Cath Wakeman OBE, Lillian Shipton and Heather Dimarco awarded in Art Therapist Awards
We were delighted to announce the art therapists who have been awarded our Art Therapists Awards 2025 at our annual conference on 8 November. The awards celebrate the outstanding contributions made by art therapists to the profession across the UK.
Innovation award
Cath Wakeman OBE has been awarded the Innovation award for her work founding Imara, a Nottingham-based charity supporting children and families affected by sexual and domestic abuse.
Recognising the absence of pre-trial therapy, Cath developed pre-trial art therapy provision and built a multidisciplinary service combining therapy and advocacy. Imara has grown into a locally and nationally respected service, influencing national The Crown Prosecution Service pre-trial therapy guidance.
I am delighted to have received the Innovation award this year and especially pleased to have been nominated by art therapists and colleagues who I work with. I would like to thank the children, young people and families who I have met and worked with at Imara, they are the people who have provided the ideas that have led our work and our development at Imara. I want to celebrate those people who have had a profound impact on me over the years, they have brought creativity and knowledge to inspire me to develop new ways of responding to them, empowering and strengthening them to move forward.Cath Wakeman OBE
Inclusive and anti-oppressive practice award
Lillian Shipton and Heather Dimarco received the Inclusive and anti-oppressive practice award for their work at Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, where they facilitate art therapy groups for survivors of sexual violence.
Against a back-drop of financial instability for crisis centres, Heather and Lillian have not only sustained their art therapy groups but also deepened their commitment to ensuring that no survivor is left without access to vital creative and therapeutic support, regardless of their gender expression or identity.
On receiving the award, Lillian said:
I’m really grateful that our work, which supports all survivors of sexual violence regardless of gender or identity, has been recognised and supported by the British Association of Art Therapists. Maintaining inclusive and anti-oppressive practice is central to creating safety for all service users. I hope others will continue to uphold and protect these spaces, especially in challenging times, ensuring support and safety for the most marginalised, including trans people.
Lillian Shipton, art therapist, Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
Heather added:
It is an honour to have our practice and approach recognised by our peers and professional body. It is so important that anyone who has experienced sexual violence is able to access the support they need, irrespective of age, ethnicity, class, gender, neurodiversity and disability. The inclusive nature and diversity of the art therapy group is where the wealth of richness is, in coming together in a shared understanding of experience. It is my privilege to be alongside the clients we support, and this award is a testament of the bravery and courage shown by each and every group member.
Heather Dimarco, art therapist, Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
Thank you
Awards were given after a thorough review by a panel of esteemed judges, including MP Sonia Kumar. We’re grateful to all the judges, the nominees and everyone who made a nomination.