Sunflower Thinking

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Sunflower Thinking

Global training specialising in well-being and mental health.

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day 2026
Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.

This year’s theme feels particularly meaningful to me because lived experience is a huge part of why I do what I do.

I don’t share my story because everyone should share theirs. I share it because, when used thoughtfully and with purpose, lived experience can make conversations more human.

It can help someone think, “I’m not the only one.”

It can challenge assumptions, bring training to life, open up difficult conversations and sometimes, offer something powerful: hope.

My experiences of grief, trauma and poor mental health don’t define me, but they do shape how I train, listen and create space for others.

Over the years, I’ve seen people nod, heard “me too” and watched conversations begin. I’ve been told that something I’ve shared helped someone better understand themselves or someone they care about.

That’s why it matters.

Because normalising mental health conversations isn’t about sharing everything or making every conversation deeply personal. Sometimes, it’s simply about making it okay to talk, listening without trying to fix and recognising the real people behind the statistics and strategies.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that lived experience isn’t just something to hear. It’s something to listen to, learn from and genuinely value.

Real voices. Real experiences. Real change.

08/10/2026

Menopause – Breaking the Silence.
There’s something rather lovely about returning to somewhere you’ve delivered training before.
Today I was back at Worcester College, Oxford, delivering Menopause - Breaking the Silence, a session I’ve been developing and delivering since 2020.

And as I sit on the train home, I’m really feeling, feeling just how much this subject means to me personally.
When I first started talking about menopause in the workplace, it wasn’t something that was widely discussed. There was still so much uncertainty, embarrassment and “just get on with it” thinking around what can be a huge period of change for so many people.

Today, I shared more of my own story too.

Not because everyone needs to share their personal experience, but because sometimes opening up a little about our own experiences can help make a subject feel less uncomfortable, less mysterious and a little more human.

There were some brilliant conversations today. Questions, reflections, shared experiences and probably a few moments of recognition along the way.
And that’s really what Breaking the Silence is about.
Not having all the answers.
Not making assumptions.
But creating the space to talk, listen, understand and support each other better.

I’m grateful to Worcester College for inviting me back and for continuing to create space for these conversations.

And as I watch the Oxford scenery disappear from the train window, I’m reminded once again why I love what I do.

Practical training. Genuine understanding. Lasting impact.

If menopause and workplace wellbeing are conversations your organisation would benefit from opening up, I’d love to hear from you.

06/10/2026

Today, MHFA England® launches the Workplace Mental Health First Aid Standards, and we’re proud to support them at Sunflower Thinking!

Training is where mental health first aid starts, not where it ends. The Standards set out what organisations need to get right, from giving MHFAiders a clear role and protected time to tracking progress.

They’re free to download, with a self-assessment checklist to help you see where you are now.

Find out what the standards mean for your organisation: mhfaengland.org

30/09/2026

Yesterday I spent an amazing afternoon at Health Sciences University for the launch of the University Mental Health Charter 2026/27 🎉

It was such a privilege to be invited and to spend time with people who are passionate about creating university environments where mental health and wellbeing are understood, supported and embedded into the wider student and staff experience. I have been asked to be part of the ‘Support’ pillar of the charter, which I’m delighted about.

A few things that particularly stood out to me today:
My key takeaway was collaboration is key, there was an incredible energy of people coming together for a clear aim, no silos but real discussions and planning.

I especially loved that we were all asked to make a specific pledge to the charter, mine was to ‘continue to create, adapt, evolve mental health training that fits the needs of the students, staff and the whole HSU family and community’

I always value opportunities to step away from delivering training and spend time listening, learning and connecting with others working towards positive change.

And it was especially lovely to be back at Health Sciences University - a brilliant organisation to work alongside and one I’m always grateful to learn from too.

There’s clearly lots to think about and lots of important conversations to continue.

Mental health in universities isn’t a standalone initiative, it’s part of creating places where people can learn, work and thrive.

Thank you to the team at HSU for the invitation and for bringing people together for such an important conversation.

23/09/2026

A little bit more sunshine? Don’t mind if I do!

This morning I spent the BEST thinking time with the ever-brilliant Sarah Hopkins from BCHA talking all things training, mental health and staff wellbeing.

