ReachOut and help!

In a world full of negative press and happenings do you know how refreshing it is to hang around children. Children who walk in to our mentor session every week demonstrating the newest dance trend, children excited by the fact they had just won a £5 book voucher in a poetry competition and children who are simply grateful to be in your company.

Every week I look forward to my Thursday afternoon. With it being close to the end of the week and by this point tiredness has truly set in and work has managed to get on my last nerve, I leave work feeling deflated. However fast forward an hour and I’m sat in a classroom waiting for my mentees to come in and I feel enlivened.

Once a week I mentor with ReachOut Charity who work with young people in disadvantaged communities to raise aspirations and help them grow in character and attainment.

Unfortunately as the summer holidays are now in full force we are also taking a break (not that I needed one), giving me time to reflect on the wonderful few months my mentees and ReachOut gave me!

The whole operation is run by volunteers, and it’s truly one of the only organisations that do it solely for the people. Over the last few months I’ve had the chance to work alongside a number of the children that attend and can see how the program effects them differently however all of them grateful.

The children that attend these sessions have been recommended by their school. They may be struggling with their academics, or struggling with their confidence. They may need further social interaction and inclusion, or simply looking for a mentor and friend they can confide in. Some of these children may be dealing with issues outside of school, within their family unit and we, as mentees, are there to offer a friendly face, a safe place and someone they can speak with.

The diversity of children that attend is fascinating to me. As a girl who grew up in sunny Blackpool we weren’t blessed to be surrounded by as many cultures, religions or races that we have in London. I listen to the stories the children tell me of their families and it’s truly fascinating. I quickly become the child with a 1000 questions to ask and they happily answer. We recently discussed and celebrated the Windrush generation, and my mentee was proud to tell me his great grandparents were part of that history!

I would be lying if I said I was volunteering selflessly. Initially I joined to help and try and make a small difference, however I can’t deny the massive difference it had on me every Thursday afternoon. I leave feeling happier than I’ve probably felt all week. I would highly recommend trying it! For a short period of the week you get to observe small humans, who although facing problems themselves, don’t seem affected by the worlds happenings. I’m not suggesting adults should be blind to the world and news however for those two hours I feel blissfully unaware and it’s a much needed, refreshing break.

Go and help, volunteer your time to people that need it. It doesn’t have to be children, it can be the elderly, the homeless, the sick but there is something magical about the pure presence of children.

You can find out further information about the programmes and work ReachOut do here.

Over and out lovers,

G.

Who is your greatest mentor? – The Princes Trust

Me and the Princes Trust have a love hate relationship apparently. 3 failed attempts later and I still don’t work for the charity. Interview feedback has always been fantastic but my bloody nerves seem to get the better of me, I guess that happens when you are passionate about something.

For those of you that aren’t aware of the Princes Trust they are a youth charity that helps young people aged 11 to 30 into jobs, education and training. They offer free courses and opportunities to help unemployed and struggling people to transform their lives. They help them develop key skills while boosting their confidence and motivation so they can continue to dream big.

Many of the young people they help are in, or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health issues, or have been in trouble with the law.

Mentors are a huge part of the princes trust and have a massive influential impact. They are the ones that work alongside the young people, directly impacting their lives and decisions. It got me thinking about all the wonderful people who have impacted my life and mentored me without me even realising. There are many people who have influenced my life, too many for me to name them all but there is one person who has been the perfect role model, mentor, friend and parent. That would be my mum.

Without doubt my mum has been my biggest mentor and still to this day she inspires me to be and do better. She raised me and my sisters whilst working 18hour days to give us the life she had always dreamed off. She didn’t have the greatest start to life having lost her own mother at a very young age and spent years in care, many times separated from her siblings. She didn’t let this stop her though as she worked relentlessly to get the life she wanted and to bring us up with the belief that anything is possible if you work hard enough to make it happen. Whilst growing up she gave us everything she missed out on as a child and installed great lessons and morals.

My mum is now currently a foster carer and has been for the last 4 years. She welcomes children into her home making them feel comfortable and wanted instantly. I personally have seen the difference she has made to many young lives. She continues daily to teach me ways to be better and to inspire me to help others and try and make a difference. And for that I am forever grateful to have such a superstar mum as my biggest mentor.

We can all try and make a difference to people less fortunate in both small and large gestures. There are tons of volunteer opportunities available to do a number of things. I am starting mentoring young people myself next week and I can’t wait to get started (but that’s a story for another day).

On Tuesday the 6th of March the Princes Trust is having an awards night to celebrate all the young people and how much they have achieved. Definitely go online and read some of their success stories, it will fill your heart with love and happiness, I guarantee it!

I’d love to here who has mentored and inspired you in life, whether it be a family member, a friend, a celebrity or a stranger. Share your stories with us!

Until next time,
G.

