World Book Day

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Navigating World Book Day with a Reluctant Reader: A Parent’s Dilemma

As World Book Day approaches, the excitement in our household is palpable. However, for parents of children with reading difficulties, like my 7-year-old, the anticipation is laced with a tinge of anxiety. The pressure to find the perfect (any) book character costume becomes a daunting task when the reading level isn’t quite there.

My child, who is still struggling with reading, faces a unique challenge in selecting a character that resonates with them. While their peers dive into enchanting novels, my little one finds solace in the visual world of TV! (particularly watching Minecraft) rather than the written one.

As a mum, I’ve discovered that the key to making World Book Day enjoyable lies in embracing creativity beyond the pages. This year, we’ve chosen a character from Minecraft that captures their imagination. It’s a reminder that World Book Day is about celebrating the joy of storytelling in all its forms, irrespective of reading proficiency. As parents, we can redefine the narrative and emphasise the love for stories in our own unique ways, making World Book Day a memorable experience for every child, regardless of their reading journey.

How to create positive habits for 2024 in 66 days

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Unlocking a healthier, happier you involves cultivating positive habits. Here’s a step by step guide on how to create a positive habit:

1: Identify your goal – pinpoint a clear, achievable goal, be it daily exercise, mindfulness, or a healthier diet. For instance, commit to a 15-minute morning meditation.

2: Start small – avoid overwhelm by breaking your goal into manageable tasks. If reading more is the aim, begin with just ten pages a day.

3: Establish a routine – consistency is crucial. Embed your chosen habit into your daily routine, like having a glass of water before every meal.

4: Use triggers – associate your new habit with an existing routine or trigger. For example, link regular exercise with your morning coffee routine.

5: Track your progress – use journals or apps to track progress, celebrating small victories. Share milestones on social media for added accountability.

Things to avoid – steer clear of unrealistic goals and negative self-talk. Focus on positive affirmations to maintain motivation.

How long does it take? Research suggests an average of 66 days to form a habit. Individual timelines vary, so stay patient, consistent, and witness the transformative power of positive habits in your life.

Mocktail recipes to try this Dry January

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Give your alcohol-free month a boost with these mocktail recipes

If you’re participating in Dry January 2024, but you’re stuck for ideas when it comes to choosing a Friday night tipple, why not try one of our five favourite alcohol-free recipes?

  • Mango Tango Sparkler: combines the tropical goodness of ripe mango with a hint of zesty lime, topped off with sparkling water. It’s a refreshing and fruity drink that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion.

 

  • Cucumber Mint Cooler: a cooling blend of fresh cucumber and mint. The crispness of cucumber pairs beautifully with the invigorating aroma of mint, creating a revitalising drink.

 

  • Berry Bliss Mock Mojito: indulge in a medley of mixed berries, lime, and a splash of soda. It’s a non-alcoholic take on the classic mojito, delivering a burst of fruity goodness with every sip.

 

  • Citrus Sunrise Refresher: this mocktail mimics the colours of a beautiful sunrise by blending orange juice, pineapple, and a touch of grenadine. It’s a sweet and tangy concoction that looks delightful.

 

  • Fizzy Peach Bellini: taste a blend of sweet peaches and the spiciness of fresh ginger in this invigorating mocktail. Topped with soda water, it’s a fizzy and provides a delightful balance of sweetness and heat.

If you’re on this journey, share your experiences with us! What’s your go-to alcohol-free drink? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! 🌿✨

How to build financial resilience

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I recently took a deep dive into my finances. I’d been putting it off for far too long. Getting started was hard – looking at my day-to-day spending, thinking about my short and my long-term goals – and the process was laborious at times. But by the time I’d finished I felt emotionally cleansed – like the way you feel when you’ve just purged the messiest draw in the house and now you can find things and it shuts! Now I feel inwardly confident because I have a more realistic picture of what’s going on with my finances – I’m clear about my options and I have a plan.

Why is financial wellbeing important?

It’s like having a safety net for your money.

Life’s full of unexpected twists and being financially resilient helps you to navigate through tough times with less stress.

It’s about having enough savings, managing debts and planning for the future. Whether you’re just starting or already managing your money, the steps below will help you understand financial security and move towards achieving it.

  1. Reflect on 2023 goals

Take a moment to think about the goals you set last year. Did you plan to save money, spend less or start an emergency fund? Reflecting on your progress is helpful but remember it’s not about being perfect, it’s about understanding where you stand financially. Celebrate those successes too! If you didn’t set any goals last year, make sure you set some for 2024 once you’ve worked your way through the steps below.

