As school attendance figures have slipped following the Covid pandemic, parents of neurodivergent children have been looking for new alternatives to mainstream education for their children.

Recent figures from the Department for Education (DfE) has shown that one in five children in England are persistently absent from school, which is double the amount from before the pandemic.

Now, many parents of neurodivergent children in particular are finding alternative provisions to mainstream education following a lack of support from their schools. One study found that 92.1% of children with school attendance difficulties were neurodivergent, which includes autism, ADHD, and dyspraxia.

Laura’s daughter Olivia* has ADHD, and has been in and out of school over the last few years.

“My daughter was in Year Three, shortly before lockdown, and during one lesson a classmate brought up a scary image on one of the class tablets and it really upset her. It triggered something in her that caused her to become more attached and anxious.

“In school, her friends started teasing her about it. At the same time, she started showing more signs of having ADHD, and was being picked on for it. She was completely freaked out and no longer felt like school was a safe space.

“After a family loss, she completely stopped going to school. Whenever she wasn’t in bed, she was on the sofa under a blanket. She wouldn’t brush her hair or her teeth. She didn’t even want to go outside in case people from school asked where she had been.”

Olivia then started attending Teach Me Happy, which is an alternative provision for children outside of mainstream education.

“Teach Me Happy gave my daughter time to heal and enjoy learning again. She has now started her secondary school education, has made a new group of friends, and has plans of what she wants to do next.”

Teach Me Happy was set up in 2023 by two primary school teachers, Georgia and Adele.

“We both had experience working with children who were incredibly bright, but who weren’t coping because their needs weren’t being met.”

Adele is neurodivergent herself, and has two neurodivergent children.

“I saw my son really struggling, but he always managed to keep it beneath the radar at school. But when he got home I could see how much it was impacting him. So we sat down and thought, “what can we do to help kids like this?””

The provision has grown in popularity, with Adele adding “We started off with primary schooling, and quickly had to introduce secondary too. In just over a year of being open, we’ve gone from having 1 pupil to 50!”

Their main aim is to give children a break from mainstream school, and then become the first step back into education for them. "We make sure they have access to tutors, occupational therapists and a wide range of resources to support them on their journey.”

The day is structured in a way that supports pupils to get back into learning. “We do short lessons in the morning, making sure our children are offered the same quality of education as every other child. Then in the afternoon we do skill based activities, like gardening or going over to the farm for horse therapy.

“We’ve had huge successes of kids that haven't gone to school for years, now back in school doing their GCSE’s. Others have used their new skills to get scholarships. We celebrate whatever they go on to do. Our job is to make sure they go on to have fantastic outcomes in life.”

But while figures on absences from school are rising, Adele says that more needs to be done. “This is definitely a growing problem, and we are seeing more and more children coming through our doors. As an alternative provision, there shouldn’t be so much of a need for us, but there is.”

Henry Shelford, CEO at ADHD UK, said “There is a devastating lack of support for neurodivergent children with schools often finding it easier to exclude children, or let them slip into self-exclusion, rather than putting the needed support in place.

“Neurodivergent children are being failed by a government that can't even be bothered to count how many we are - let alone put in the meaningful support that we know can revolutionise lives.”

The Department for Education has been approached for comment and this page will be updated accordingly.

*Names have been changed for anonymity

Images courtesy of Teach Me Happy

The last year has been a big step forward in representation on television.

Rose Ayling-Ellis' win on the Strictly dancefloor really marked a standout moment in modern entertainment, to be followed a few months later by the phenomenal "Then Barbara Met Alan" starring Ruth Madeley and Arthur Hughes.

But now, almost a year on from 'that' silent dance, how far have we actually come with better disability representation on our screens?

Last week we celebrated the debut of Ralph and Katie, a spinoff from The A Word featuring two titular characters with downs syndrome. But disability isn't the forefront of the story.

Instead, it is a heartfelt tale of a newlywed couple navigating their new lives. Audiences have praised the show for it's warmth and humour, as well as it's excellent cast.

But in the same breath, people have torn into the appearance of Ellie Simmonds on Strictly Come Dancing, asking if it's pushing indigestible quantities of diversity down viewers' throats. Simmonds, who has dwarfism, is a contestant on this year's show paired with Nikita Kuzmin.

So it goes to wonder, is representation of disability getting better...or are societal stereotypes still bubbling under the surface, never to actually change?

