I have worked with or around children & young people for over 30 years across a variety of settings but predominantly in the education sector. My lifelong passion for the promotion of good mental health in children & young people has run side by side in all my roles. However in 2020 I (like many people) found myself at home more and with some free on time on my hands. It was during this time that I began to explore the subject of psychology in more depth and in particular mental health in children & young people. As a result I achieved a variety of online qualifications and my passion became a determination to make a difference each day where possible. I continued to keep up with my learning after returning to work full-time once more, achieving further online diplomas along the way. Part of my role during this time was to oversee the care of young people attending a secondary school medical room. As schools returned to some sort of normal routine though, it became very apparent that many of the young people were struggling with their mental health even more than pre-pandemic. I found myself calming them down, listening & reassuring students on a daily basis and whilst many felt unable to stay in school following an anxiety attack, some really surprised me with their courage n resilience by returning to their classes and even back into exam situations, once they had been given the space and time to calm and regulate. I found this side of my role the most rewarding part of all. In 2023, I took a leap of faith and resigned from a secure, full-time position in a school with a view to mentoring young people and working more closely with those who were struggling with their mental health. 6 months on from that decision, I find myself working part-time as a PA to a fabulous couple, spending a couple of days as an LSA locally and supporting a young person a few days a week, with her daily routines and just generally offering her a listening ear. I am busier than ever and feeling fulfilled. Namaste.