Survive grow inspire

04/02/2026

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at Hogarth Primary School during their Aspiration Week. My session focused on the power of ambition and career goals, and I shared how my own journey as someone who is care-experienced has shaped my aspirations.

Initially scheduled for just 20 minutes, I found myself engaged for a full hour! The Year Six students were not only attentive but eager, literally jumping out of their seats to ask questions. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were infectious, reminding me of the importance of nurturing these young minds.

What stood out was how much they absorbed. I went there to inspire them, but they ended up inspiring me in return. Their energy and focus were a testament to what can happen when we connect with our youth and encourage them to dream big.

A huge thank you to Rachel King, the wonderful teacher who booked me, for being so hospitable and making this experience unforgettable.

This experience has reinforced my commitment to engaging with young audiences and sharing my story as a motivational speaker. Together, we can empower the next generation to chase their dreams relentlessly!

27/01/2026

It's taken me almost 8 years to realise that being a lived‑experience speaker is about far more than sharing a story. Storytelling alone can be powerful, but its true impact lies in what we learn from those stories — the insights, the patterns, the truths, and the opportunities for professionals to do better, respond better, and understand more deeply.

Authenticity is at the heart of my work. I speak openly about the realities I’ve lived, not for sympathy or performance, but to create spaces where professionals can reflect, grow, and transform their practice. My aim is always to bridge the gap between lived experience and professional responsibility, helping people translate understanding into meaningful action.

Recently, I had the privilege of leading a session at Healthcare Conferences UK, and the feedback I received was incredibly affirming. Delegates highlighted the honesty, clarity, and practical relevance of the session — noting that it challenged their assumptions, deepened their understanding, and gave them concrete approaches they could take back into their work. I’m grateful not only for the feedback, but for the trust placed in me to deliver such an important conversation.

If your organisation, service, or event is looking for a speaker who brings authenticity, insight, and practical learning rooted in real experience, I would love to collaborate with you. I deliver keynote talks, training sessions, and facilitated discussions on a range of topics shaped by both professional knowledge and lived experience.

If you’d like to see the full list of topics and sessions I offer, please get in touch and I will send over my speaker leaflet.

To book me for your event or to request the leaflet, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to supporting your teams and helping shape more informed, compassionate and effective practice.

19/01/2026

Today is so-called "Blue Monday", which was actually made up by a travel company as a marketing stunt to sell more holidays! But nevertheless some of us do struggle more at this time of year, so please remember to be kind to yourself and others today (and every day).

Let’s turn it into a celebration of connection and compassion!

As someone who has volunteered for Samaritans for years, I urge you to take a moment to reflect on the importance of human connection. It's not just our friends and family who need our support; every single person we encounter deserves it as well. Perhaps, it's because I have made my friends my family, I believe we should not have a hierarchy or people we care about, with family at the top.

Today, let’s make a conscious effort to look beyond our screens, put away our earbuds, and engage with those around us. Whether it’s a passer by, someone sitting across from you on the Tube, or an elderly person looking a little lost in the grocery store—each of us holds the power to spread kindness and understanding.

Let’s challenge ourselves to:

- Be present: Take in your surroundings and notice the people around you.
- Reach out: A simple smile, greeting, or offer of help can make a significant difference in someone’s day.
- Value all connections: Recognize that our connections extend beyond our immediate circles; they encompass everyone we share this world with.

Together, we can transform Blue Monday into a day of hope and humanity. Let’s lift each other up and create a supportive community where kindness thrives.

Join me in making a commitment to be a little more aware, a little more connected, and a lot more human.

12/01/2026

I’m pleased to let you know that I will be offering two complimentary free places at a HCUK upcoming conference which I will be speaking at... Improving Services & Outcomes for People who Self Harm...it's a CPD conference taking place virtually on Thursday 15th January 2026, from 10am till 4pm.

For more information please inbox me, as I can only gives these on a first come first serve basis.

Through case studies and expert advice we will explore how we can support people who self-harm

11/01/2026

Are you looking for an innovative speaker for International Wonan's Day 2026?

It's a global day celebrating women's achievements & calling for gender equality, with this year's theme focusing on collective action.. leadership..closing wealth gaps & women's role in innovation.

As a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion as a care-experienced woman..I aim to inspire action and dialogue around these critical issues. Together let’s empower women to lead,..thrive,..& innovate for a brighter future.

Book me in embracing change on and around March 8th! 💪💖

Use of IWD Speakers Directory is at user discretion. IWD Speakers are not endorsed. Information is provided by the speaker or their agency.

