corporate, education, healthcare, hospitality and community settings, helping people build confidence in supporting others.

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How we resource work

Our wider network

Alongside our core team, we work with a wider network of experienced trainers, facilitators, consultants and subject specialists. We bring the right people together for each project, drawing on different backgrounds, sectors, lived experience and areas of expertise.

Whether it's a one-off workshop or a larger organisation-wide programme, we build the team around what's needed. Each member of our network brings their own qualifications, experience and perspective. We thoughtfully match the right facilitators and specialists to each project, bringing together the expertise that best suits your people and goals.

  • Facilitators matched to your sector and context
  • Associates rather than a single fixed roster — capacity across the UK and digitally
  • Lived experience valued alongside professional qualification
  • Consistent IAP design and quality standards across every associate

Work with our team

Tell us what you need and we'll bring the right people to it.