About Me

In a rather unique way, my About Me page actually starts by referencing someone else. However, this incredibly special person is at my very core. She has influenced the trajectory of my life in ways I could never have imagined to bring me to where I am today.

Introducing, Emma

Any child born at the turn of the century was going to be special and my daughter didn’t disappoint. She came into the world in a very calm and dignified manner and that was the last time you would probably use either of those adjectives to describe the larger-than-life personality that is my daughter. 

Emma was born with Down Syndrome, which was quite a shock as this was not picked up in the pregnancy.

Since then, life has been quite a ride. There have been a lot of ups and downs with a fair amount of round and round, too.  

 

As a family, we have had to fight for everything for Emma. Things that you would assume would be a statutory right never came easily to us.

Such as: 

  • the right education to meet her needs (she’s been kicked out of school twice)
  • getting a social worker to support Emma
  • and ensuring we get the right benefits, to name but a few.

This has taken its toll and we have had some very difficult times.

But I’m a Yorkshire lass and made of strong stuff. There was never any question of giving up.

Supporting families of kids with special needs

aboutmeBeth

Over the years, I have never underestimated the power of getting the right support, not just for my family, but for myself.

  • In 2004 I became a founding member of a charity that aims to enhance the lives of children with disabilities and their families within the Leeds area
  • I have established links with the faculty of Allied Health Professionals at Leeds Beckett University so our children could have access to more physiotherapy and speech therapy
  • I have actively campaigned to the Local Authorities for better education and services in Leeds for children with disabilities (gaining two notable successes and the fight goes on).

My professional background

I began my career working in community development in education where I trained to be a careers advisor. After three years I moved into a position as a senior careers guidance counsellor at a charity called DISC. In this role I supported people to reduce or end their substance misuse and rebuild their lives. 

Since 2015 I’ve been a qualified leadership coach and have worked most recently leading teams and in learning and development.     

Making time for self-care as a parent

I am not going to lie, over the years there have been some dark times in my life. My situation has often made me angry and bitter. I have tried to channel this negative energy into positive projects.

All the while I was building a successful career, being an active trustee in children’s charities and fought to hold the powers that be accountable for the services provided to our children, I came to realise that I was still not allowing myself some much needed me-time.

I’m learning mindful self-care and I’m also a Yoga nut, which is my way of restoring balance and bring calm to my life.

Together, we can do this

I would never have been able to cope without the strong network of inspiring special needs parents I have had the privilege to know over the last 17 years. Even with this help, the ups and downs have happened more times than I’d care to admit.

My motivation for creating the Your Space Coaching Programmes is so that I can reach out and support as many of you as I can.

I want you to realise you are not alone.

And whilst there is no quick-fix approach, I will give you the tools and confidence you need to grow as a parent and flourish as a person.

I’m here for you

My mission is to empower as many teams and individuals as possible.

  • create the inspiring work or life you deserve and not just feel like you are just getting on with it or getting by
  • dare to dream; realise that you are good enough
  • understand how a richer life for you will mean a richer life for your family.

I have been described by many as an inspiration but I don’t know about that. What I do know is that by focusing and channelling your energy in the right way, you can make things happen.  

This is what I practice, what I preach and what I can inspire you to do too.

Are you ready to find Your Space?

Take a look at the ways we can work together. View my Coaching Programmes here

Get In Touch

To enquire about hiring me to speak at your next event, to enquire about any of the programmes I offer or to request an interview , please feel free to contact me using the form below


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