Paula brings a dual perspective to the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Research advisory group; Experience to Experts. A professional, with over 30 years’ experience working with babies, children and families in the most challenging circumstances; but also, with her own lived experience of burnout which caused a suicidal episode in 2020. Paula now works to address the stigma of mental health, especially in the workplace and to raise awareness that not all suicide is planned.
Paula is a junior partner at Porthcawl Nutrition, South Wales. A freelance coach, consultant, advisor, mentor and public speaker. She provides tailored solutions for individuals, workplaces, organisations and communities in a range of wellness and wellbeing areas of interest.
Paula is the National Development Lead for the National Social Care Conference (NSCC) Network in Wales. Appointed by Practice Solutions LTD to support the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) Cymru.
Paula also regularly advises Welsh Government on issues impacting on babies, children, young people and families; currently is a member of the Enabling Learning Guidance working group. Formerly chair of the Youth Engagement workstream for the National Attendance Taskforce appointed by Lynn Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education.
Member of Wonderful Women, Women’s Academy Wales, UN Committee for Women, Children in Wales and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Network.
A strategic leader for 30 years within the children and family, health & social care sector including charity, local government, education and health. Paula has extensive experience of Early Years provision, Education, Family Support, Bullying prevention programmes, UNCRC Children’s Rights and Mental Health strategic development.
Skilled in system change, strategy, governance, commissioning, collaborative partnerships, business planning, tendering, coaching, management, child development, family support, children’s rights, partnerships and continuous improvement.
I am all about enabling people to develop, do their very best and connect. Kindness matters to me. Personally, bringing fun and happiness with a little sparkle to the table, developing senior leaders with passion. Particularly think that lived experiences create authentic leaders.