Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, and what your areas of expertise are in your role as a Thornfields trainer / associate?
My journey has been deeply shaped by a commitment to supporting individuals and organisations through grief, grounded in both personal and professional experiences. With a background in Counselling studies focused on grief and a degree in Social Work from Northumbria University, my work has primarily involved assisting adults with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
A pivotal moment in my life was the tragic loss of my husband to suicide when I was just 24, a devastating experience that, along with a subsequent head injury, strengthened my dedication to contribute to the world of grief support. Most recently, I was Director and co-founder of a health and wellbeing community interest company in the North East, where I facilitated peer-to-peer support groups and organised day events for those seeking emotional support following bereavement. I also researched, wrote, and delivered training programs focused on resilience, grief, and loss.
In addition, I was commissioned by a northern charity to develop a work pack accompanying a short film aimed at raising awareness of online harm among young people.
As the Founder of The Flying Fish Company, I design and deliver training programs that promote compassionate workplaces. In my role as a Thornfields trainer/associate, I blend personal insight with evidence-based strategies to create environments that effectively support those navigating grief and bereavement.
Q. How did you come to be a Thornfields Associate?
I became a Thornfields Associate after a chance meeting with Helen Murray during a dip in the North Sea, where we connected through a mutual friend. Following our meeting, Helen reached out to me to see if there was any synergy between Thornfields and what I was offering. We discovered that there was, and the rest is history.
Q. How did you feel when you first started, and what advice would you have today for new trainers or those considering the role?
I have literally just found out I have been onboarded! So far so good! Everyone who I have dealt with has been friendly and efficient.
Q. What are your feelings about the role?
I am super excited to share the message about how important understanding grief in the workplace is for everybody.
Q. What one thing would you tell yourself now if you could go back in time to the start of your career?
Believe in yourself, have confidence to do what you want to do, but to be honest I wouldn’t change a thing.
Everything I have ever done and been through has led me to this exact moment in my life, which I know is where I am meant to be.
Q. You must have seen and been involved in many success stories – have any stood out in particular?
Feedback from the previous courses I have written and delivered have always been positive, where participants have identified that it has supported them to feel more confident to deal with grief in the workplace. My training courses help to validate how people may feel following a bereavement and raise awareness of how those around us can support us at this time.
Q. Is there a particular individual who has had a big impact on your career, or your role as a trainer, that you’d like to thank?
I was encouraged when at university studying Social Work by a tutor to consider a future in Lecturing. I have always loved education, learning and teaching so it just seems perfect.
Q. How would you sum up the Thornfields team? What do you put Thornfield’s success in the marketplace down to?
Friendliness and efficiency!
Q. And finally… how do you relax at the end of a busy day?
Personally, self-care is the cornerstone of wellbeing and I am always open to new ideas as well as recycling the old favourites. I love to swim/dip in cold water, including the sea, as this helps me get what I call a “factory reset” for the mind. I also meditate and use breathwork daily. I love yoga and walks in nature with my family and friends and am a sucker for a good sunrise or sunset.
Helen will be presenting a series of Thornfields webinars starting on Wednesday 18th September @ 1230, on Navigating Grief in the Workplace. Click here to sign up now!
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