I think Ralph and Katie is different.

I was fortunate enough to be involved during filming, and it really opened my eyes to what television production can look like when it's made accessible to disabled talent.

It became clear to me that this wasn't just lip service, saying that the show was representative by tickingg the necessary boxes and nothing else. Behind the scenes, the show featured a host of disabled trailblazers including director Jordan Hogg and writer Genevieve Barr.

Meanwhile, things like call sheets were adapted to be easy read, and name tags were given out to each person at screenings and group events. Simple but effective accommodations were being made which meant that disabled talent could truly be incorporated in the production.

In fact, I'd say the show itself is an act of activism. From the first episode, we see Katie prepare for a job interview, explaining that her key skills are having a great smile and blueberry muffins. We also see some excellent physical comedy from Ralph, alongside some very powerful emotional moments.

It goes to demonstrate to the audience the disabled people aren't two dimensional as they are often portrayed. Characters like Ralph and Katie have hopes and dreams, worries and fears. They laugh and joke but also hurt and cry. Even just in the first episode, that's what stood out to me. They are characters in and of their own right, not just there as a diversity box-ticking exercise.

Now, it's an excellent start but this needs to become the norm. With 1 in 5 of us having a disability, we need more representation on and off screen.

This isn't a fight that will be won easily. The television industry is very stuck in its ways, and will need a few cogs set in motion before you can turn your telly onto a whole host of representative programming, disability and otherwise.

But I'm determined to see us get there. The last year has proven that we can work to make television inclusive both behind and in front of the camera, with Ralph and Katie being a great turning point.

For now, we must hope that like the two newlyweds, we get our happily ever after.

Photos courtesy of BBC Press.

Earlier today, it was announced by York Press that Extinction Rebellion in York were set to hold a rally at 2pm tomorrow outside York hospital.

This has led to an outcry against the action, with one individual commenting on the report on Twitter, saying "They should be arrested, taken down to the cells and be informed there is no vegan option available for dinner." and another referring to XR York as "A menace to society".

However, in an exclusive interview with Catherine Heinemeyer, of XR York, she refutes the claims made by York Press of the event being a rally of any kind. She said:

"This will not be a 'rally' but a very small (probably 5-10 people), scrupulously socially distanced action near the hospital. We are asking people to support it on social media, not to take to the streets."

"XR prioritises public health highly and will not do anything to endanger anyone. To anyone who questions whether this is a necessary activity justifying a few of us leaving our homes, I'd say that showing government that people will not accept a return to underfunded public services is essential."

The action is due to take place on International Nurses Day, Tuesday 12th May, where members of Extinction Rebellion York are expected to demand the resources needed for caring and health, at work and in the community.

An XR York spokesperson said how the coronavirus crisis sparked the action:

"The crisis has shown that there are parts of 'normal' we don't ever want to go back to - like underfunded public services, inequality, insecure working conditions, for a start."

"We want to show government that people expect real changes to come out of this crisis. Putting people before profit shouldn't be a temporary measure just in an emergency - we need to build back better so that our economy works for people and planet."

The action also comes as part of a bigger movement by Build Back Better UK, who have set out five motions which they are encouraging the government to take on board.

As for tomorrow, the event is set to go ahead. Catherine added:

"People can get involved by sharing the campaign on social media, putting posters in their windows - perhaps beside their rainbows for carers!"

This week, York celebrates the 36th annual Jorvik Viking Festival, featuring the infamous march through the City to Coppergate.

On the 1st December at 1pm, Extinction Rebellion York began a demonstration at the National Railway Museum.

Below are images, interviews and live footage from the event.

Residents of York have flocked to their Waterstones branch to welcome this year's Great British Bake Off winner, David. Hailing from Whitby, the baker attracted crowds from York as well as some fans travelling from as far as Somerset.

David won the title on last Tuesday's show in front of 6.9 million viewers on Channel 4. Despite being named 'The Underdog' with finale contestants Steph and Alice having won numberous Star Baker awards, David took the top spot thanks to his baked picnic surprise.

Fans arrived at the City Centre store on Coney street today, Saturday the 2nd November, ready to meet Britain's latest Celebrity Chef. Queues went along Coney street from earlier on saturday morning, and the book being signed by David: The Big Book of Amazing Cakes sold out quickly.

