I rarely have two days that look the same! There are full training days and days where I deliver a short session, something like a menopause workshop. Or I attend a meeting or a networking event. Here I’ve tried to give you a snapshot of my days.
Full Training Day
This starts the evening before the session. I pack my bag with the essentials - training materials, laptop, pens, thermal cup (I hate cold coffee!) and glasses. I often sleep poorly the night before, even now, five years on, I still feel a bit nervous with thoughts of:
will the IT work
will I arrive on time!
On the training day, once I’m up and I am on my way, the worries then tend to diminish.
I want the training to be informative so it changes the workplace or, in some instances, it can be personally life changing. I do set high standards for myself because I want to ensure those receiving their training get the absolute best out of the course.
The majority of the courses I deliver are mental health first aid (MHFA) courses which are mostly held face to face. I live in the north Cotswolds and try to work locally where possible.
The MHFA course is two days of seven and a half hours per day. During that time, I feel like I get to know the delegates a little and most rewarding are hearing their stories of mental health recovery, and the delegates’ hopes that they will be confident to support others once they have completed the course.
MHFA covers the most common mental health conditions so it’s not unusual for delegates to have experienced one of the conditions or to know someone who has. Sometimes I will signpost delegates for support for themselves or other people.
The course is quite intense, full of information and activities that get everyone involved. We start at 9:00am, have a quick break around 11:00am and go through until 1:00pm. I generally take my own lunch as I need to prepare for the afternoon session and I also like to be around in case anyone wants a private chat.
The afternoon session is equally busy. There are a number of models we discuss that gets everyone thinking broadly, we look at case studies, statistics and discuss issues such as how to reduce the stigma around mental health. As the afternoon progresses, I think of ways to keep everyone engaged so that delegates get the most out of the day. This might involve incorporating a mindfulness technique or just getting everyone up and moving a bit (it can be hard to sit all day, especially if they have an active job!).
By the end of the session many of the delegates are tired, and so am I, but I am also buzzing! I drive home thinking about, and evaluating the first day, and planning if I need to make any tweaks for Day Two.
Non/Partial Training Day
When I am not delivering training, a typical day for me sometimes includes attending a networking event. My go to events are: -
And once a month, hosted by me, in Moreton-in-Marsh – Creative Wellbeing Circle women's netwalking
I really enjoy networking of all types. It’s wonderful to meet new people. I try to keep an eye out for new faces and go and say “hello”. I remember how it felt when I first became self-employed and found networking nerve-wracking. We are there to support each other which is so valuable when you own a small business, which can sometimes feel isolating.
Working from my Home Office
Like most small business owners, the job includes routine tasks like catching up with emails, phone calls and social media. Karen, my part-time virtual PA, deals with most aspects of organising course bookings. We keep in regular communication to ensure that all the tasks get completed smoothly and that leaves me to manage the financial planning and the marketing side of the business. And, most importantly, speaking to customers about their requirements; and planning and preparing bespoke presentations, which I love to do!
When time allows, I attend webinars or other training events. MHFA England have monthly mental health-focused sessions which are always useful and help me to fulfil the requirement for continuous professional development. As a relatively new business owner, I still have a lot to learn and there are always new challenges ahead - cyber protection, AI, net zero. Thankfully business advice is always available through OxLEP and FSB. There’s never a dull day!
As a mental health trainer, living with fibromyalgia - whose symptoms include fatigue, pain and brain fog - I have to practise what I preach, which is self-care. I work part-time and I know I am lucky to be able to do so. I build in flexibility in how I work to allow me to take regular breaks. This means, during my office days I might hang out the washing, or spend some time in the garden. If I need a change of scene, I try to build a walk into my day, sometimes alone or I borrow a lovely dog called Winnie. Or if I’m really lucky I get to have lunch with a friend or go for a swim! When I get back to my desk I am refreshed and ready to start work again.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect. However, my most successful days starts with a plan, setting intentions and being flexible.
So now tell me, what does your typical day look like?
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