Lots to explore, lots to share and lots to look forward to.

And thank you for inviting me to explore the brilliant allotment too - what a beautiful location and a stunning start to my day.

Brilliant company + beautiful surroundings + good conversations = a pretty perfect morning!

Sunflower Thinking

16/09/2026

Something new is growing at Sunflower Thinking…

I’m really excited to introduce Pause. Reflect. Grow.

Over the years, I’ve worked with so many people whose roles involve supporting others - in housing, charities, education, healthcare, policing and beyond.
And I’ve noticed something.
Sometimes people don’t need another training course.

They need space.
Space to pause.
Space to talk.
Space to reflect on the things that have stayed with them.
Space to celebrate what’s going well.
Space to think about the challenges.
And space to consider what they need to keep doing their work well without carrying everything home with them.

That’s the thinking behind Pause. Reflect. Grow. Professionally facilitated reflective practice for people who support others.

Sessions can be delivered individually or in groups and are designed around the needs of the organisation and the people within it.

Pause - create space away from the day-to-day
Reflect - explore experiences, challenges and successes
Learn - share perspectives and learn together
Grow - build confidence, wellbeing and professional practice
And because it’s Sunflower Thinking, we’ll finish with a little Sunflower Seed - one simple thought, reflection or action to take forward.

This isn’t counselling, therapy or clinical supervision. It’s a safe, confidential space for professional reflection, learning and growth.

I’m genuinely excited about this one. It feels like such a natural next step for Sunflower Thinking and for the work I already do with organisations.

Sometimes we don’t need to do more.
Sometimes we need to pause, reflect and grow.

If you’d like to explore Pause. Reflect. Grow. for your team, I’d love to hear from you 💛

10/09/2026

All moments matter 💛

I’m feeling incredibly grateful after two days spent with a brilliant client delivering:
‘Understanding, Supporting and Enabling Neurodivergent Employees to Thrive’

Two days of learning, conversations and thinking about how we can create workplaces where people are understood, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.

And then, in between those sessions on World Su***de Prevention Day today, I was given permission to create a small drop-in space.

A space to pause.
To talk.
To share.
To listen.
To ask questions.
To find out about resources and helplines.
And to talk about the words we can use when we’re worried about someone.

It reminded me of something I think is really important:
We don’t always know when a moment might matter.

Sometimes it’s the five-minute conversation.
The question we almost didn’t ask.
The “Are you really okay?”
The “I’m here if you want to talk.”
The “You don’t have to figure this out alone.”

So, I’m grateful to this organisation for giving me permission to make that moment count.

Lots of important conversations. Two very different subjects.
But underneath both is something incredibly human:
Seeing people. Listening to people. Supporting people. And creating environments where people feel they can be themselves and ask for help when they need it.

Maybe today is a good day to think about the moments you have in front of you and how you might make one of them count. 💛

***dePreventionDay

08/09/2026

Hold hope for someone who may have lost theirs.

Thursday is World Su***de Prevention Day and I’m sharing the powerful message from Samaritans :

Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted.

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by su***de.
And yet, Samaritans’ research found that 60% of people with lived experience had their suicidal thoughts interrupted by someone close to them.

Someone noticed.
Someone reached out.
Someone listened.
Someone stayed.

We don’t need to have the perfect words or be able to fix everything.
Sometimes, we just need to notice, ask and listen.

And when someone can’t find hope for themselves, perhaps we can hold a little hope for them until they can find it again.

So, today, tomorrow, next week - pause.
Who could you reach out to?
Send the message. Make the call. Ask the question.

You never know what difference that moment of connection might make.

Find Samaritans’ World Su***de Prevention Day resources on the Samaritans website.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

04/09/2026

Something to look forward to = a little boost for your wellbeing.

It doesn’t have to be a huge holiday or life-changing event. Sometimes it’s the small things that give us a lift - coffee with a friend, a favourite meal, a walk, a gig… or something big that’s been in the diary for months.

Anticipation can trigger feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, giving us that little boost of motivation, pleasure and excitement. 💛

So, what do you have in the diary that releases your happy hormones?
My top 2 this month:
🎂 Celebrating my best friend’s birthday
🏏 Watching the Men’s England Cricket Team play again!

What are you looking forward to?

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