  1. Assess your current financial health

Check your bank statements, credit card bills and financial records for the past three months. What were your spending habits? Are there any surprises? Don’t scrimp on this, if you need to go back six months to get an accurate picture, do it. Understanding how the money flows in and out will help you make better decisions.

  1. Create a realistic monthly budget

Budgeting might sound complicated but it’s simpler than it seems. Create a realistic monthly budget by listing your income (usually your salary) and categorising your expenses (gym, phone, electricity for example). What’s necessary, and what’s a splurge? Identify areas where you can save a bit more – these small changes can add up over time. If you can’t save right now, that’s okay too.

  1. Build an emergency fund

Emergency funds act like a safety net for your finances. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses to help cover you if something unexpected happens. You can also explore saving and investing options based on your comfort level and goals. Spread your investments – think about pensions, ISAs, or maybe even stocks. The aim is to make your money work for you, or at the very least not lose value.

  1. Understand your debt

Facing debt can be tough but tackling it head-on is liberating. Get a clear picture of your debt – how much do you owe, where and to who. Prioritise high-interest debts and create a plan to pay them off. You could also think about consolidating your debt or talk to your creditors to find out if there are other payment options available. Starting early leads to financial freedom sooner.

For more information visit Debt Advice Foundation

Navigating the path to financial security

Financial resilience is an ongoing journey. It’s about understanding your goals, managing your money wisely and adapting when you need to. For me the hardest part was going through my old statements to get an accurate picture of my spending habits – it will be different for everyone, but I can promise you, you’ll be glad you did it!

If you’d like more information visit MoneyHelper or the government’s Mid-life MOT website for more tailored information.

A festive feast: A culinary adventure with healthy Christmas alternatives

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‘Tis the season for indulgence, but this Christmas, I’d like to share my culinary adventure to explore some healthier alternatives to the traditional festive feast. From the main course to delicious desserts, we’ll delve into a world of flavours, which are not only very tasty but also keep my commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Deck the halls with veggie delights: The main course.

  1. Roasted butternut squash: The vibrant colour of a roasted butternut squash is really eye catching. Filled with a delicious mix of quinoa, cranberries, and pecans, each bite has a burst of nutty sweetness. The combination is so satisfying you won’t miss the usual heavy roast at all. Clocking in at approximately 300 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling festive and well-nourished.
  2. Orange-glazed tofurky: This orange-glazed ‘tofurky’ will take centre stage. Marinated in a zesty citrus blend and roasted to perfection; it offers a delightful alternative to the traditional turkey. Paired with roasted vegetables, this vegan masterpiece brings a refreshing tang to the table and weighs in at around 250 calories per serving. A true crowd pleaser!
  3. Whole baked cauliflower show stopper: A whole baked cauliflower, adorned with aromatic herbs and spices, is definitely a showstopper. So visually stunning, its Instagram-worthy. The cauliflower delivers on both appearance and taste. Roasted to a golden perfection, it offers a satisfying texture with every forkful, and at just around 150 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that will steal the spotlight.

Trimming the tree with sides: Veggie edition

  1. Crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze: Crispy Brussels sprouts upgraded with balsamic glaze is a revelation. Roasted to perfection, each sprout has a delightful crunch of flavour. Packed with vitamins and fibre, this side dish, at approximately 120 calories per serving, proves that healthy can be delicious and satisfying.
  2. Garlic mashed cauliflower: Swapping traditional mashed potatoes for garlic mashed cauliflower is a brilliant idea. Creamy and satisfying, with only 80 calories per serving, it’s a lighter alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. The garlic-infused cauliflower mash is a hit and earns its place as a permanent contender for future Christmas dinners.
  3. Quinoa and pomegranate salad: The quinoa and pomegranate salad brings a burst of freshness to the Christmas table. Loaded with protein and antioxidants, the colourful side dish adds vibrancy to the spread. At approximately 200 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition that balances the heartiness of the main course.