Nevertheless, baking fans of all ages had their chance to meet the champion.

York's latest social space has gone from van-hired to inspired in a bid create a new, innovative and affordable venue for the community.

With free tea and meals capped at £5 the community venue is designed to attract visitors from around the City to provide an affordable yet memorable experience. In just 7 weeks, this ex-van hire building nestled off Blossom Street has been turned into a venue for food, drink, arts and culture.

The project was managed by Joe, a father from York, who wanted to find somewhere that he could go with his children that wasn't boring or expensive. And so, with help from North Star, The Malthouse was born!

Aside from locally produced food and drink served at four different kinds of bars, the venue boasts a creative scene to be envied. With Artists being priced out of offices in the City centre, the Malthouse hopes to provide a space for all to explore their creativity. Whether that's by picking up a sharpie and drawing on the walls or getting expert tips from a local artist straight from their drawing room.

Kids will also be encouraged a step further, with grants being given to encourage them to host their own workshops. Whether it's slime-making or hama-beading, youngsters can plan and lead their own session in an art room.

The project has been set up for a ten-week run, but could continue depending on how popular the venue becomes. With more and more luxury restaurants in the City charging extortionate amounts for a cuppa, the authenticity of the community space will certainly work to its benefit.

It will become one of few places where people can go and socialise without the unspoken expectation of buying something. Instead, people can pop in and chat to friends, draw and create, or visit an upstairs exhibition for some inspiration. Or, you could find this lovely swing and have a nap!

However you would spend your time at The Malthouse, you've got to wait until doors open on the 8th of November. Start planning those masterpieces!

Five days into the Extinction Rebellion protest, forts are still being held and the antics are on the up. From climbing on planes to blockading the BBC, they rebels are certainly getting noticed.

However, many people have asked me what they actually want. It's a good question. They can use buzzwords like 'carbon footprint' all they like, but what are they hoping to be the result of all this? What tangible change do the protestors want?

I often worry when I interview rebels that I'll be condemned for eating the chicken sandwich I packed for lunch. Or that I've worn something that's the wrong material. Or that I'm just not environmental enough as a whole. But in fact I've been met with very helpful responses.

1. It's less about the individual, and more about the bigger companies.

This isn't to say that we can't make a difference by eating more veggies or walking instead of driving. But to make a real impact it would need to be a group effort. The kind of group which spans the planet.

This is why Extinction Rebellion are doing the drastic things like climbing on Aeroplanes. They're trying to target the bigger companies to encourage them to reduce their impact on the carbon emissions.

This links back to a study in 2017, when the Carbon Majors Database released a report showing that 71% of the World's greenhouse gas emissions since 1998 were down to just 100 companies.

2. A lot of what we do every day is controlled by what we have access to.

When we are doing a trolley dash round the local supermarket it's very easy to choose the brands we know and love, or those that are the cheapest. However, a lot of the time these can end up having drastic air miles (meaning they've travelled a long way).

It's interesting to think that:

• 79% of the food and drink we import comes from the EU
• 11% is from countries granted Most Favoured Nation status, such as the USA, China, Brazil and Australia.
• 9% comes from bilateral agreements with countries such as Canada, Norway and Chile.
• 1% from Generalised Scheme of Preferences (lower than WTO tariffs), such as India, Ukraine and Iran.

If you pay attention to the labels it can be quite interesting to see when one tomato is from Kent and another from Peru. Now, they're a whopping 9,813 miles apart, but by the time that tomato is in your BLT you don't give a damn.

It's easier to justify a peruvian tomato if it's cheaper or it looks more red. But maybe that isn't the point. Maybe we need more supermarkets stocking locally grown veggies so that our tomatoes don't have a more exciting holiday than us.

When we talk about consumerism, it's also worth considering technology. We are in the digital age of constant innovation and creation. In some ways this is wonderful; we can develop technology to further research and help people. We can create things that contain more detailed design than the rocket which got man to the moon.

The evolution of technology over thousands of years with the world's greatest minds and the latest materials has led to...selfies.

So many selfies.

We have reached a point where most technology is helpful and allows us to learn new things. But we have also reached a point where there is so much technology that we can often take it for granted.

I remember, age 14, I had a pink slide-up Samsung. I used to pretend it had a touch screen by timing swipes with the relevant manual buttons. And boy, it made me feel alive. I yearned for the day when I could use a real touch screen. And now, my dreams have come true. I have a touch screen. But lord forbid it lags for just a second and I will swear at it with all letters of the alphabet.

