Sophia Foster
Summary
Compassionate Community Development Worker with extensive experience of trauma-informed addiction recovery, empowering both individuals and groups through holistic education, skill development and collaborative solutions. Promoting opportunities for community involvement, meaningful activities and social support networks. Known for building strong relationships and empowering individuals to create sustainable change.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Project Development & Coordinator
The Haven Project
2014.01 - 2024.01
- Designed and facilitated peer-led wellbeing initiatives for individuals in recovery from addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, social isolation, neurodiversity, and chronic illness.
- Delivered trauma-informed group programmes and creative wellbeing workshops using nature connection and herbal remedy-making to reduce PTSD, stress, and anxiety.
- Co-coordinated the Red Tent Women’s Project, providing safe, empowering spaces for women to connect, heal, and explore their creativity in nature.
- Fostered a person-centred, inclusive approach grounded in lived experience and collective wisdom.
- Collaborated with local services, peer supporters, and participants to co-produce opportunities for healing, advocacy, and inclusion.
- Oversaw project planning, safeguarding, evaluation, fundraising, and reporting to meet quality and funder expectations.
- Facilitated team meetings, volunteer development, and reflective practice to support collaborative working and continuous learning.
Volunteer Development Worker
Orange Street
2009.01 - 2011.01
- Supported young people (aged 16–25, NEET) in designing and delivering creative arts, music, and nature-based projects.
- Facilitated confidence-building workshops, training sessions, and participatory planning.
- Promoted youth involvement in decision-making and access to local funding and development opportunities.
- Led outreach and community engagement to increase participation.
Support Worker
Spring House – Women’s Homeless Hostel
2003.01 - 2006.01
- Provided trauma-informed support for women with multiple complex needs.
- Conducted holistic assessments and co-created personalised support plans.
- Acted as an advocate and coordinated multi-agency support.
- Organised wellbeing workshops, life skills sessions, and community-building events.
Community Health Coordinator
Easton Healing Experience
1997.01 - 2003.01
- Co-led a grassroots healing project addressing health inequalities through affordable, accessible holistic care.
- Delivered workshops in holistic health, peer education, and community wellbeing.
- Organised public events, built networks of practitioners, and facilitated collaborative health solutions.
Education
BA (Hons) - Human Geography & Environmental Studies
University of the West of England
Bristol 1993.01 - 1996.01
Skills
- Project Development & Coordination
- Trauma-Informed & Somatic Group Facilitation
- Creative Workshop Design
- Co-Production
- Participatory Practice
- Lived Experience Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partnership Development
- Volunteer Support
- Training
- Reflective Practice
- Safeguarding
- Ethical Practice
- Monitoring
- Evaluation
- Impact Reporting
- Advocacy
- Social Justice
Certification
- Embodied Processing – Somatic Coaching, 01/01/25
- Trauma-Informed Coaching, 01/01/24
- Embodiment Coaching, 01/01/23
- Community Development Certificate, 01/01/21
Custom
- Ruth Patchett, Former Haven Trustee, Ruth.Patchett@bristol.gov.uk
- Laura Corfield, Shift Bristol Director, laura@shiftbristol.org.uk
Timeline
Project Development & Coordinator
The Haven Project
2014.01 - 2024.01
Volunteer Development Worker
Orange Street
2009.01 - 2011.01
Support Worker
Spring House – Women’s Homeless Hostel
2003.01 - 2006.01
Community Health Coordinator
Easton Healing Experience
1997.01 - 2003.01
BA (Hons) - Human Geography & Environmental Studies
University of the West of England
1993.01 - 1996.01