Sweeten the season with desserts: Guilt-free indulgences

  1. Vegan pumpkin pie: No Christmas dinner is complete without dessert, and the vegan pumpkin pie will steal the show. With a nutty crust and a rich, creamy filling, each slice is a heavenly treat. At around 250 calories per serving, it allows you to savour the sweetness without overindulging. A perfect conclusion to the feast!
  2. Chocolate avocado mousse: Indulging your sweet tooth with chocolate avocado mousse is a delightful experience. Silky smooth and rich in healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free pleasure at only 150 calories per serving. Garnish with berries, it adds a festive touch to the table and will leave everyone craving more.
  3. Fruit salad with minted honey-lime dressing: A refreshing fruit salad with minted honey-lime dressing provides a light and satisfying end to the meal. Bursting with vitamins and natural sweetness, it’s the perfect guilt-free dessert at approximately 100 calories per serving. A refreshing palate cleanser that will leave you feeling indulged without the indulgence.

I hope you like my alternatives to traditional fayre. It will not only cater to various dietary preferences but will also infuse your Christmas spread with a burst of flavours and colours. Here’s to a festive season filled with joy, good company, and delicious, health-conscious feasting! Cheers!

My journey to becoming an early riser

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I want to share my personal journey with you, and how two great books, ‘The 5 AM Club’ by Robin Sharma and ‘The Miracle Morning’ by Hal Elrod, inspired me to become an early riser.

Before I started waking up at 5am, my life was a busy. I felt constantly overwhelmed, my responsibilities were mounting up and I was secretly resenting the fact I had no time for myself. I knew something had to change.

Up with the larks

The only way to find time for me was to create it, which meant making a lifestyle shift – trust me, you can’t wake up at 5am if you’re still going to be up at 11pm – I needed motivation, so I researched other people’s early morning wake up success stories and that’s where I came across ‘The 5 AM Club’. Robin Sharma’s words resonated with me – “Own your morning, elevate your life.” I decided to follow his advice and embrace the 5am lifestyle. It wasn’t an overnight transformation and I haven’t reached the stage of exercising right after waking up (although I might introduce it in the future). It took time to really embed getting up early into my morning ritual but here’s a few tips on how I approached it.

Catching those worms…

The first thing I do after the alarm goes off is get up straight away. This is key – negotiating with the snooze button is 5am wake-up suicide! Then I go downstairs to savour my first cup of coffee and embrace the silence. As Hal Elrod suggests, “The moment you accept total responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you claim the power to change anything in your life.” I took responsibility for my mornings and now the aroma of coffee is a gentle reminder for me to set the tone for my day.

Meditation has become an essential part of my morning routine, thanks to that extra, uninterrupted hour. It helps me centre myself and prepare for the day ahead. Hal Elrod emphasises, “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development,” and for me meditation is my personal development practice.

Following my meditation I either dive into a podcast, read (I’ve remembered how much I love to read) or spend some quality time journaling. It’s my way of nurturing my mind and soul.

Of course, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. A couple of mornings, my son’s woken up early and wanted to join me downstairs. Some days I manage to gently encourage him back to bed while other days he’s agreed to curl up on the sofa with his iPad and headphones. Sneaking past his bedroom door has become an art form, but it’s a small price to pay for this newfound morning serenity.

Rise and shine!

With the recent clock change, the darker mornings have been a challenge to adjust to, but after a week, I’m in the groove. The result? I feel happier and more refreshed compared to my old self. The simple act of waking up at 5am has been a game-changer and it’s only the beginning of my journey to take more time for myself.

World Kindness Day

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Communicating with kindness

Small acts of kindness can make somebody’s day while also making us feel good about ourselves and inspiring others in the process.

Holding the door open for someone, giving up your seat on your daily commute or simply giving your time to a worthy cause, are all practical ways to show we care.

Until recently, I hadn’t fully appreciated how important it is to be kind and considerate in my role as a copywriter. Working in pensions, my role involves drafting engaging copy for pension scheme members about their benefits. So when the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty rules came into force back in July, it helped me to realise that kindness is at the root of communicating effectively with the diverse people we serve. And my main aim should always be to make sure everything I write is accessible and inclusive, with a clear focus on actually helping people make key decisions at sometimes crucial times in their lives.

So, as today is #WorldKindnessDay, I’m sharing a few of the ways I bring a bit more compassion and consideration to my writing:

Treating my reader like someone I know

By adopting an informal, conversational tone, I’m aiming to put my reader at ease and build trust right from the start.

Alternative formats

A print or online communication might not be the easiest way for my reader to access the information. So I think about a wide variety of needs and vulnerabilities when I’m drafting communications and offer alternative formats including braille and large font. Considering accessibility is my way of showing compassion and awareness of people with needs that are different to my own.