When did it get to this? When did I go from dreaming with my Samsung to getting mad at a phone I couldn't imagine would have existed as a child.

Unfortunately, that's happening a lot at the moment. With new, better technology coming out constantly we always idolise the latest greatest creation. We want to have what's better, almost out of fear about being left behind. However, the result of this is mass productions all over the world and people chucking away old things as soon as they get something new. It almost seems like we should go back to the 2005 state where phones were still new and exciting. We could call, we could text and we could play snake. That's all you really need.

I guess it's down to each of us to decide how we want to live, and whether we want to take more control over these parts of our lives. Phones lose battery and food gets eaten. But the planet is always here. Hopefully.

This is the fifth article in a five-part series on the Extinction Rebellion.

The more I see the rebellion unfold in London and across the world, the more I realise just how many people are involved from all walks of life. The young, the old...all races, genders and bases. It almost convinces me that protests create more solidarity than antagonism.

I will openly admit that growing up I imagined all environment types as hemp-wearing hippies tied to trees with a blunt in one hand and a picket sign in the other. Looking back now, I realise that I based a lot of this on what I'd seen in the media. Especially The Simpsons. So, when a young girl from Sweden stood up and encouraged the world to leave school and stand outside their Parliament on Fridays I was actually very encouraged.

In the back of my mind I had grown up knowing something was wrong with the way we were treating the environment. Though I never really understood why the only people doing something about it were non-existent cartoon characters. At the ripe old age of 21, I'm so glad to see young people finally learning about climate change and standing up for it. However, at the same time, it's so difficult seeing a child of five holding a sign saying "You destroyed my future".

So while I do admire young people protesting for their future, and actively learning the science behind it, there have been concerns raised over the welfare of young people being put in this situation of striking and fear. Perhaps it was better in my day when I didn't really understand what was going on, because then I couldn't be afraid of the death of the planet. As the idiom goes; "What you don't know can't hurt you".

As I am writing this, it is World Mental Health day. It's no surprise that the number of young people with Mental Health difficulties has risen over the last few years. The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England survey conducted by the NHS in 2017 revealed that:

Emotional disorders have become more common in five to 15 year-olds – going from 4.3% in 1999 and 3.9% in 2004 to 5.8% in 2017.

Have we considered that maybe involving young people in protests and teaching them information about global warming could be making them ill?

While this is a possibility, I would like to contend that the bigger danger to young people is the constant labelling and verbal attacks from people three times their age. In recent years, the term 'Gammon' has been used to describe angry, older men who become flushed as a gammon when talking about something or someone they disagree with. Gammons or non-gammons, the 'Generation snowflake' branding has demonstrated that plenty of people will turn against children for no particular reason. Maybe it's jealousy. Maybe it's fear. Maybe it's shock at how young people have gathered together and done more than a lot of us couldn't do. And no young person has felt this more than Greta Thunberg.

In the storm of the media and the chaos of the rebellion, there's something inspiring about a young person taking a stand. As a Gen-X myself I'm familiar with the branding of 'Lazy, tech-loving snowflakes'. But this. This proves otherwise. On a grander scale it proves that if there is an issue big enough, that we as society feel strongly enough about, age is only a number.

The protests have seen school children on the streets to 92 year old John being arrested outside Downing street. They are the Extinction Rebellion. Age, race and gender are irrelvant. They want the same thing, and so, they're going to fight together for it.

Maybe this is something we should take into account more. Finding common causes such as poverty, racism and sexism, and coming together regardless of background to have an impact like no-one has ever seen before.

This is the fourth article in a five-part series on the Extinction Rebellion.

It's been announced today that Extinction Rebellion are preparing to shut down London City Airport for three full days beginning on Thursday morning. Three days into the protests, and multiple road closures later, the rebels are certainly making their mark on the City.

