I have been engaged in teaching, training, and coaching professional and personal development for the last 15 years. My journey has taken me from teaching in further and higher education, through to running my own company working with people who are socially and/or economically disadvantaged, and then as the leaning and development trainer and coach within a globally spread tech team in a large multinational internet company.

Throughout this period, I have had the privilege of working with diverse groups of individuals, each with unique backgrounds and aspirations, which has enriched my perspective and enhanced my ability to tailor my approach to meet specific needs. From teaching a vulnerable adult the alphabet and reading skills, to mentoring senior leaders and setting up leadership development paths, exploring ways to enrich individuals wellbeing to supporting others through making sustainable life changes… this is a journey where no two days are the same!

Learning and development is crucial to our engagement with the world around us and with our careers, as it helps us navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of our personal and professional lives. Continuous growth not only enriches our experiences but also empowers us to contribute meaningfully to the communities we are a part of, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling existence.

However, equally important to this is taking care of our mental and physical well being. This is where my lifelong interest in tactile crafts, especially textiles, comes in. I use crafts within ESOL sessions to help create a sense of community for adults who have had to leave their home for whatever reason to make a new life in the UK. Some of these people have had incredibly hard journeys, and their resilience has been tested to the limits. These people can go on to experience complex mental illness such as PTSD which will go unacknowledged, recognised or addressed unless people feel safe. I use crafts within community settings where people just want some time to it and relax, to do something for themselves and not think about those issues that are trying.

We often think of crafts as an ‘old person’ activity. However, they are still around, constantly going through a revival of one type or another and we are recognising the importance of preserving the heritage of crafts as a part of our national identities. So, whether you are a new crafter, an established professional, or just enjoy the hobbies it affords, this website is devoted to writing about crafts and wellbeing and sharing my thoughts, research and experiences as I deliver sessions across the West Midlands.

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Kanyini is a native Australian word meaning to care for, to help grow, to nurture and to support. It is a philosophy of life and it is the philosophy through which I work.