When I was a child we didn’t have much money but my parents made sure I had books and they read to me, day and night until I could read myself. I helped other kids in reading bay in infant school. I’ve never stopped reading. It’s a passport to joy, to knowledge, to diversity, to hope and ambition 📚

I’m looking forward to this. The joys and benefits of reading are lifelong and so important for pre-school children. My lifelong love of reading was nurtured on the knees of my parents and grandparents in childhood. My son had a library card as a baby! Still love a new hardback and an old bookshop.

With so much change needed for children and young people, I was pleased to give evidence to two Parliamentary committees today focussed on children’s wellbeing, welfare and protection. Great to be alongside fellow champions for change @markrusselluk.bsky.social and @katharinesj.bsky.social 💚

I’m so grateful to work alongside so many friends in the children’s charities sector. Today I was honoured to join two of the best, @katharinesj.bsky.social and @lynnanneperry.bsky.social as we gave evidence to Parliament on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. #TeamworkIsDreamwork

Huge congratulations to Dianne & Charles receiving an OBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to foster care, having fostered with @barnardos.org.uk for over 15 years. Their care and commitment has had a profound, lifelong impact and their richly deserved OBEs go some way to recognise that 💚

Yesterday I had an inspiring visit to @barnardos.org.uk Thriving Babies Confident Parents service in Manchester and it was great to hear from colleagues and most importantly from parents with their children about the transformational impact of the right support delivered in the right way.

I bought my Mum a Lindt advent calendar today. You’re never too old for an advent calendar, right?! She’s just messaged me to say thanks for the chocolates, I’m really enjoying them 🤷🏻‍♀️

En route to Edinburgh to spend some time with our colleagues from @barnardosscot.bsky.social. Looking forward to service visits, conversations with colleagues, meeting valued partners and spending time with our Exec and Board of Trustees. No substitute for a few days #facetoface 💚

From Sure Start to youth centres, cutting children’s services is a false economy | Torsten Bell

Having a clear out (on account of the blizzard outside) 💨 Found an old work bag with a business card from my first job at Barnardo’s as an Assistant Director of Children’s Services 💚 3 jobs ago. A key for a house I left long ago 🏡 , and a tube map I no longer need 💁🏻‍♀️ Life, it never stands still.

I’ve been loitering with positive intent and finally taken the leap - thank you for the warm welcome to @bsky.app 😊 You’ll mainly find me here and on LinkedIn waxing lyrical about social justice, children, charity and leadership. A smattering of amateur photography and #BakeOff commentary likely!