The European Commission for Climate Action has released statistics stating that more than 2% of global emissions are down to jetsetting alone. By 2020, global international aviation emissions are projected to be around 70% higher than in 2005. To make things more intense, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forecasts that by 2050 they could grow by a further 300-700%. In response to these findings, Extinction Rebellion have initiated the following action:

In the biggest mass participation action of the International Rebellion, the Fly Today, No Tomorrow action will involve a ‘Hong Kong style’ occupation of the terminal building, lying, sitting or glueing-on in front of the departure and arrivals gates. Hundreds of participants have already signed up to nonviolently use their bodies to close the airport, and are willing to sacrifice their liberty to achieve this aim

The airport, based by the river Thames, welcomes an average of 4.5 million fliers annually. This means that the shut-down could cause an extimated 12,000 people to miss their flights each day that the disruption takes place. However, the airport is informing customers that they can handle the situation with an online banner which says:

We are aware of Extinction Rebellion’s threat of protest at London City Airport from Thursday 10th October and are working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety and security of our passengers, as well as minimising any disruption to journeys. If you are booked to travel, you should continue with your plans and check the status of your flight with your airline up until, and on, your day of travel.

-London City Airport

Now, this protest may seem harsh. Couple that with the number of people sitting in traffic jams while roads are being held up, and one might ask whether the resulting petrol fumes are contradicting what the entire movement is fighting for.

But actually, despite what's going on in the City, the rebels don't want to have to do this. Maybe they wouldn't block roads or shut down airports if the government would take five minutes to listen and act the way that a democratically elected government should. In my interview with John, I was surprised to hear him say:

We are sorry. We are genuinely sorry to inconvenience ordinary people like you and me. We don't want to inconvenience people and we don't want to be inconvenienced. But let's look at the bigger picture. Climate change could kill millions of people.

I've also been contacted by rebels who tell me that protests are always put second if an ambulance or fire engine may need to come through. So as much as photographs can show the streets as hectic, things like the singing shown above and poetry performances makes up a big part of the rebellion. And wouldn't we rather have songs in the street than broken windows and anarchy?

This is the third article of a five-part series of interviews with John that I will be broadcasting every day this week encouraging the discussion about climate change and protest.

A reported 300 rebels have been arrested on the first day of the Extinction protests in London, with hundreds more in cuffs at similar protests around the globe. The international movement has only just begun, but footage of campaigners being dragged away by police has already made the headlines.

With the violent scenes of protestors being captured and unchained from buildings, it's plausible to question whether a movement like this is too aggressive for it's own good. If the idea is to get people talking about the environment then why not opt for more peaceful methods of protest?

Robin Boardman, one of the cofounders of Extinction Rebellion, said:

“Over the rebellion, we must act with our consciences – to protect life from the apocalyptic future we face. To act accordingly to the truth, means disrupting business as usual to prevent a greater crime – the destruction of our ecosystems ...It is the disruption which focuses the national conversation on the issue at hand. Whatever a rebel’s role in the rebellion, they should be informed and respected for their decision.”

On the 3rd of October, a group of rebels sprayed fake blood onto the British Treasury with mixed responses...

Spraying the Treasury with fake blood is one thing. However, protestors are now being arrested for occupying street space with picket signs and chaining themselves to various things. Numerous items have been confiscated, ranging from portable loos to pink cushions.

So while the antics have been toned down from the 'Scarlet fever' at the Treasury, the rebels are still being labelled as violent and having things taken from them. Personally, whether I supported the movement or not, it would be preferable for them to have portable toilets to avoid the alternative.

Having spoken to people who are attending the protests, I've asked if they're nervous about getting arrested. Their answer surprised me. The most common response was that getting arrested and going to fight for the cause, was better than staying in a dreamland and sitting comfortably at home watching the chaos unfold and doing nothing.

I have to admit, I'm still uneasy about the whole 'Go to Jail' scenario. Though, I do admire people who have the determination to carry on regardless. Some of the images from the last couple of days where people chained themselves to gates and glued themselves to lorries have really struck me. In a true echo of British History, isn't that one of the ways that the WSPU got attention for the women's vote? So, perhaps, it works! On the other hand, the suffrage movement was also down to the NUWSS and their avid discussions involving men to seek peaceful change. But that is a History lesson for another day.

Overall, I think there is a slight issue with the scale of the rebellion. Though the campaign is designed to be non-violent, some people may take things a step too far. Nonetheless, they're getting more awareness for the environment than I've seen in my lifetime and for that they are unstoppable.

This article is the second of a five-part series of interviews with John that I will be broadcasting every day this week encouraging the discussion about climate change and protest.

October 7th 2019 marks the start of the mass Extinction Rebellion protests taking place in London. The group have said that the marches in the capital will be five times bigger than previous protests, shutting down 12 areas of the City.

