My Journey into this work did not begin with a job title or a qualification. It began in my home. I found myself holding back tears after yet another call from school. In year 8 of Secondary school, my bright funny daughter, full of potential suddenly found herself unable to fit the rigid mould of mainstream education and overnight we went from being a typical family to a family living in crisis.

 

Instead of support, we were met with disproportionate punishments, daily calls, constant reports, suspensions and she developed a "bad" reputation. Meanwhile as her parents we were expected to "work with school" by doubling down on punishments at home. As her mum it was heartbreaking. I watched her self-esteem crumble and I was left with no support and a broken child who gave up on the system.

 

I turned to doctors and various services for answers, but help was inconsistent and fragmented. Mental health services threatened discharge because she would not engage with them. Social services became involved and our lives were thrown into crisis and taken over by assessments, meetings and devastation. There were nights of meltdowns, numerous episodes of her absconding and going missing, calls to the police, trips to A & E, and long hours waiting for help that often never came. All of this during COVID, when services were at breaking point and families like mine were left to cope alone. I felt like I was fighting every single day, never knowing what the next hour might bring. It was relentless! But here's the thing, in the middle of the chaos I learned. I learned how the system works (and where it doesn't). I discovered how to ask the right questions, push back, challenge decisions, and I refused to give up. Over time, I learned to parent differently, focusing on boundaries, choices, and connection rather than shouting or punishment.

I also completed courses, gathered tools, and slowly began to rebuild our family's stability.

Most importantly, I remained consistent in being present for my daughter, even when she rejected my help and even when it felt impossible.

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After years of battling the system, my daughter finally received the help she needed and after her discharge from hospital, she now lives an independent and fulfilled life. She has told me this is a milestone she could never have reached without me by her side. My daughter's journey taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and the strength that comes from never giving up!

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And now this is what I bring to you,....

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I do not work with your child. I work with you as parents, because you're the ones that need tools, clarity and a plan. Alongside strategies to support you, I'll help you navigate the confusing world of services, schools and specialist resources. Where appropriate, I will signpost you to the right professionals and resources so you are no longer fighting the battle alone.

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Parenting today can feel impossible and its not your fault. Social media, peer pressure and awareness of mental health challenges are shaping our children's lives in a way no one could have been prepared for. The old traditional ways simply do not appear to work anymore. It seems necessary to keep having to adapt to the world we live in today and find new ways forward to support our child's needs.

 

My journey and the lessons learned now form the heart of Crisis to Calm, I know how it feels to be exhausted, judged, overwhelmed, at rock bottom and desperate for answers and help. I know how lonely it is to battle and navigate systems that don't seem to care, facing set back after set back, feeling like things cant possibly get much worse. However, I know it is possible to find a way forward and I want to walk beside you to guide you through this maze. I will support you and share what I have learned to help you regain calm and confidence in your home. You do not have to do it alone!​​​​​​​​​​​​

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