https://thelifeskillsmentoringacademy.co.uk/

The Life Skills Mentoring Academy, Fakenham (2025)

14/11/2025

What does "safe" really mean?

It's a word we use a lot in therapeutic spaces, but here's the thing - safety is complex and deeply personal. What feels safe to one person might not feel safe to another. Our nervous systems are wired differently based on our lived experiences and trauma history.

Safety isn't just the absence of threat. It's about feeling seen. Heard. Validated. It's about knowing that your experience matters, that your nervous system will be met with understanding, not judgment. It's the felt sense of being held, even when things are hard.

In my trauma-responsive practice, I've learned not to label my space as simply "safe." Instead, I work to create an environment that:

✨ Invites safety - through transparency and clear boundaries
✨ Builds trust - through consistency and validation
✨ Is responsive - to your unique nervous system and needs
✨ Welcomes regulation and connection - drawing on Polyvagal Theory

This means being present with you exactly as you are. It means understanding that healing happens when we feel genuinely understood - not rushed, not fixed, not pathologized. It means recognizing that your body holds wisdom about what you need.

As trauma educator Rachael Kessler reminds us, "Safety is not a place; it's a practice." And Dr. Gabor Maté emphasizes that true healing happens when we feel genuinely seen and understood.

Your safety matters. Your nervous system matters. And how you experience this space matters most.

14/11/2025

🎶✨ Calling all music-loving teens! ✨🎶

Ever heard a song and thought, “That’s exactly how I feel?”
You’re not alone. The Lyric Lounge is a new, friendly space for young people (11–16) to hang out, share music, and explore big feelings—no pressure, no judgment, just good vibes and real connection.

🗓️ Starting January 2026
📍 The Cabin, nr Fakenham
⏰ Every 4th Friday, 6:00–7:30pm
🥤 Snacks & social hangout included!

What’s it all about?
- Real conversations sparked by your favourite tunes
- Lyric journalling, playlist swaps & themed listening circles
- A place to be yourself, meet people who get it, and leave knowing you’re not alone

Spaces are limited—book your spot now!
📧 info@thelifeskillsmentoringacademy.com
🌐 www.thelifeskillsmentoringacademy.co.uk

14/11/2025

Parenting through trauma: small steps, big change.

Ever feel lost when your child’s emotions spiral? You’re not alone. Many families I meet at TLSMA are searching for practical ways to help their children feel safe, seen, and soothed - especially after tough experiences.

Here are three trauma-informed tips I share most often:

🧠 Slow everything down. When emotions run high, our brains need gentle signals of safety. Try a soft voice, slower movements, or a comforting touch (if welcomed).

🌱 Focus on connection, not perfection. Repairing moments of disconnection matters more than getting it right every time. A simple “I’m here, let’s try again together” can be powerful.

Notice what helps your child settle - even tiny shifts matter. If you’re unsure where to start, you’re welcome to reach out for a free 30-minute chat. Sometimes the bravest step is asking for support.

Drop a comment or DM if this resonates, or visit the link in bio to book.

14/11/2025

🗨️ Why is it absolutely vital for schools to deliver the programme?

Because every child deserves a safe, non-judgmental space to explore healthy relationships, challenge harmful attitudes, and learn about respect and equality - before negative patterns take hold.

isn’t just another box-ticking exercise. It’s a Home Office-approved, nationally award-winning programme, developed by experts and backed by peer-reviewed research from the University of Birmingham and Surrey. Recognised as best practice by the National Police Chief’s Council, it’s proven to create real, measurable change in schools.

This trauma-informed approach gives young people the tools to become positive upstanders, not bystanders, breaking cycles of harm and building safer, kinder school communities. 98% of boys who took part showed positive attitude shifts, and all resources are expertly aligned with RSHE/PSHE guidance.

When you invest in , you’re investing in early intervention that protects wellbeing, supports staff, and meets Ofsted expectations - saving your school time, resources, and safeguarding headaches.

