SK Development

07/09/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month.

And sometimes prevention starts with something as simple as noticing.

Noticing when someone has gone quiet.
When they stop showing up as themselves.
When their words, behaviour or mood begin to change.

Then having the courage to ask, Are you okay? Stay and listen or repeat with Are you really okay? And, when you're concerned, not being afraid to ask directly about su***de. Asking the question doesn't put the idea there, but it can give someone the opportunity to talk openly about what they're experiencing.

Mental health awareness has a place in First Aid too. We talk about looking after ourselves following traumatic incidents, recognising the potential emotional impact of what we may witness, and understanding that sometimes the person who needs support may be the First Aider themselves.

Some people reading this may have struggled with suicidal thoughts. Some may have lost someone to su***de. Others may have tried to support, stop or save someone, or still carry the impact of what they witnessed.

There isn't one experience, one reaction or one conversation that fits everyone.

But there can be hope. There can be support. And there can be another conversation.

Whether it's between friends, families, colleagues or within our workplaces, we can all help create environments where talking about mental health feels a little safer, where changes are noticed and where people know how to respond when someone needs more immediate help.

We don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes we just need to notice, ask, listen and support.

And if someone is in immediate danger, we need to act.

Sometimes, that conversation really can matter. 💜

***dePreventionMonth

05/09/2026

A busy week, three different training venues, two different sides of my business and lots of really positive conversations along the way.

Tuesday took me into a school for whole staff Anaphylaxis training, including the changes surrounding Benedict’s Law and what this means moving forward. The staff were incredibly attentive, asked some fabulous questions and openly shared both their concerns and current practices. This led to some really valuable discussions around planning, possible improvements and next steps. The feedback afterwards was fantastic, with staff commenting on how valuable they had found the session.

Wednesday was the first of two local Family Hub sites, delivering Paediatric First Aid. A great group who really got involved, with plenty of discussion alongside lots of hands on practical learning and assessment throughout the day. Everyone successfully passed and now awaits certification. 🙌🏼

Thursday brought another Paediatric First Aid course at the second Family Hub. A smaller group this time, but certainly no less learning! We covered plenty of ground, had lots of practical experience and another successful day all round.

Then Friday meant swapping hats completely and stepping into Creative Edge mode. 🎨

I had a brilliant, lengthy meeting with a new client who I’m really looking forward to working with, supporting them with their marketing, branding, logo design and social content. We made a fabulous start, lots of ideas were flowing and the ball is now well and truly rolling for the next steps.

So, all in all, a fabulous and busy week. Lots of learning, great people, meaningful conversations and a little creativity thrown into the mix too.

Exactly the kind of variety I love about what I do. 💜

21/08/2026

Another busy and varied week for SK Development, and plenty to feel positive about.

This week saw another three day First Aid at Work course completed with a great group of staff from across multiple departments at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.

We had plenty of hands on practical learning, realistic scenarios, group work, discussions and conversations throughout the three days. I always enjoy seeing how a group develops as a course progresses, putting the different elements together and applying what they've learned when faced with more lifelike situations.

We were also very well looked after with a lovely lunch provided each day, which is always appreciated!

A big thank you to John for the opportunity to deliver the course on behalf of Bodh & Mind First Aid Training.

Yesterday afternoon brought something a little different, swapping course delivery for exam invigilation to support a local training provider and a learner who needed to complete a resit as soon as possible.

There have also been some really exciting conversations happening behind the scenes this week. Nothing to share just yet, but hopefully some great things to come in the near future. 🤞🏼

For now though, I'm switching off and heading to This Isn't Texas Country Festival 🤠🎶 before getting back to some work over the weekend.

A good week of training, new conversations and opportunities... now for a little country music!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone.

06/08/2026

Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you don't see coming.

Yesterday, I received a last minute call asking if I was available to join IEC Medical and Shoal to support their Every Minute Matters Health & Safety Campaign on a site near Durham.

A few hours later, the bag was packed, the hotel booked, the car loaded and I was heading north. It turned into one of those drives where the scenery is stunning, the music is on, and you remember why you enjoy working all over the country.

After checking into a lovely hotel, I met up with the team for a great meal before we all called it a night, ready for an early start.

This morning, we headed to site in convoy, unloaded the vehicles, set up our workshops and welcomed the workforce.

My role was delivering repeated 15 minute interactive sessions on recognising and responding to three time critical medical emergencies, reinforcing the message that every minute really does matter. Alongside this, colleagues were delivering CPR and Safe Use of an AED workshops, our medics were offering health screenings and blood tests, and there was plenty of information and advice available throughout the day.

The various groups flowed through brilliantly around each station, there was fantastic engagement from everyone attending, and the feedback from both the workforce and the Site Welfare Manager was incredibly positive. It was a real team effort, with everyone playing their part in helping people become more aware of their own health and better prepared to respond if an emergency ever arose.