However, contrary to some beliefs, it isn't just a ploy to make us all vegan (Though, that would be helpful). Instead it is a way for the group to be seen by the Government and a chance to encourage them to treat climate change with the respect and attention it needs.

As part of the protests in London, people from all walks of life are expected to come together to raise awareness and demand action from the Government.

This article is the first of a five-part series of interviews with John that I will be broadcasting every day this week encouraging the discussion about climate change and protest.

International toy superstar Mattel has recently made headlines with its new dolls designed to reflect the 21st century's blurring binaries. Forget the classic Barbie body and blonde flowing locks, because the Creatable World dolls have been made so that kids can learn the art of gender fluidity.

With the transgender community becoming more prominent than ever, hopefully these could be a good method of teaching children that they can be whoever they want to be.

But this isn't the first time that Mattel has experimented with accessible toys. The Barbie fashionista range began in 2017, exhibiting a wide variety of skin tones, body shapes and dress styles.

As someone who grew up with the 'Basic Barbie' this was eye opening. I'd grown up playing with dolls that made me feel inadequate. Barbie was thin, I wasn't. Barbie was blonde, I wasn't. Barbie could walk in heels like a pro, and I still can't do that. Finally, kids of all genders, ages, skin tones, shapes and sizes could find a doll that they might relate to.

There's a very slippery slope that a lot of companies can fall into when trying to incorporate transgender representation. As someone who identifies as non-binary and genderfluid I cannot comprehend how many times I've heard the words "If you're non-binary why are you wearing a dress?" or "Why don't you have short hair?". This is something that I believe the Creatable World collection has done particularly well.

Instead of branding a short-haired doll as non-binary, the sets provide options to change the hairstyles and clothing depending on what the player wants.

One of the most misunderstood factors of living as transgender is that you do not have to look exactly like the gender you identify as. A person may identify as a different gender from birth, but that doesn't mean they need to have surgery or wear certain clothes to 'pass' as that gender.

Similarly, this set allows kids to let their doll wear whatever they want to, without being confined to the Barbie/Ken binary. Toys like this are the future. They allow young people to explore topics such as gender, race and body positivity early on in life.

So what comes next?

I for one would like to see Mattel continue to innovate childrens toys to be more representative. Only time will tell!

One thing I love about the creative industry is the willingness to help others learn and develop the skills to become excellent. Whether it’s through teaching new ideas, collaborating on projects or even meeting up for a coffee we’re leading the industry one mug at a time.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the ‘Play, Work, Stay’ training conference led by Great Place: Lakes and Dales designed to help young creatives establish and evolve techniques to further their careers. Based near settle, the conference focused on northern talent, encouraging young people that they don’t need to go to London to be a successful creative.

With more media companies than ever relocating out of the London bubble, this is the perfect time to be up north, not least for the scenery! Channel 4 is set to move its headquarters to Leeds in 2020, and Manchester’s Media City is already fully thriving. Then there are the smaller businesses, nestled amongst the dales but doing equally important work: telling the stories we want to hear and making art accessible where posh galleries are seldom seen.

So, if anything, the North of England is exactly where we want to be right now!

One workshop of the conference involved a mindfulness walk. As it had been raining during the morning I assumed it would be muddy and gloomy, groggy and foggy. However, I was pleasantly surprised. As I strolled through the grass around the Dalesbridge site, I realised that its very rare that we get to just take a walk in the countryside. It occurred to me that this is what work-life balance must feel like.

Curator Alex Zawadski gave a profound talk on how ‘Art isn’t just something you hang on a wall’. She’s correct. Beyond art installations and exhibitions or documentaries and films, art is part of everyday life. Art is defined as being the creative use of a skill. Helping refugees is an art, stopping homelessness is an art and protesting climate change is also an art. Mind. Blown.

Lastly, a workshop that will stay with me was Pitch Perfect with Dana Segal, a Senior Partner at the Management Centre. Dana taught us about how to deliver the perfect pitch when presenting or proposing an idea. We learnt about gestures and exactly how long to hold eye contact when addressing a group of people. As one of my favourite speakers of the conference, I was really encouraged by what she taught.

In the words of the hosts: Live More, Do More.

Massive shoutout to Artistic Photographer Mary Woolf for her fantastic talent.