Bath-based charity I Can & I Am has appointed Rebecca Burton as its new CEO to lead the organisation into its second decade of supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing across the South of England.
Founded in 2015 by former teacher and inspirational speaker James Shone, I Can & I Am helps nurture self-belief in young people by giving them the tools to develop confidence, belonging and resilience. The charity’s hugely popular wellbeing bus programme has already supported more than 30,000 young people – and demand continues to grow.
With one in five people aged eight to 25 now experiencing a probable mental health challenge, and 90% of school leaders reporting increased stress among pupils, the charity’s work has never been more vital.
At the heart of its approach are two distinctive double-decker buses that travel to hundreds of schools across the region each year, including primary, secondary, independent and SEN settings. Each visit begins with pupils cooking pizzas together on the lower deck – a simple, shared experience that fosters teamwork and a sense of achievement. Upstairs, they take part in workshops designed to ‘inflate their balloons of self-belief’ through open discussion and practical exercises.
A third bus is already in the pipeline to meet rising demand, funded in part by Shone’s recent 400km tandem cycle around Somerset, which raised over £44,000 during summer 2025.
Rebecca Burton, who joined I Can & I Am in 2017, said she is thrilled to be leading the charity into its next phase. “Every young person should be given the tools and support they need to believe in themselves so they can become who they want to be,” she said. “That’s why we’re looking to enhance and expand our hugely successful bus programme to ensure an even greater impact and more reach.”
Before her appointment as CEO, Rebecca played a central role in the charity’s development, overseeing marketing, governance and operations while helping to shape its ambitious 2030 vision. Her experience, combined with her long-standing involvement in the charity’s growth, makes her ideally placed to guide its next steps.
Founder James Shone said he is delighted to see the organisation evolve under Rebecca’s leadership. “Since creating I Can & I Am ten years ago, the charity’s work has never stopped growing and wherever we go, we are asked back,” he said.
“Now feels like the right time to take on a CEO to steer the ship. The board of trustees and I know that Rebecca is perfectly suited, having been at the forefront of the charity and all its achievements for so many years. Her direction will help us grow in our mission and inflate thousands more balloons of self-belief.”
James will continue to play an active role through fundraising and his popular talks in schools, which have become a cornerstone of the charity’s outreach.
With its growing team of 20 and the continued support of patron Sir Anthony Seldon, I Can & I Am remains a powerful force in promoting positive mental health and self-belief among young people – one bus journey, and one balloon, at a time.
Find out more at icanandiam.com.