Providing more than one way to get in touch                                                                                  

Similar to above, I don’t make any assumptions about the easiest route readers will use to contact us. Providing more than one contact method such as phone, email and post, helps cater for diverse needs, simply and with understanding.

Spelling out terms

Empathy starts with not making assumptions about people – including their reading age or numeracy levels. Simply explaining what certain terms mean and leaving out the jargon is a good way to help people understand sometimes complex topics.

Keeping communications succinct

This means telling people what they need to know when they need to know it. It involves not bombarding people with too many calls to action or lengthy documents which can be confusing.

Collaboration is key

By putting myself in the shoes of the people I’m writing for, I’m better able to relate to them and avoid including any barriers that might hinder their understanding. I always ask myself if there’s a better way to present the information and collaborate with my colleagues in design, so the words and design elements work perfectly together.

We’re all vulnerable at some point

I’m very conscious that my own eyesight or hearing might start to deteriorate as I get older, or I won’t be able to keep up with the latest technology. I might lose confidence in managing my finances like I once did or need a little bit of support making a big decision that’ll impact my loved ones. I hope the kindness I’m trying to infuse in my words now will be second nature for copywriters in the future so we’re all able to access the information we need exactly how we need it.

 

 

 

Have you considered solo travel?

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Planning a holiday can be stressful. Whether it’s dealing with other people’s opinions, not being able to decide where to go or what activities to do when you arrive, the last thing you want when you’re trying to plan a summer get away is deal with added stress! If this sounds all too familiar, why not consider travelling solo instead?

Travelling alone can be a liberating experience, giving you the freedom to travel wherever you want and make decisions about your own budget and itinerary. You might even find it pushes you out of your comfort zone to make new friends and socialise. Solo travelling creates huge opportunities for personal growth while allowing time and space for self-reflection.

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about embarking on a solo trip – you might be concerned about keeping safe or worried about feeling alone.

We’ve come up with some tips to help you embrace solo travel this summer:

Stay safe

  • Share your travel plans and itinerary with trusted friends and family before setting off and stay connected throughout your trip. Think about making the most of apps such as ‘find my friends’ or ‘Life360’.
  • Research destinations before you travel and if you’re not sure where to stay, scope out safe neighbourhoods with good public transport links.
  • Get travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected cancellations or illness.
  • Learn some essential phrases in the language of the country you’re travelling to or failing that, there’s always Google translate!

Plan your itinerary

  • Make a list of all the things you want to do and have a backup in case your plans change.
  • Have a look at review websites like TripAdvisor to find the best places to visit.
  • Make your trip your own by exploring as much or as little as you want.

Capture the moment

Take lots of pictures so you can look back on your trip with fond memories.

 

Solo travel isn’t for everyone but it’s definitely something to consider if you’re looking to broaden your horizons and discover new and beautiful places on your own terms!

Your beauty routine, minus the plastic

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A not-so-pretty problem

If you close your eyes and picture your favourite beauty product, chances are, it contains plastic packaging.

There’s no doubt packaging plays a key role in getting us to part with our hard-earned cash, but according to the British Beauty Council, we throw away a staggering 95% of cosmetic packaging.

As I’ve got older, I’m not only more conscious about the ingredients I’m putting on my skin, but also my environmental impact as a customer. If the product doesn’t meet my high ethical demands, I simply won’t buy it.

More and more brands are slapping on their green credentials, including ‘plastic free’, ‘reusable/refillable’ and ‘biodegradable’ to show they share our environmental concerns. A step in the right direction at least.

As the industry gears up for The UK Plastics Pact, which comes into force in 2025, big name brands are setting out targets on how they plan to make the switch to greener alternatives. Garnier, for example, has committed to use zero virgin plastic in their packaging. Others have committed to use 100% recycled plastic or glass bottles.

This Plastic Free July I’m sharing some of the ways I’ve made my beauty routine more sustainable. I hope these tips inspire you to make a few easy swaps:

Embracing refillables

Many brands now offer refillable options and stations. Take Unilever for example, who set up refill stations in select Asda and Co-Op stores so customers can top-up on brands including Simple on-the-go. As well as stocking up on your favourite skincare and makeup, did you know you can buy deodorant in refillable format?

Reusable cotton pads

The ones I’ve tried are larger than your standard cotton pad, which means one does the job nicely. They’re easy to wash and come in a handy pouch you can easily throw in the washing machine. They’re ideal for travel and mean you no longer go through conventional cotton pads in plastic packaging.

