Did you know the estimated percentage of children in the UK with Autism is around 1 in 100? However, a study of primary school children found that for every three children diagnosed with autism, there are two more who have the condition but have not been given a formal diagnosis.

‘Adolescence’ is the latest hit TV series from Netflix, showing the story of a 13-year-old boy (Jamie Miller,) arrested on suspicion of murdering a girl from his school. The intense storyline and creative “one-take” episode filming style has captured the interest of millions. Its first episode was viewed by 6.45 million people in the week of its release, making it the biggest audience for any streaming TV show in the UK. It’s no wonder that 'Adolescence' has been the talking point everywhere we turn, including posts on every social media platform. 

I will soon be celebrating 8 years of sobriety, however my journey to this point has been marked by setbacks, grief and adversity. I learned the hard way that the use of drugs does not provide the solutions to human suffering. I’m a former addict and ex-prisoner, someone who knows first-hand the devastating effects of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities.

As a former teacher, English tutor, and school librarian, World Book Day was always one of my favourite (and busiest) days. I absolutely loved it – the dressing up, the reading time, and giving every child a book. But I know not everyone feels the same way about reading: some children (and adults) just aren’t into it... yet!

It took less time than I expected to settle into my position. My teammates and the company were extremely friendly and welcoming, which was a refreshing change. Throughout Primary and Secondary school and then into college I never had many friends, sometimes none, and I was immensely grateful that at work, I was with people who now understood me.

On 3rd December 2024, The Department for Education published an article estimating that 117,100 children and adolescents were missing out on education during 2022-23. They also believe that there is an unknown number of school refusers unaccounted for. These are the kind of statistics that motivate me more each day to help find a better way for them.

Christmas is often hailed as the most magical time of the year. Like many, I’ve always cherished the festive season, filled with the sparkle of decorations, joyful parties, advent calendars, and delicious treats. Growing up, it was a whirlwind of excitement and warmth.

In a world where bad news dominates, it can sometimes seem as though humans are predisposed to mock, reject, and attack fellow humans who do not conform to their own worldview.

Stammering, also known as stuttering, is a neuro-developmental condition where someone repeats, stretches, and/or gets stuck when they are speaking.It is estimated that 8% or 1 in 12 children stammer at some point.

We have all heard the term ‘young carer’ before, but what does that mean? “You're a young carer if you're under 18 and help to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem.”

Cancer affects so many of us today, either directly or indirectly. Let's unpack what it is and how one young person is tackling this head-on...

I have always been a little nervous about the whole concept of self-care as I felt that it was self-indulgent and that it was more important to care for others. As a wife, mother, and teacher my natural inclination from my upbringing was to ensure everyone else was taken care of no matter what the cost to my own health and mental well-being.