Getting to know me
Not long after my 30th birthday, it hit me; an all consuming desire to follow my forever dream. I'm motivated by the future generation. By helping them to explore and understand their feelings. By cultivating ways to help them recognise and use their own inner magic. To provide accessible, warm, welcoming support in a world that isn't always kind to young minds.
2020 was everything but ‘normal’ and whilst there are many learnings to be taken, one thing is for sure - there is a huge gap, and worryingly, an overwhelming need, for the provision of children’s Wellbeing services. England is just not that great at looking after it’s younger generation.
I'm a Northern girl at heart, but moved to the Croydon area before starting school. As a teenager I wanted to complete a full psychology degree but it was too costly and instead, I pursued an alternate path that brought with it varied life experience. But, the older I got the more unfulfilled I became.
On a personal note, like most, I‘ve experienced highs and lows. There's been a huge amount of grief; I have had a difficult relationship with food and body image, and been through family breakdown. And, two years ago I became a Mother - something I will be eternally grateful for as it took us a while to get there!
My much loved Grandad was a bit of a character at Covent Garden Flower Market, and early mornings with him inspired my love affair with all things floral, laying the foundations for my affinity with nature. In my late teenage years I gave my first yoga class a try and later on started to experiment with 'creative time' for explore self expression and awareness. Needless to say, I became astonished by the power these elements had, and quickly worked out that when you combine them, amazing things can happen.
Life so far has had many twists and turns, but through understanding my own coping mechanisms, and the teachings of people I have been lucky to work with, I realised that Mindfulness, Creativity and Nature work for others too. Then came the ideas for The Nurture Meadow.
I now live on the Sussex/Surrey border, with my best friend and husband Matt, incredible daughter Hallie and Tilly the dog, offering Wellbeing support to schools, families, the community and individual children.
Early intervention has repeatedly proven that given the right conditions, children can grow and find well deserved contentment within themselves. I'm incredibly proud that through The Nurture Meadow I can facilitate that journey and help cultivate acceptance and resilience, supporting each and every child discover an inner magic that's just waiting to be found.
I am...
A Mum and Wife
Floral Mad
Astounded by the brain
An animal lover
A realist
Empathic
A professional
Obsessed with the sky
An active listener
A friend
A music fan
Caring
Playful
A wannabe yogi
Fascinated with travel
An advocate for children
Always learning
Warm
A dreamer
Human
The facts...
I've completed training and qualifications in a variety of subjects including;
BA Hons Degree, (Combined) Psychology, Sociology and History
Levels 2 and 3 in Child Counselling and Play Therapy (BACP)
Diploma in Mindfulness for Children (Distinction)
Beginners floristry
Safeguarding for Children
Safeguarding for vulnerable adults
Mental Health Awareness
Trained Counsellor for Shout, including suicide
de-escalation
Equality and Diversity
Positive behavioural support
I hold a valid, enhanced DBS check.