Bamboo toothbrush

Wave goodbye to your plastic toothbrush! I made the switch to a bamboo and wood toothbrush a while ago and find the bristlers feel gentler on my teeth and gums. I carry a small one with me to stay fresh on the go.

Facial and body soap bars

I decided to ditch my usual cleanser and opt for a gentle facial soap containing only a few ingredients – ones I could actually pronounce too. This is not only a cheaper alternative, but the soap box I store it in is plastic-free too! Right now, I’m using a shea butter facial soap bar.

The key for me as a consumer, is knowing where my products have come from and where they’re going to.

To learn more about Plastic Free July, visit: Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution

It’s ok to feel lonely sometimes

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Today marks the start of Loneliness Awareness Week 2023, a campaign set up by in 2017 to shine a light on loneliness in the UK and help tackle the stigma through open and honest conversation.

Anyone can experience loneliness

We crave connections with others as a basic human need – it’s a key part of our general wellbeing. More often than not, loneliness is a temporary emotion that eventually passes, but for some it can persist.

Loneliness doesn’t discriminate and is often a difficult topic for many to open up about.

A recent survey by Nextdoor and Marmalade Trust revealed how an overwhelming majority (85%) of British adults have met with loneliness in the last twelve months. This is a startling statistic and highlights the need for us all to get talking.

I never would’ve thought loneliness was something I’d experience in my twenties. But after my relationship of several years ended, I remember feeling shocked at how lonely my life had suddenly become. I’d lost not only my partner and best friend, but the friendship group that came with it. It made me revaluate the direction I wanted my life to go in.

Trying to keep loneliness at bay, I rekindled old friendships and filled my diary with lots of exciting things to look forward to – visiting new bars and restaurants as well as local craft events. While this worked for me, I realise not everybody is this fortunate and sometimes we all need a little help along the way.

I’m not alone

We all need to be more aware of challenging the stigma around loneliness. These are some of the most common times loneliness can strike:

  • Traveling or moving to a new city.
  • When one chapter in your life ends and another begins – starting university for example.
  • Following change – perhaps a restructure at work or starting a new job.
  • Landing that big promotion at work.
  • When you’re a single parent and your kids leave home.
  • When you’ve lost somebody dear to you.

Realising I’m on a different path

In the digital world we all live in, hardly a day goes by without seeing some big announcement on social media – whether that’s an engagement, baby news or other significant life event. Comparing ourselves to the people we grew up with is natural and that can give us unhealthy expectations about where we are in our own lives. I’ve found limiting time on certain apps and following accounts that inspire me has helped. As many of my friends have started to settle down, I’m ok with the fact that I might be on a different path. That’s what makes life interesting after all!

The shift to remote working following the pandemic means more of us are working from home, which can get lonely at times. To tackle this, I go to the office at least twice weekly. I really enjoy the change of scenery, the chance to check in with my colleagues and that much-needed energy boost you only get from social interactions. Going into the office and seeing the work of my wider team makes me feel like part of something bigger than just me at home on my laptop. It gives me a greater sense of purpose.

Sometimes you do have to step out of your comfort zone to find new interests and people. Joining internal networking groups for causes close to my heart such as sustainability and going along to office social events has helped me meet new people, broaden my perspective and spark some interesting conversations!

To find out more about Loneliness Awareness Week, visit: Home | Loneliness Awareness Week

What does ‘being yourself’ really mean?

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The idea of ‘being yourself’ is a challenging one. When I really think about it, what does being truly, genuinely yourself mean exactly? Who am I and what do I have to do to be true to myself? My head immediately clouds with all sorts of thoughts… and there’s a follow up remark to each and every one, which goes something like this:

  • Be true to yourself – that doesn’t pay the bills.
  • Be honest with yourself and others – easier said than done.
  • Say what you really think – I’m pretty sure people don’t always want to hear what I really think.
  • Relax and let go – really? who’s going to do the weekly shop, drop off the kids, organise playdates, plan holidays, empty the dishwasher, clean the house, do the washing…?
  • Stop worrying about what other people might think – but this is how society works – we create our own personal hell based on what we think other people think of us!

I’m being flippant but when life’s busy (which is most of the time) it’s easier to brush those thoughts away and allow my life to run on autopilot; governed by my social conditioning. This probably means most of the time I’m not being my authentic self, I’m fitting in.