After packing everything away, it was back in the car for the three hour drive home. It had already been a long couple of days, but the perfect ending was still to come. ❤️

I headed straight to my parents', where they, my sister and family had organised an early birthday meal. As if that wasn't enough, my nephews had spent the afternoon baking me a surprise three tier birthday cake, which was every bit as delicious as it looked. Safe to say it rounded off a brilliant couple of days perfectly.

Now, after plenty of miles, lots of conversations, some fantastic teamwork and more than a little cake... I think my bed is calling. Then to enjoy my birthday tomorrow.

A huge thank you to IEC Medical, Shoal and everyone involved for making me feel so welcome. It was a pleasure to be part of such an important campaign alongside such a great team.

01/08/2026

This is so important!

Delivering recent Mental Health First Aid training, it got me thinking...

It's fantastic to see more workplaces investing in Mental Health First Aiders, but does that always mean leadership and management attitudes have shifted too?

In some organisations, absolutely. In others, perhaps not just yet.

Training staff in Mental Health First Aid is a huge step in the right direction, but it shouldn't start and stop there. Creating a positive mental health culture requires visible leadership, supportive procedures and a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.

Staff and Mental Health First Aiders need to know that if concerns are raised, managers will support those conversations. That clear reporting pathways are in place. That reasonable adjustments, flexible working where appropriate, and ongoing support are all open for discussion.

Most of us would think nothing of telling colleagues or our manager that we've injured a knee or broken an ankle. We'd expect understanding and support while we recovered, whether that meant avoiding the stairs or adapting our role for a short time.

So why should attitudes change when the part of our body needing support is our brain?
Is our brain not the most important part of our body?

Mental Health First Aid is about far more than training First Aiders. It's about creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak up, managers know how to respond, and support is embedded within the culture, not just the policy.

Let's continue investing in Mental Health First Aid training, but let's also equip leaders and managers with the confidence and understanding to create the kind of workplace culture where that training can truly make a difference.

Because recognising the signs is only the beginning. Creating a workplace where people feel safe enough to ask for help is where the real difference is made.

5,352 of you answered our poll on mental health at work. 66% said they never or only sometimes feel comfortable talking about mental health at work. It can be so hard to open up about mental health in the workplace, particularly if you work somewhere that hasn't been open or accepting of mental heal...

31/07/2026

🇵🇱➡️🇬🇧 Poland | Day 11 | Homeward Bound

Well... today's the day.

After ten incredible days, it was time to pack the suitcases one last time and begin the journey home.

The morning started as so many have over the last week, with coffee on the hotel patio. Before leaving, the four of us grabbed one last team selfie together. Such a simple photo, but one that will always remind me of the friendships, laughs and memories we've shared over the last ten days.

Then it was time to check out. I couldn't resist taking one last photo looking into the hotel's brewery before closing the door behind us, loading the suitcases into the van and saying goodbye to the place that had become home throughout this trip.

Sean dropped the final two trainers at site before the two of us began the drive to Warsaw Airport. It was an easy journey with plenty of conversation before checking in our bags, grabbing another coffee and having a wander around the airport. Border Control certainly tested everyone's patience and, for a while, we weren't sure we'd make it to the gate before it closed. Thankfully our flight was delayed by around 20 minutes, so there was no need to panic after all!

The flight home was good, with just a slightly bumpy landing into Luton. Looking out of the window as we came into land, one thing really stood out. Ten days ago I'd been looking down on the lush green landscape of Poland. Today, parts of England looked so dry from the air. It really highlighted just how different the weather has been back home.

Collecting our bags and my car was nice and straightforward before we headed up to Shoal's Head Office. It was great to finally have a look around and meet the Director, who welcomed me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a bottle of fizz to thank me for everything over the last ten days. Such a thoughtful gesture, and one I genuinely wasn't expecting. ❤️

After dropping Sean off, it was finally time to point the car towards home.

Music on, a few inevitable sing along moments, plenty of time to reflect, and before long I was pulling onto my own drive.

The car is unpacked, the training kit has been put away, and now it's time to sit down, relax and let the last ten days really sink in.

Honestly... I'm still buzzing.

I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity through IEC Medical UK to represent them overseas, continue developing professionally as both a trainer and learner, meet some truly wonderful people and spend ten unforgettable days in such a beautiful country.

It's been an experience I'll never forget.

For now...
It's simply good to be home. 🏡❤️

30/07/2026

🇵🇱 Poland | Day 10

Well... that's Day 10.

It started with one of our now familiar breakfasts and coffees out on the hotel patio before heading to site for my final day of training here in Poland.

While two of the team have one more day on site tomorrow, today was the end of the working week for the rest of us. Tools down.

Today I was back with the Working at Height training. Having completed and passed the course myself earlier this week, I was able to get involved, helping with some of the practical elements and demonstrations, which was great fun and a nice way to round off my time here.

The weather certainly put on a show too... a scorching 34°C! One of the learners told me that the Polish summer is only just getting started and temperatures are expected to reach around 39°C by the end of the week. I think I might be leaving a little too soon!
This evening one of the team heads off to the airport, while the four of us left will spend one last evening together on the hotel patio. Good food, a drink, plenty of conversation and watching the sun slowly disappear. A pretty perfect way to finish the day.

