Exam stress is widespread throughout the year and it’s not just students feeling the strain. Teachers experience their own levels of exam stress as they lead they groups through the...

Many of us life in fear for what the future might bring.  The news tells us of world events and our minds turn the coverage over and over until we start to fear for what’s ahead.

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I spoke at Conference recently and it was a mix of feelings.  People said I was a ‘natural’, ‘inspiring’, ‘informed’.  Well that was a little amazing,...

There’s often a blame culture in our offices.  We’re loathe to be responsible for problems or situations.  Personal accountability is more than a buzz term.  It should be...

 I work in a place used to swearing.  But it’s not for me. 

I set my personal standards on swearing years ago, long before I worked in a Prison.  I never let my children...

In Education we’re well aware of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  Being loved by others and having a good self-esteem is key for our wellbeing. So when others demonstrate their...

You’ll know I work in a challenging place.  People expect it to be noisy and disruptive. But our Education Landings are generally harmonious – because the teachers create...

You know I work at an HMP Establishment.  Every day I meet people who show up in a state of frustration, despair, irritation, and detachment. And that’s not just the prisoners.

Sometimes...

I used to hate asking for help. I blame my Father.  No, I’ll rephrase that.  My Father taught me to be resilient. I was expected to be self reliant and to learn how to do things...

For a long time I thought I was just one of the team supporting our prisoners. I am an Exam Officer and I didn’t claim to have any clout in decisions that could affect those I worked...

I’ve long since talked about ways to Let Go of Our Stuff.

Working at HMP we’re slowly adding our voice to the Mental Health interventions designed to relieve mental upset.  Whether...

I remember reading books on communication many years ago that talked of us having 2 ears but only 1 mouth – so we should use our ears twice as much! Easier said than done in the heat of the...