Let’s make this the standard, not the exception. Our young people deserve nothing less. 💛

13/11/2025

Something’s been weighing on me, and I need to say it.

This week has been particularly hard - hearing some of the reports from parents has really hit home.

I recently sent an email to a school explaining that a young person was in a freeze response. The behaviour they were seeing wasn’t rudeness - it was a nervous system in protection mode. Yet, the school called it rude. Their response to the parent? That they didn’t see how my input was helpful.
That moment made it painfully clear: we still have so far to go as a society and as a system.

Then I heard about another child - suspended four times this school year for minor things that could have been easily de-escalated with time, understanding, and consistency. She doesn’t need exclusion; she needs connection. She needs someone to sit with her, to build trust in that environment - a trusted adult she identifies.

Another child’s story: punished for something she didn’t do, her statement ripped up, and inflammatory comments made about her parent. The punishment lasting for days because she didn't abide to the first punishment - for something she didn't do. How would we have felt as an adult in that situation?!

And then there’s the child who’s fine at home, but school poses so many challenges that staff have, quite frankly, given up. He is just the most delightful child, and this is just not recognised in school - mums defeated in battling a system that doesn't understand.

“We don’t have the capacity to manage his behaviour. I’m trying to teach a class of 31 students.” What message does that send? That he doesn’t matter? No understanding of a trauma informed approach to this.

I know schools are under immense pressure. I know teachers go above and beyond - often at the expense of their own wellbeing. This is not a post to bash schools. But the truth is, the system is failing too many children every single day.

We need practical, trauma-informed approaches that teachers can actually use.
We need to review policies, procedures, and the wider structure of how schools operate.
We need to shift the question from “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What’s happening underneath?”

Because behaviour is communication.

I feel like EHCPs are increasingly not worth the paper they’re written on.

Big things need to change.

Our young people deserve better. 💙

13/11/2025

Ever wish you had a reset button?

Parenting through big feelings—especially after trauma—can feel like you’re walking a tightrope with no net. Some days, the smallest things tip the balance. Other days, you’re amazed at your child’s strength (and your own).

Here’s a gentle reminder: it’s okay to pause. Take a breath. Your calm is contagious—even when you don’t feel it.

✨ Try this: Next time your child is overwhelmed, sit beside them (not across). Offer a quiet presence, not advice. Sometimes, just being together—no fixing, no words—helps their nervous system settle. You don’t have to get it perfect; you just have to show up.

If you’re feeling lost or judged, please know you’re not alone. Every family’s journey is different, and it’s brave to seek support.

Curious about trauma-informed strategies that actually fit real life? DM me or book a free chat—let’s talk about what’s really going on for your family. 💛

13/11/2025

Every small step is a big win.

Ever wondered what real progress looks like for a young person navigating big feelings? Sometimes, it’s as simple—and as powerful—as two people sitting together, focusing on a game, a book, a sensory activity, whilst in gentle conversation.

Today, I’m sharing a glimpse into one of our sessions. This young man arrived unsure if he could trust the process. Over a few weeks, he found comfort in games, and creative activities, slowly opening up through hands-on play and safe, trauma-informed support. Each bead became a moment of calm, a story shared, or a feeling named.

Watching him grow in confidence—seeing laughter and conversation replace silence—reminds me why this work matters so much. Progress isn’t always dramatic, but it’s always meaningful. To see how much he has progressed over the last few years is nothing short of incredible. He is growing up to be such an emotionally mature young adult, managing whatever throws at him - we are all so proud.

If your family is looking for sensitive, expert support, you’re not alone. Message me to find out how TLSMA can help you take that first step. 💛

13/11/2025

Today is World Kindness Day, and honestly? It feels more important than ever.

If you've watched the Caroline Flack documentary, been gripped by Baby Reindeer, or found yourself crying over Heartstopper (no judgement!), you'll know these stories hit differently. They remind us that behind every face we see - at school, at work, online, in the supermarket queue - there's a story we don't know. A struggle we can't see. A battle being fought in silence.

And sometimes, kindness is the lifeline someone desperately needs.

