Survive grow inspire

19/03/2026

I recently had the pleasure of delivering a Lunch & Learn session for the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA), working with residential social workers across Essex County Council.

In just 90 minutes together, we explored some incredibly important topics that sit at the heart of residential practice, including:

▪️ Recognising and responding to vicarious trauma
▪️ Understanding the impact of compassion fatigue and burnout
▪️ Practical ways practitioners can protect their wellbeing while supporting young people with complex needs
▪️ The value of life story work and why helping young people understand their histories is central to healing and identity-building

Despite the short format, it was a highly engaging and interactive session, with thoughtful discussion around how residential social workers can better notice early warning signs of stress and sustain themselves in such emotionally demanding roles.

A big thank you to the Workforce Development Lead for the invitation and for creating the space to have these important conversations online. It was a privilege to contribute to the learning and development of such dedicated professionals.

09/03/2026

Today, on International Women’s Day (8th March), I’m taking a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere.

Being a woman isn’t easy. Many women face challenges that are invisible to the outside world — barriers, expectations, inequalities, and personal battles that require extraordinary courage just to keep moving forward.

As someone who is care experienced and who grew up navigating trauma and uncertainty, I’ve seen firsthand how resilience is often born from the toughest circumstances. The women I’ve met throughout my life — carers, mentors, friends, and leaders — have shown me what quiet strength looks like. They’ve shown me that perseverance, compassion, and determination can coexist powerfully.

Their examples continue to inspire my work as a motivational speaker and my mission to help others see possibility beyond their pain.

Today isn’t just a celebration — it’s a reminder.

A reminder that women are leaders, survivors, innovators, caregivers, and changemakers.

A reminder that no woman should feel alone in her struggles.

And most importantly, a reminder that when women support women, incredible things happen.

Let’s continue to uplift one another. Let’s continue to open doors for one another. Let’s continue to remind every girl and every woman that her voice, her story, and her dreams matter.

Here’s to the strength of women in every form. Today and every day.

09/03/2026

❤️

09/03/2026

Today, on International Women’s Day (8th March), I’m taking a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere.

Being a woman isn’t easy. Many women face challenges that are invisible to the outside world — barriers, expectations, inequalities, and personal battles that require extraordinary courage just to keep moving forward.

As someone who is care experienced and who grew up navigating trauma and uncertainty, I’ve seen firsthand how resilience is often born from the toughest circumstances. The women I’ve met throughout my life — carers, mentors, friends, and leaders — have shown me what quiet strength looks like. They’ve shown me that perseverance, compassion, and determination can coexist powerfully.

Their examples continue to inspire my work as a motivational speaker and my mission to help others see possibility beyond their pain.

Today isn’t just a celebration — it’s a reminder.

A reminder that women are leaders, survivors, innovators, caregivers, and changemakers.

A reminder that no woman should feel alone in her struggles.

And most importantly, a reminder that when women support women, incredible things happen.

Let’s continue to uplift one another.
Let’s continue to open doors for one another.
Let’s continue to remind every girl and every woman that her voice, her story, and her dreams matter.

Here’s to the strength of women in every form. Today and every day! 💜

02/03/2026

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a Pride History Month "lunch‑and‑learn" session with Virgin Media O2 — and it reminded me just how important these conversations are.

People often talk about coming out as a defining life moment.
But for me… that moment never really happened.
✨ I never “came out” because I had no one to come out to.
Growing up in care meant my focus was survival, stability, and navigating trauma — not sexuality or identity disclosure.

I didn’t have parents to sit down with.
I didn’t worry about acceptance or rejection.
I didn’t fear reactions.
At that time, I genuinely didn’t believe anyone was watching closely enough for it to matter.
My q***rness existed, but it sat quietly in the background while I dealt with much bigger storms.
And that’s a reality many q***r, care‑experienced people know all too well.

Here's to all of you who...

💛 grew up without traditional family support
💛 had to figure out identity alone
💛 carry layers of trauma, resilience, and strength
💛 learned to build their own sense of belonging
💛 show up in the world with courage, authenticity, and visibility.

Talking openly about being both q***r AND care experienced isn’t always easy — but it is crucial.

🌈💛 LivedExperience RepresentationMatters Authencity Inclusion Belonging Intersectionality LGBTQinCare PrideInCare FosteringCommunity YouthInCare VisibilityMatters

02/03/2026

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a Pride History Month "lunch‑and‑learn" session with Virgin Media O2 — and it reminded me just how important these conversations are.

People often talk about coming out as a defining life moment.
But for me… that moment never really happened.
✨ I never “came out” because I had no one to come out to.
Growing up in care meant my focus was survival, stability, and navigating trauma — not sexuality or identity disclosure.
I didn’t have parents to sit down with.
I didn’t worry about acceptance or rejection.
I didn’t fear reactions.
At that time, I genuinely didn’t believe anyone was watching closely enough for it to matter.
My q***rness existed, but it sat quietly in the background while I dealt with much bigger storms.
And that’s a reality many q***r, care‑experienced people know all too well.

Here's to all of you who...

💛 grew up without traditional family support
💛 had to figure out identity alone
💛 carry layers of trauma, resilience, and strength
💛 learned to build their own sense of belonging
💛 show up in the world with courage, authenticity, and visibility.

Talking openly about being both q***r AND care experienced isn’t always easy — but it is crucial.

🌈💛

20/02/2026

Today is National Care Day (20th February 2026) — a moment to recognise, uplift and celebrate the experiences, strengths and voices of care‑experienced people everywhere.

My commitment to this work is lifelong and deeply personal. Through my talks, training and writing — including projects such as Care experience matters, Community Care magazine and my talks for Become, Virgin 02 and John Lewis. I continue to advocate for understanding, empathy, system change and improved outcomes for children and young people with care experience.

My work is rooted in:

• Challenging stereotypes and shifting public perception of what care experience actually is, as reflected throughout Community Care.

• Using storytelling and psychological insight to highlight resilience, growth and identity — themes I explore in Care experience matters and my “Rising As Me” talks.

• Supporting professionals across education, social care, foster care and mental health, ensuring they feel equipped to offer compassionate, trauma‑informed support.

• Championing care‑experience as a superpower, something I reiterate across my presentations and training resources.

• Driving system improvement, working with strategic partners and leaders to advocate for better structures, better understanding, and better outcomes for our young people.

National Care Day is not just a date in the calendar, it is a reminder of why this work matters every single day. To every care‑experienced person: your story is powerful, your voice is needed, and your future is full of possibility. And to every professional, ally and advocate: thank you for playing your part in creating environments where care‑experienced people are truly seen, valued and supported.

I remain committed — personally and professionally — to using my platform, training and lived experience to keep this conversation alive and to keep pushing for the change our community deserves.

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! 💪💖

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