Being me

I looked up the definition of ‘being’ and it said: ‘a person or thing that exists, or the state of existing’. This suggests just by virtue of having been born, I ‘be’, which would imply I already was me and ‘being myself’ right from the get-go. Until at some point I wasn’t. Until I became aware of the dictates of society and started conforming to other people’s expectations of me.

But if I reverse the question and ask when and how am I not being myself, I realise there’s a pattern to how my answer begins. I’m not being myself when I feel:

  • ’I should be/do/have…’.
  • ‘I have to be/do/have…’
  • ‘I shouldn’t be/do/have…’
  • ‘I need to be/do/have…’
  • ‘I want to be/do/have…’

Each of these statements implies I’m lacking or coming up short in some way. They highlight where I think I don’t fit society’s mould or measure up to some fictional ideal I have of myself – my job, the way I dress, the way I behave, how sociable I am (we live in an extrovert society these days), how confident I am in myself and how authentic.

Fitting in

But why do we feel we have to fit in? Why do we feel we have to comply? It all boils down to fear. Of rejection or not being loved or liked or not being good enough.

And that’s a powerful reason to conform. Millions of people do it every day but it’s an inherent human flaw. We’ll never find true happiness by shoehorning ourselves into other people’s standards, circumstances or events. Why? Because society follows fashion and fashion is fickle. Minds, circumstances and events change and the goal posts keep moving.

This fuels the nagging fear that something’s missing in us or isn’t good enough or needs to be different, which creates the emotional void we’re seeking to fill. We’re basically looking for love in all the wrong places.

Letting go

So, what would life be like if I could let all that negative thinking go? If I stopped trying to change and contort myself, and was simply, honestly true to myself?

Well, I’d accept myself just as I am and not look to others or things outside of me to validate my self-worth or bolster my self-esteem. I’d know my value and self-worth by virtue of having been born – I exist as me.

  • I’d be true to myself – I’d trust and follow my heart.
  • I’d be honest with myself and others – I’d take responsibility and ownership for how I am.
  • I’d say what I really think – with kindness and compassion.
  • I’d be able to relax and go with the flow – I wouldn’t worry about what other people think because what others think of me is actually a reflection of them. Equally, I’ll reflect on what I think of others for the same reason – what I think of them is actually a reflection of me.

I’d be myself. There’s a certain courageous vulnerability and honour in that.

Why I chose to share my pronouns

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Today marks the start of Pride Month 2023, a time to celebrate, support and raise visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community. So, as a cisgender woman and as part of my own journey to becoming a better ally, I’ve been looking into the importance of gender identity and what it means to me.

What can I do to break unconscious biases about gender identity?

To encourage a shift in prejudices, homophobic and transphobic attitudes and behaviour we all need to pave the way for positive change. As a start I’ve been doing some self-reflection so I can personally start challenging those old, out-dated stereotypes that exist within our wider society.

First, I wanted to make sure my understanding of the difference between the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ is right. Whereas sex is biological (male, female or intersex as assigned at birth), gender is something much more fluid that can change over time and covers a vast spectrum of different identities.

It’s important to recognise how, through unconscious bias, we all automatically make assumptions about gender, like how an individual should look or behave. From my experience, these initial assumptions are rarely correct.

If you’re unsure about a person’s gender identity and want to avoid offending them, you could listen to how they refer to themselves and follow their lead. It can be tricky to ask about someone’s pronouns outright, so make sure you gauge if it’s appropriate and always ask authentically and with kindness. Hopefully they’ll feel comfortable to share. Better still, introduce yourself with your own pronouns first – most of the time people will respond with theirs.

As an ally, including my pronouns in my professional work profile (email signature, internal directory page and LinkedIn profile) is a small but important step I’ve taken to show my support and allyship with my LGBTQIA+ colleagues.

Although not a legal requirement, employers like mine recognise the importance of giving people the freedom to display their gender identities as part of their professional profiles.

They’re helping create a safe space where don’t feel marginalised and can truly be themselves. And by sharing my own pronouns, I hope it will encourage others in my organisation and my wider professional network to follow suit!

Small changes can make a big difference

Small changes like this can help pave the way for bigger changes to be made in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) space.

So, the next time I attend a work event, I’ll be adding my pronouns to my name badge and weaving them into any introductions.

‘Hi, my name’s Melissa. My pronouns are ‘she/her’.