One of our YMCA Dialogue counsellors Hannah Peckham has recently published a book to help younger children understand and talk about their emotions – Conker the Chameleon. We asked Hannah to tell us more about herself and the new book.
Tell us about yourself?
Hello I am Hannah I live in a Sussex village with my son, husband and two doggies. I was inspired to start studying counselling after my own personal three year therapy journey. I have always been a worrier but I suffered from anxiety when I moved to London.
How did you begin to work with YMCA DLG?
I stared at the YMCA in one of my first placements at a school, I really wanted to work with young people so the YMCA was an obvious choice although I was living in London at the time. After a few years break due to personal circumstances and now living in Sussex , I re-joined the YMCA. As a counsellor I really enjoyed the CPD they offer and the team environment.
What made you want to write the book?
It was actually my work as a counsellor that inspired me to finally put pen to paper. It has become increasingly clear to me that focusing on positive mental health at a young age, blue printing self regulation and emotional literacy could have a profound positive affect on young peoples futures.
How has it been received?
I have been blown away by the support I have had from some amazing businesses. The teaching community has been so creative in using Conker in their classrooms and welcomed him with open arms which has been just so wonderful to see. I have received messages from parents and children that have moved me to tears. It has been a really life affirming process.
Our little girl loves this book. It’s a brilliant fun and informative read teaching children it’s so important to talk about our feelings and to give them the confidence to do so.
– Amazon review
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
My dad was always my practical advice phone call, my mum was always my empathy phone call. Dad always told me to focus at one task at a time, write a list, and enjoy each little victory. He also used to say if you can’t find a way straight through, take a detour, there is always a way around.
What would you say to any young person struggling with their mental health and wellbeing?
Talk! Reach out to someone you trust. Look after yourself (self care). Find your passion. Celebrate little victories even if it’s as small as getting out your pyjamas that day.
Find Hannah on Twitter and Instagram.
Annabel receives counselling from YMCA Dialogue and volunteers for the charity as an e-wellbeing Ambassador.
we’re having a down day, rather than telling ourselves to cheer up, let’s acknowledge some of the things that are making life hard, and remind ourselves that it is perfectly normal to feel sad, angry, despondent or confused. Let’s give ourselves a break from the constant high standards. We don’t have to be available to others 24/7. We don’t have to feel bad for not looking at our work emails during our evenings and weekends. We don’t have to say yes to absolutely everything we’re asked to do. Sometimes we need to put self-care higher up the agenda, knowing that it is good sense, not selfishness, which encourages us to look after ourselves. A good friend once sent me a message… “you do what you can, when you can, however you can, with whatever you’ve got. And if you can’t, you can’t. You rest until you can again. You give yourself kindness so your pockets are full and you can reach in and pull out a fistful to offer the folks you meet along the way…”
“So here we are in lockdown number three!!!!