#youthcandoit

(Here’s a picture of my mum being the party animal that she is!)

Homeless people get cold too.

It’s middle of February now and just when we thought winter was almost over we got hit with the coldest week of winter so far! It dropped to -10 in some parts of the UK as ice, snow and rain spread across the country. 

I personally complained about it all week. I moaned about how freezing it was as I left my warm flat in my winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves to walk to the train station for work. I got into work and made myself a warm tea and continued to complain about the weather whilst sat inside my heated office. It wasn’t until Tuesday when I popped out for a coffee and my wonderful friend suggested buying the homeless man outside a drink and a warm croissant that it really got me thinking. 

How undeniably ignorant I had been all week complaining about the weather when it wasn’t really effecting me at all. And yet whilst the coldest week of winter continues to hit us there is still thousands of homeless people that have little choice but to sit outside in the wet and cold, hoping to survive another night in the freezing cold. 

I know there are measures in place to help homeless people but numbers are too high. No matter what choices people have made in life, whether it be faults of their own or due to circumstances beyond their control – everyone deserves a hot drink when it is icy/snowy/rainy/wintery cold/ not sunny outside. 

Whist the cold weather insists on creeping in on us why don’t we all commit to helping the homeless more, especially at this time, as I think we all probably take first world privileges for granted. Many of us probably don’t notice homeless people as they have become a common feature on our way to work, that we don’t actually stop to consider about what they must be going through, how they must be feeling and how they are surviving. 

Next time you see a homeless person just stop and think for a moment. 

I am going to make a conscious effort to help during the upcoming cold weeks to stop and buy a homeless person a hot drink or a hot meal. Something to provide them warmth when all they have surrounding them is cold. 

It doesn’t have to be everyone you see. It can be one person a day, one a week or even one person a month but rather than just walking past let’s try and help them! Instead of buying yourself a packet of crisps to go with your lunch you could buy a hot snack for someone in greater need. 
If money is an issue and you don’t even treat yourself to lunch or a coffee then maybe just stop and ask if they are ok. 

I know that if I was homeless, sitting out in the cold with a soggy blanket as protection I would appreciate a nice cup of tea from a stranger. Homeless people are people! 

I’d love to hear how you help.
Over and out,
G. 

(Here’s a picture of how cold England feels right now. -7 in picturesque Lapland)

RED January is almost over…

That’s it final weekend guys! We’ve made it to the end.

Running every day January has been exactly what I’ve needed to get through the worse month of the year. I needed to start 2018 with a goal and something to feel positive about. I’ve ran in the mornings, on my lunch break and in the evenings. In the rain, snow and sunshine (although still freezing!). I’ve ran whilst hungover, sleepy, hungry, happy, sad, injured and yet I always found time for a quick run and I’ve honestly enjoyed it! 

The whole point of this was to help raise awareness for Mind charity and to demonstrate that even if you only have time for a ten minute jog then thats fine and it will still help massively. Ten minutes to go out, clear your head and sort through your thoughts. You can go either solo, with a partner or with a group – it doesn’t matter. Mind charity focus on helping people suffering from mental health – for more information please have a quick read of my previous post. 

Not only does it help clear your head but it makes you feel physically great. Someone told me that “it’s not getting easier but you’re getting stronger” and I couldn’t agree more. I started January having not ran for over 8 months and I’ve noticed a huge difference. I’ve also shifted all the Christmas weight so if that’s not a reason enough then I don’t know what is! 

Although January is over it doesn’t mean running has to be. For all the Reders make sure you continue to run, and for everyone else get yourself out there! Whether it be once a week or 5 times a week, it will make you feel better I promise! Plus Spring is just round the corner and there is nothing better than a jog round the park with the spring sun warming your face. 

I’m getting myself ready for my final Saturday run in January and I’m going to go exploring. Always remember your speed and distance does not matter – forward is forward! 
Over and out lovers,

G. 

Ps. You can still donate as much or as little as possible here. Every little bit helps makes a huge difference! 

What’s on your MIND?

What’s on you mind? Let’s discuss! 

There is still a big stigma around the topic of mental health, and people feel like they can not openly talk about it for fear of ridicule or disbelief. But let’s talk and I’m sure you’ll be soon surprised to find out that it is a lot more common than originally thought! 

I am going to give you a few stats that back this up but firstly I would like to talk honestly, personally, on real relatable level. Hi, my name is Gabrielle and I suffer with anxiety. Am I happy? Yes. Do I live a good life? Yes. Do I talk to all my friends and family about my anxiety? No. 

I remember my first panic attack as clear as day, I was 10 years old and was playing in the living room with my sister. Then ‘thought’ happened and panic set in. My chest tightened, and being a child I panicked. I didn’t know what was happening, how to cope and subsequently how to breathe. Before I knew it I was hyperventilating for over an hour and my now panicked mother took me to a&e. An hour and a couple of faints later I was back home with a brown bag, fancy new hospital wristband and a story to tell. 

