I find it very apt that my business turns a year old during Autism Acceptance month. I’m also incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved so far with Wellbeing Whizz and would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the last year and share my journey via this blog. I’m a bit late in posting it as I had some issues with my website but clearly those are resolved now! So this is a bit about my journey and what’s coming next (that I know of!)
Throughout my working life, I’ve always enjoyed supporting others, whether in a support worker, training or coaching capacity. Whilst working in a homeless centre and hostel I really had the opportunity to hone these skills whilst studying for a Master’s degree in Behaviour Change. During this time, I received an autism diagnosis and what a game changer that was! After graduating, I took a temporary contract for a national company as a wellbeing specialist. I worked primarily with small business owners delivering one to one sessions, webinars and workshops. I also created and delivered training sessions for larger corporations about a variety of subjects; notably about substance misuse for Siemens. I loved this role, and it was also apparent a lot of the people I was working with individually either had a diagnosis of or disclosed traits of neurodivergence – whether they were autistic, dyslexic, ADHDers or had dyscalculia. These were bright, ambitious business owners who found some aspects of life and business ownership more difficult to navigate due to their neurodifferences and conventional methods of planning and organising, as well as managing stress, anxiety and understanding their feelings were not helpful.
I was able to pull on my expertise and resources from a behaviour change approach as well as my lived experience as a neurodivergent person to strategize together, and find meaningful ways to improve various aspects of their lives. I enjoyed this so much that when my contract came to an end, I realised I couldn’t find any roles that were suited to my skillset or family commitments so decided to start my own service as a freelance trainer, coach and consultant. I specialise in Neurodivergence, but I work with clients and organisations of all different neurotypes – “neurotypical” or not! I love the freedom of being able to create my own content and workshops so that my clients get a truly bespoke service. It’s a bit scary taking the plunge and starting a business from scratch, especially when you have a family to support, but it’s definitely been worth it so far. The thing that drives me is my passion for empowering others, regardless of their neurotype, to improve and maintain their wellbeing whatever that looks like for them; and to make spaces more inclusive for everyone through education, understanding and practical adjustments.
I’ve partnered with other organisations to deliver webinars and support clients 1-2-1, I also have limited spaces for private clients who I work with on their unique goals. I’ve delivered training both in-house and online for local, national and international clients and met some fantastic people along the way! I’ve had a lot of support from family and friends, but I am so proud that this is all of my own work and I’m starting to see my ideas come into fruition. Over this next year I’m looking to maintain the connections I’ve made so far and make more; and really explore further the impact of neurodivergence on homeless people and the barriers they face in finding housing. I have more deliveries to look forward to, and am continually developing my own knowledge and skills through CPD and generally researching!
So I’d like to end by saying thank you for your support, I wonder what this will look like next year when I’m celebrating 2 years of Wellbeing Whizz 😊