Each one of us has a frame of reference. Mine is a collection of values, personal and professional experiences and things I’ve learnt from training. My approach is flexible, and my experience has taught me that what might work for some won’t work for others. So I think of it as my tool kit, things I can lean on or bring out should I need to.
- I have a personal faith. I am inclusive and welcoming and I try to stay open minded. I believe that our differences make us all unique, and are something to celebrate.
- I’m happily married with kids. They are now young adults/teens.
- My family and I are neurodivergent. I have ADHD and (at least) one of my children is autistic. Every diagnosis seems like another part of the puzzle of understanding ourselves. This journey has meant waiting lists, assessments, EHCPs, benefit applications etc have been something I have 1st hand experience of. My approach to my work is neuro-affirming.
- Some of my family are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Life is colourful!
- I’ve been a youth worker for over 30 years.
- I’ve worked with some amazing children, young people and their families over the years, from whom I have learnt so much.
- I have personal experience of parenting a young person who struggled with school attendance and have learnt a lot from other parents and young people that find school difficult.
- My youth work has been in local authority youth centres and detached projects, in churches and for local charities. Over the years I’ve helped on and led residential opportunities including camping. I currently work in 2 local youth centres and 1:1 with young people.
- I spent almost 5 years as a family support worker for a local authority, supporting young people in care and their foster parents. This gave me a good understanding of the impact of ACES and trauma. I have the utmost respect for foster carers.
- I’ve been a home educator for one of my children for 4 years (y8-y11) and I know the value of a flexible and bespoke education. Our approach was semi structured and I’ve supported them through IGCSEs. They’ve now made a successful transition to college.
- I ran and managed a mentoring project for children and young people for 8.5 years. I so enjoyed direct work with young people and their families as well as supporting my team of mentors (volunteers and staff). I saw the project through various stages of growth and led it through to a conclusion as the charity has unfortunately closed. Several of our mentees stayed with me in my new roles. I believe good endings are just as important as good beginnings.
- I was a Designated Safeguarding Lead for 2 years.
- I’m a dog Mum, my furbaby is an 9 year old spaniel. He’s my faithful friend, loves cuddles but gets a bit worried about the world outside sometimes.
- Qualifications:
BA (Hons) Business Studies with Combined Studies 1997
Dip He Community, Youth and Play Studies 1999
Playwork NVQ 3 2008
Recent Training:
Hope Mentoring 