Tomorrow morning Sean will drop the remaining trainers at site before we make our way to Warsaw, catch our flight and begin the journey back across the UK towards home.
Looking back, it's been an incredible ten days. A genuine privilege to represent IEC Medical UK, work alongside such a fantastic team and help train so many people, ensuring they're prepared and compliant before heading out to sites around the world.

The people I've met have been so welcoming, the country has been beautiful, and I've made memories I'll genuinely look back on with a smile. I'd happily return to Poland, whether that's for work or simply to explore more of this wonderful country.

But... I'm not quite ready to say do widzenia (goodbye) just yet.
There's still one more evening to enjoy. 🍻
🇵🇱❤️

29/07/2026

🇵🇱 Poland | Day 9

Today was technically my first "bonus" day in Poland. I should have been flying home this morning, but instead I was asked if I'd like to stay until Friday. I didn't need asking twice! I was absolutely over the moon and jumped at the opportunity. I've loved every minute of this trip, so the chance to squeeze a couple more days out here felt like a real gift.

With the team now up to six, we started the day as we often do, with a coffee together on the hotel patio before heading over to site.

Today I swapped being the trainer for being the learner, joining the Working at Height course. The morning was spent covering the theory before heading outside into a glorious 29°C afternoon to put everything into practice.
Harnesses on, ropes at the ready, and plenty of climbing!

Once the delegates had finished, Sean and I geared up again for a bit more climbing before finishing with an abseil back down to the ground.
I absolutely loved it.

It had been years since I'd last abseiled and I'd forgotten just how much I enjoy it. Heights have never really bothered me, so spending the afternoon climbing, suspended on ropes and then making my way back down was such a brilliant experience. It's always nice being the learner every now and then too, and I came away with another qualification under my belt.

Back at the hotel it was time for a shower, cooler clothes and another lovely evening with the team. We sat outside enjoying the setting sun, shared another fantastic meal, had plenty of laughs and great conversations, before calling it a night a little earlier after yesterday's late finish.

Tomorrow is my last full day and final evening here before heading home on Friday morning. The weather is set to be another scorcher, and if this trip has taught me anything, it's that Poland always seems to have another great experience waiting around the corner.
❤️🇵🇱

28/07/2026

🇵🇱 Poland | Day 8
Today started with sunshine, dry skies and a coffee with the team on the hotel patio before heading off for my final day delivering training here in Poland.

Today was all about Mental Health First Aid. It's very different to First Aid training. There aren't hands on practicals or lots of equipment, but there are plenty of conversations, reflection and moments that really make people think.

Some of the subjects we covered today weren't easy, but every discussion helped build awareness, understanding and confidence to recognise when someone might be struggling, how to support them and how to respond appropriately.

The afternoon flew by as we worked through the final topics before everyone sat their exam... and I'm really pleased to say everyone passed! 🙌

What probably meant the most though was the feedback afterwards. Hearing people say how valuable they'd found the course, not only because they now felt more confident supporting a colleague, friend or family member through a mental health crisis, but because it had also helped them recognise times when they might need support themselves.
For me, that's what this course is really about.

Back at the hotel, our little group of four became six as more of the team arrived from the airport, making for another lovely evening full of laughs, catching up, good conversations, great food and a couple of drinks.

And then the best surprise of the day...

I'm no longer flying home tomorrow! Instead, I'll be staying until Friday, which I'm incredibly grateful for. After such a brilliant week, I'm definitely not ready for this trip to end just yet, so I'm looking forward to making the most of a few extra days here in Poland. ❤️🇵🇱

27/07/2026

🇵🇱 Poland | Day 7

A very different kind of training day today.
We've moved onto Mental Health First Aid, which naturally doesn't come with all the hands on practicals, equipment and photos that First Aid does, but there was certainly no shortage of learning.

It's a heavy subject to deliver. Lots of conversation, reflective activities and topics that really get people thinking and talking. One of the group has very good English and has stepped in as my interpreter, which has worked really well, and I'm really pleased with the discussions we've had and the progress made today.

I always find delivering subjects like this quite mentally exhausting, and by the time we finished today I could definitely feel it. But it's also incredibly rewarding when you come away knowing there have been some meaningful conversations in the room.
So getting back to the hotel and switching off for the evening was very welcome!

No sitting outside tonight though. Despite still being around 24°C, Poland decided to give us heavy rain and blistering winds instead! 😂 So we stayed indoors, had a couple of drinks, plenty more good conversations and, of course, another fabulous meal.

Tonight's Polish food adventures were goose foie gras on bruschetta, followed by crispy dumplings filled with pork and topped with crunchy bacon, with salad. 🤤
And with only two nights left, I HAD to treat myself to dessert... a dark chocolate dome with ice cream and hot caramel sauce. ❤️

Safe to say I'm now absolutely stuffed and very ready for bed after quite a heavy day!
Tomorrow is my final day of training here in Poland, and I'm genuinely not quite ready for this trip to come to an end yet.

So I'm definitely going to try and make the most of every last bit of it. ❤️🇵🇱