I was fortunate enough, at the time when I started this website, that one of my friends in journalism happened to be featuring me in a piece she was writing around mental health.
In doing so, she was kind enough (in return for copious amounts of coffee!) to do a separate interview which would form the basis of this ‘about me’ page.
There has, of course been change and evolution, since 2018 but the essence of that interview remains with periodic refreshes to ensure that what you are reading is accurate and up to date.
you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir
I certainly intended to but the pandemic put paid to those ambitious plans. Therefore I will now be running 21 marathons in 2021 instead. Find out about #21in2021 here!
I’m supporting great causes in Mind, the Running Charity, Lupus UK and Football Beyond Borders.
It’s not as formal as it sounds!! My own life was massively impacted by mental ill health, living undiagnosed with bipolar disorder for close to fifteen years, only getting a diagnosis after three suicide attempts.
I realise that every day of my life is a gift that could have been denied to me in different circumstances, which drives my determination to give others hope long before they hit their darkest moments.
As a campaigner, I am involved in campaigns around mental health awareness and wellbeing in the public space. Recent examples include:
Sky News – 3 January 2020 – discussing the Take A Minute Campaign – the main interview starts at around 3 minutes
The Britain Get Talking campaign was featured on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020
(PLEASE DO NOT TRY TEXT OR DONATE – THE CAMPAIGN IS NO LONGER LIVE)
Ha! Nope, the less publicity the better, but if I am going to put myself out there as a campaigner and advocate, that means sharing my story and often doing so in the most impactful way means in a public space.
Moments like those below are a by-product and privilege but certainly not my why!
Absolutely correct. It’s such a privilege for me to be able to raise mental health awareness in communities where it can really impact, and that’s what typically allows me to choose the projects I am involved in.
At different points, I’ve spoken in schools, churches and prisons and I an inevitably passionate about challenging stigma in ethnic minority communities.
As an HR leader, I am a recognised speaker around workplace wellbeing.
My work typically includes:
Please use the form on the contact page to discuss any events or projects which you think I can help you to impact.
I do have a full-time career so I am selective about the projects to which I commit, but my commitment is unparalleled once you have it.
Simply put, I truly believe that Mind saved my life. After fifteen years of illness and 3 suicide attempts, it was them who led me back to the NHS for a diagnosis which gave meaning and dignity to the chaos. They were also able to educate me and my friends / family about my illness.
In more recent years, it’s been a privilege to be an ambassador and be part of their own journey which has transformed how we view mental wellbeing.
As you will see from the film below, it is a privilege to help them to save and transform lives in the same way they did mine.
Whatever randomly comes into my mind? Although, this will likely consist of…
PS – I tend to find that running and food go hand-in-hand!!
We’ve come a long way but not far enough. I love that we can now speak very openly around mental illness but there is still a real lack of resource and knowledge.
Simply put, two people will take their own life every hour in England and Wales, and that tells me that we still have a long way to go.
Easy, I run into work and often run back… it’s a lot cheaper than the Tube and much more relaxing!
I run 60+ miles a week… and then eat all of the things!
The work of God. How else can I describe a life transformed from the depths of suicide attempts and homelessness, a life without hope, to one where I am constantly filled with purpose and the hope that I can reach out and impact other lives.
Why humanity must be bigger than misogyny and how the words of Piers Morgan spark an issue much deeper than the Royal Family or mental health
I reflect here on the powerful words of Steve Jobs, on how connecting the dots of our past are so important to our present and future.
I’ve been a regular guest on the People, Culture & Tech webinar & podcast series. Recently, we spoke about purpose and happiness at work.
On Time to Talk Day, I joined Mike on the Happy Employee Podcast to talk mental health, both how we look after our own and support friends.
Just before Christmas, I joined a great panel on the 40 Minute Mentor for a raw and honest discussion about mental health and wellbeing.
This week I spoke with Nige from the Runners Cafe about running and mental wellbeing, as part of his Mental Health Awareness Week edition.
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, I remember the kindness that saved my life. Small things, great impact. We can all save lives.
I’ve been involved in many mental health campaigns… this is a little different! One in Four combines art, football & mental health.
For so long we’ve told people that it’s OK not to be OK. Perhaps now is a time to encourage people, to tell them that it’s OK to be OK.