08/01/2026

I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to record a video for an incredible organization supporting care experienced young people. It was a pleasure to share my journey and discuss my career aspirations with you.

I sincerely hope that my message resonates with the young people in care and those transitioning out of care. It is my wish that they find hope and inspiration in their own paths and know that their care journey does not define their future.

Thank you for the impactful work you do in supporting these young individuals. Together, we can help them envision and pursue their dreams.

MotivationalSpeaker Advocate Writer TraumaExpert

08/01/2026

I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to record a video for your incredible organization. It was a pleasure to share my journey and discuss my career aspirations with you.

I sincerely hope that my message resonates with the young people in care and those transitioning out of care. It is my wish that they find hope and inspiration in their own paths and know that their care journey does not define their future.

Thank you for the impactful work you do in supporting these young individuals. Together, we can help them envision and pursue their dreams.

Meet Paris Bartholomew , a care-experienced motivational speaker, sharing how she kickstarted her career. Reflecting on her experiences in school, she reminds us that it’s never too late to start over, and that the support of a community can make all the difference. Watch the full video: https://l...

06/01/2026

Speechcraft 2026 journey.: Supporting others to improve their public speaking skills in a safe..friendly environment.

02/01/2026

Happy New Year, everyone!

As we welcome a new year, I'm reflecting on the things which were transformative lessons which I learnt from 2025 instead of setting resolutions I'll be working on these some more.

1️⃣ Gratitude: I list five things I'm grateful for daily, it shifts my mindset, helping me appreciate the abundance in my life, even during tough times.

2️⃣ Meditation: Making time for meditation has been crucial for grounding me and enhancing my focus. Just a few quiet moments bring clarity amidst the chaos of life.

3️⃣ Somatic practice Tai Chi, walking in the park and connection with trees or barefoot in the grass, somatic therapy & QiGong have been my go to's this year.

4️⃣ Continuous Learning: I dedicated 2025 to expanding my knowledge, focusing on British Sign Language & online courses aligned with my interests. Embracing lifelong learning has made me excited about the endless journey of growth.

5️⃣ Meaningful Connections At the start of 2025, I felt lonely due to a lack of familial support, a common experience for many care experieced. I focused on building new relationships & have since developed uplifting friendships that provide love & support.

6️⃣ Volunteering Engaging in charitable work transforms me. This year, I volunteered with Human Library, Inspiring the Future, & Remark, which supports the deaf community. My work with the over-50s deaf club allowed me to give back while improving my sign language skills.

7️⃣ Movement At the start of 2025, I struggled with chronic fatigue. I learned that physical activity boosts energy levels & established a morning routine focused on rejuvenation.

8️⃣ Minimizing Screen Time In a screen-saturated world, I prioritized reducing my device usage this year. I set boundaries, such as avoiding my phone on public transport, limiting laptop use to a few hours without breaks.

9️⃣ Mindfulness in Daily Life: As I move into 2026, I prioritized mindfulness in daily activities, whether throug mindful eating or appreciating my surroundings.

🔟 Sorry..max character limit..plesse see notes..thank you for reading! #ɴᴇᴡʏᴇᴀʀ2026

01/01/2026

Happy New Year, everyone!

As we welcome a new year, I'm reflecting on the things which were transformative lessons which I learnt from 2025 instead of setting resolutions. These insights have enriched my perspective and daily life:

1️⃣ **Gratitude:** Each night, I list five things I'm grateful for. This simple practice shifts my mindset, helping me appreciate the abundance in my life, even during tough times. True richness lies in valuing what we have.

2️⃣ **Meditation:** Making time for meditation has been crucial for grounding me and enhancing my focus. Just a few quiet moments bring clarity amidst the chaos of life.

3️⃣ **Somatic practice**Tai Chi, walking in the park and connection with trees or barefoot in the grass, somatic therapy & QiGong have been my go to's this year. Really feeling into my nody & being more mindful hss elivated my level of consciousness & healing journey.

4️⃣ **Continuous Learning:** I dedicated 2025 to expanding my knowledge, focusing on British Sign Language and online courses aligned with my interests. Embracing lifelong learning has made me excited about the endless journey of growth.

5️⃣ ***Meaningful Connections:** At the start of 2025, I felt lonely due to a lack of familial support, a common experience for many in care. I focused on building new relationships and have since developed uplifting friendships that provide the encouragement I've always sought. My gratitude list often highlights these connections, reminding me of the love and support I can create around me.

