In fact, I learned that I liked to play to an audience, becoming keen on drama and performing during my teenage years. Skills I now use as an avid story teller, holding the audience in my hand, retelling a tale or an adventure that’s happened to me that week. Nothing makes me happier than making people smile or even laugh with a good story that unravels just from popping to the local shop or taking my car to the garage.

My biggest challenge in 2020 was going from having a direct connection with children (my audience) to performing in front of a camera, as we transitioned from direct delivery to a virtual one. Filming Woodland Wednesdays in front of a camera was such a fear, that the little girl came back for a moment. Can I do this? How will I do this? Surely, it’s just a performance? Even now, I still have to be reminded by colleagues to smile.

Over the weeks it has become more than just a performance, it’s become a way of sharing what I love, storytelling, forest school, encouraging others to go on adventures and play outdoors. And so, my confidence has grown, soon forgetting that little girl hiding behind her big sister as soon as a camera was pointed at her, embracing this new way of delivering play work.

2020 has been hard for us all, many facing bigger fears than mine or dealing with way bigger changes to their work and personal life then I have. I want to encourage you, that little girl, who never wanted to be in front of a camera, now films every week in Sandwell’s local parks and woodlands. Whether your facing your fears, doing something you never thought you would or could, or making changes however small or big, you can do it!