We see it every day in our work with young people. The teenager who finally opens up because their teacher asked, "Are you okay?" and actually waited for the real answer. The child who feels safe enough to cry because a parent said, "You don't have to be brave right now." The young person scrolling through cruel comments who sees one kind message and holds onto it like a torch in the dark. Kindness isn't always grand gestures.

Sometimes it's:

✨ Texting a friend you haven't heard from in a while
✨ Not posting that comment, even though you're angry
✨ Sitting with someone in their pain instead of trying to fix it
✨ Letting someone know: "I see you. You matter."
✨ Asking "How are you?" and meaning it
✨ Giving yourself permission to rest when you're exhausted.

Because here's the thing - we're all carrying something. Your kindness might be the thing that helps someone carry their load a little easier today.
..if you're reading this and thinking, "I could really use some kindness right now" - this is your reminder that you deserve it too. Be gentle with yourself. You're doing better than you think.

Caroline's story, Donny's story in Baby Reindeer, Charlie's journey in Heartstopper - they all remind us: our words have weight. Our actions ripple further than we know & choosing kindness, even when it's hard, even when no one's watching - that matters.

So today & every day, let's make kindness our default. Not just online, but in real life. Not just to others, but to ourselves too.

What's one act of kindness you'll choose today? ✨

12/11/2025

What an absolutely amazing session today. I feel privileged to have met you all ❤️

We started slow and grounded, taking a moment together. Then we explored how our brains and bodies work - thinking about the different parts of our brain and how they respond. The children role-played and moved in ways our brain might react, discovering their own nervous system in action.

We journeyed through our emotion stations, exploring what strategies might be helpful and when. Which ones felt most regulating? When do we reach for them? The conversations were beautiful.

The feedback we received said it all:
💙 "I know it's okay to feel angry now"
💙 "I know it's never too young to understand and start to help my child regulate"
💙 "Everyone is different and uses different ways to cope and that's okay!"

We wrapped up with a soothing massage, then gathered for story time with *Listening to My Body* by Gabi Garcia - while the children coloured and decorated body outlines, connecting the story's messages to their own beautiful selves.

Yoga moves, massage techniques, creative exploration, nervous system wisdom, and so much warmth. This is what trauma-informed, whole-family care looks like. 🌿

12/11/2025

Is your child’s bucket feeling empty?

So many parents wonder how to help their child feel safe, seen, and strong—especially after tough times. Tiny moments can fill up their ‘bucket’ more than you think.

Here’s how you can start today:

🌱 Notice the positives—like “I love my pets” or “never giving up”—and say them out loud. Kids need to hear what makes them special.

🌱 Play together, even for five minutes. Board games build confidence, trust, and connection.

🌱 Celebrate little wins. Riding a bike, being kind, trying again—these all count. Every token matters.

🌱 Ask, “What helps you feel brave?” and really listen—sometimes their answer will surprise you.

When we focus on strengths, we help our children feel safer and more resilient, even after hard experiences.

If you’d like more trauma-informed parenting ideas or want to chat about support, message us anytime. You’re not alone on this journey. 💛

11/11/2025

Come and join us! We're making some Christmas potions this time 🧪

11/11/2025

Ever wish emotions came with an instruction manual?

If you’ve ever felt lost when your child’s feelings seem too big (or too hidden), you are not alone. So many families I meet are searching for the right words—or just a little more understanding—when emotions run high at home.

Here’s something we use in sessions: emotion cards. These simple visuals help children (and teens!) put a name to what’s happening inside. When we can spot and name a feeling, it’s the first step toward calming the storm together.

Try this tonight: sit with your child, pick a card (or just draw a face together), and ask, “Where do you feel this in your body?” There’s no right or wrong—just gentle curiosity. You might be surprised what comes up.

If you’d like more practical, trauma-informed tools for your family, I’m here to help. Send me a message or book a free chat—no pressure, just support. 💚

What helps you and your child talk about feelings? Drop your thoughts below! 🌱

The Life Skills Mentoring Academy

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