6️⃣ **Volunteering:** Engaging in charitable work has transformed me. This year, I volunteered with The Human Library, Inspiring the Future, and Remark, which supports the deaf community. My work with the over-50s deaf club allowed me to give back while improving my sign language skills, emphasizing the importance of connection.

7️⃣ **Movement:** At the start of 2025, I struggled with chronic fatigue. I learned that physical activity boosts energy levels and established a morning routine focused on rejuvenation. I embraced swimming, gym workouts, and regular walks, which have become a favorite way to reflect and enjoy nature.

8️⃣ **Minimizing Screen Time:** In a screen-saturated world, I prioritized reducing my device usage this year. I set boundaries, such as avoiding my phone on public transport and limiting laptop use to a few hours without breaks. These adjustments have made me more mindful and present in my life.

9️⃣ **Mindfulness in Daily Life:** As I moved into 2026, I prioritized mindfulness in daily activities, whether through mindful eating, engaging in conversations, or appreciating my surroundings. This awareness has enriched my everyday experiences.

🔟 **Embracing Self-Care:** This past year, I struggled with chronic fatigue due to the pressures of self-employment. It’s easy to think we must constantly work to avoid losing income, but this mindset can lead to burnout. I decided to take on only the work I wanted and ensured I had dedicated time for myself.

Thank you for reading! Here’s to growth and transformation in the coming year!

26/12/2025

After 29 rewarding years with Crisis at Christmas, I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. In 2024, I opted for a retreat over New Year, but this year, I chose to spend Christmas at home alone.

I fully believe that spending Christmas solo is often underrated. My day began with a restful lie-in, followed by coffee and a mince pie for breakfast. A lovely long walk in the park preceded my festive turkey dinner, and I found joy in the peace and solitude of my own company.

While many may not choose to be alone during the holidays, this year, my circumstances limited my options, including the lack of public transport. It was crucial for me to honor my needs and desires, allowing myself the rest and recuperation I needed.

Christmas is fundamentally about connection. This connection can be with others, but it can also mean connecting deeply with ourselves—recognizing what truly matters and fulfilling our personal needs. For me, this year was about rest and peace, and I found that through a simple walk in the park and a relaxing dinner on the sofa.

I understand that for others, Christmas looks different, and there are many who can't spend the holidays with their loved ones. It’s important to remember that not everyone chooses to be alone; some have limited options.

As we celebrate, let’s take a moment to reach out to those we know who might be spending Christmas alone. Compassion and connection are what truly matter, and while I have cherished my years with Crisis at Christmas, I also value the importance of self-care and doing what nurtures my soul.

So here’s to those who embrace solitude, to Christmas lovers and haters alike, who choose what is meaningful to them during the holidays. Life is short, and it’s essential to spend our time in ways that bring fulfillment.

Happy holidays to everyone. May we always remember the spirit of connection—both with ourselves and with others.

freedom HappyHolidays christmas2025

25/12/2025

After 29 rewarding years with Crisis at Christmas, I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. In 2024, I opted for a retreat over New Year, but this year, I chose to spend Christmas at home alone.

I fully believe that spending Christmas solo is often underrated. My day began with a restful lie-in, followed by coffee and a mince pie for breakfast. A lovely long walk in the park preceded my festive turkey dinner, and I found joy in the peace and solitude of my own company.

While many may not choose to be alone during the holidays, this year, my circumstances limited my options, including the lack of public transport. It was crucial for me to honor my needs and desires, allowing myself the rest and recuperation I needed.

Christmas is fundamentally about connection. This connection can be with others, but it can also mean connecting deeply with ourselves—recognizing what truly matters and fulfilling our personal needs. For me, this year was about rest and peace, and I found that through a simple walk in the park and a relaxing dinner on the sofa.

I understand that for others, Christmas looks different, and there are many who can't spend the holidays with their loved ones. It’s important to remember that not everyone chooses to be alone; some have limited options.

As we celebrate, let’s take a moment to reach out to those we know who might be spending Christmas alone. Compassion and connection are what truly matter, and while I have cherished my years with Crisis at Christmas, I also value the importance of self-care and doing what nurtures my soul.

So here’s to those who embrace solitude, to Christmas lovers and haters alike, who choose what is meaningful to them during the holidays. Life is short, and it’s essential to spend our time in ways that bring fulfillment.

Happy holidays to everyone. May we always remember the spirit of connection—both with ourselves and with others.