I suffered panic attacks throughout my childhood, usually relating to an event that had happened which I couldn’t control or solve. I mostly had the attacks under control and even when I would suffer at uni as an adult (kinda) I simply shrugged it off as something I had just always suffered with, no further thought into it.

Over the last two years mental health has been widely advertised and it was then I realised what I had been suffering with all those years was anxiety. It still effects me and I’ve started to learn better ways to deal with it. One that has proven most affective is to talk about it, as simple as that. Discuss your worries and thoughts, after all a problem shared is a problem halved no? 

I am fortunate enough where my anxiety doesn’t effect me living my life, or enjoying it. But that is not the same for everyone (now here comes the stats).
Stats I know in my life:

* 3 out of my 10 closest friends have suffered with mental illness

* 2 out of 2 sisters suffer/suffered with mental illness

* 1/2 parents suffers with serious mental illness 

That’s 6/14 people in my life (and that’s only the ones I know about and have discussed with) suffer with mental illness.
Here are the stats for the UK from April 2017:

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. 

In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week. 

The overall number of people with mental health problems has not changed significantly in recent years, but worries about things like money, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. 
It appears that how people cope with mental health problems is getting worse as the number of people who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts is increasing.

Men listen up! Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. The most probable explanation of this is that there is still a stigma surrounding mental health that men feel they can not talk about it to friends and family. Apparently it is seen as emasculating to have feelings and to express these such emotions. It is not. Talk about your thoughts and feelings. Talk to a friend, or family, a neighbour or a stranger, just make sure you are talking! 

Men and women listen up! If you don’t have someone you feel you can confide in, then this is where Mind comes in. They are there to listen to you, talk to you and help you. Use them! 

Wow well this has been a deep, heart-on-sleeve post and yet probably one of my most important ones. I am running every day in January (R.E.D. January) for Mind charity for various reasons. Firstly it’s a great way to clear your head (seriously, give it a go), secondly and most importantly to raise money and awareness for the wonderful work Mind do. 
Sorry for being preachy, and whether one person reads this and it makes a difference or 100 people read it and it makes a difference to one person, I will be happy. 
(I promise the next post will be an easy read).
G.

Hello lovers, I’m back! (New year, new me and all)

Hey lovers, I’m back!

Happy new year girls and boys, and in the wake of “new year, new me” I’ve decided to get back into the ol’ blogging. 2017 was a whirlwind year for me. I started it off well. I trained hard and religiously for my half marathon, and although I suffered every possible runner injury I completed it, finished strong, and in the meantime raised a lovely amount of money for Oxford Uni Research into Aneurysms – a cause I have personally seen the benefits of.
I’m embarrassed to say that after my half marathon I struggled to partake in events, and contribute towards charity. Life took over and with some further family issues, a change of job and moving house – life just passed me by. I did however find time to volunteer at the Princes Trust (but we will get to that another day..).
My first New Years resolution for 2018 is to do more charity work, get more involved and give something back! It’s something that I love and I’m going to try and throw myself back into it like I did the celebrations box at Christmas – hungry, happy and 100%. 
As well as charity work I also let my running slip off mid 2017, so I thought what better way to start the year and combine the two by taking part in Run Every Day January. The clues in the name – you literally run every single day in January whilst trying to raise money for a worthy cause. The charity in partnership with this is Mind, who focus on raising awareness and help for people suffering from mental health issues. 
I’ve just completed day 7 and although it’s taken me a few runs to get into running, my last run was a strong one and I’m starting to enjoy all over again. I am going to blog about my journey this Jan, and the great work Mind does. If you do want to do your bit and donate than that would be greatly appreciated and can be do so here.
We are a week into the new year and I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one. It feels good to be back and let’s make this one count!

Over and out,

G. 

Get Inspired.

Welcome back.

I’m going to apologise for my absence but truth is I’ve lacked motivation and seriously lacked time over the summer months. I went gallivanting round Croatia for a few weeks with the boy, enjoyed days in the British sunshine with my girls, spent a luxury weekend in Monte Carlo with the familia pretending we were rich and famous and celebrated my brothers wedding.

However it wasn’t all sun, fun and laughter. (WARNING: this is going to get all personal and emotional – be warned).

Small Charity Week

Today is the first day of Small Charity Week.

The Oxfam One

Long time no speak fellow people, I apologise for my long silence but in all honesty I literally have not had a single spare minute to myself!

The Family One

My family are a charitable bunch, which helps on the days when I am feeling a little less charitable or motivated. We have made a habit of signing up for the yearly Race for Life for Breast Cancer, with this year being the fifth year my family will take part. As a predominately female family my mum uses this event as a solid family get together (you know, one for the calendar!)  – in her eyes missing it would be like missing Christmas.