EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MY NEW VOLUNTARY JOB AS MARKETING TRUSTEE FOR THE CHARITY: CSF LEAK ASSOCIATION

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re too small.”

Richard Branson

So, a couple of times these past few weeks I’ve referenced an announcement coming sometime from July 8^th – this is it! On July 8^th, I officially began my new voluntary job as Marketing Trustee for the medical charity: CSF Leak Association and in all honesty, part of my excitement for starting was the fact that it meant I could eventually tell you all what has been being discussed and planned for since the beginning of June! Whilst that’s technically only one month, it actually felt like a lifetime when you’re someone who’s really used to being so honest and open online! So, here’s everything you need to know about my new role – including the application process, my induction, more information and insight into the charity and its important cause, and so much more…

A QUICK, BUT HUGE, THANK YOU TO CATS PROTECTION’S CELEBRITY & INFLUENCER RELATIONSHIP MANAGER: ALICE, BEFORE LEAVING THE CHARITY…

“Don’t let the sun go down without saying thank you to someone, and without admitting to yourself that absolutely no one gets this far alone.”

Stephen King

Dear Alice,

Thank you!

Thank you for being one of the first, most Senior staff from Cats Protection to have faith in my ability to create content, faith in I’m NOT Disordered’s potential, and faith in the very real chance of success our collaborations could have.

One of my most favourite memories of our online relationship though, wasn’t about ‘work’ and collaborations… I remember contacting you in April 2021 after the loss of my first bunny; Pixie about the impact her death was having on my first rescue calico kitten; Emmy. There are not many people I would turn to in that situation – and especially not to ask for advice – but you were the one. I think this speaks volumes for our working relationship and for your passion and interest in the entirety of Cats Protection’s cause and the very reason you’re all here. Not a lot of charity staff have such a dedication and investment in both their career and responsibilities and the cause and work of the actual charity they’re working for too. It’s a rarity and something which really helps you to stand out as both incredibly special and incredibly important in Cats Protection and actually, in my blog’s entire journey too!

JOIN ME AT A LATE-NIGHT CHARITY SHOPPING EVENT WITH ST OSWALD’S HOSPICE

“Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.”

Dalai Lama

At the end of January this year, the wonderful charity St Oswald’s Hospice opened a brand-new store in Blyth, Northumberland. I was so excited with this news because I actually volunteered for the charity’s Communications and Marketing Department from December 2019 until February 2023 as a Digital Volunteer. I also completed two temporary contracts with them, one as a Communications and Marketing Assistant and the other as Kickstart Project Coordinator. So, needless to say, I’m very dedicated, supportive and passionate about the charity and all that they do. So, I wanted to tell you about their Alternative Christmas List Appeal, which is their Christmas Campaign. It is aimed at providing insight into the various impacts that different figures of donations can have on the charity, the Hospice specifically, and their patients. For example, £150 will fill the Christmas Eve boxes for the children who use the Hospice’s Services, and £450 will fund thirty bereavement sessions at a time of year when loss can hurt that little bit differently…

For more details: Support our Alternative Christmas List Appeal | St Oswald’s Hospice

If you know me, you’ll know that I’m also very passionate about shopping! So, when I was told about the Late-Night Shopping Event at the Blyth St Oswald’s Hospice store, I jumped at the opportunity of attending and thought that, for the fun of it, I’d bring you all along with me…

COME TO A ST OSWALD’S HOSPICE SHOP WITH ME | PLUS A LOOK AT ALL MY PURCHASES | IN COLLABORATION WITH ST OSWALD’S HOSPICE

“Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness, simply didn’t know where to go shopping.”

Bo Derek

I was once a Digital Volunteer with St Oswald’s Hospice for four years (with a few temporary contracts with their Communications and Marketing team throughout that time), when I spotted their new store just minutes from my home, I was almost instantly inspired to put together some content centred around it! Probably something which helped me to think of the idea so quickly was that I’m genuinely a huge fan of shopping too (as you may have seen in our Collaboration Teaser; which you can read here)! So, this is sort of a dream collaboration for me(!) and I really hope you like it just as much as I have enjoyed creating it…

DAY NINETEEN OF BLOGMAS UNBOXED 2023: A Q&A WITH THE 'ELVES' BEHIND AN AMAZING CHARITY: CHRISTMAS FOR CAMHS

To donate to Christmas for CAMHS:

Making Christmas Magic For Young People in CAMHS Units (2023) - JustGiving

For the rest of Christmas for CAMHS links:

Christmas For CAMHS | Twitter, Facebook | Linktree

If you’ve been reading, I’m NOT Disordered for some time you’ll likely know that when I was fifteen, I went through a really traumatic experience that lasted six months. Across these months I turned to an unsafe coping skill and developed a really bad reputation at school with my teachers because I was angry at them for not realising what was happening to me or even, at the very least, questioning why there was such a marked change in my behaviour and attitude. Somehow though, I was referred to my local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and sadly, it took so long to actually be offered an appointment that by the time I was, a lot of things had changed, and I was no longer willing to engage with the professional help and support being offered. 

A QUICK CHAT WITH BIG PINK DRESS AKA COLIN PLEWS

As a six-foot, nineteen stone, Ex-Forces and Rugby player, if someone had told me five years ago that I’d end up running around in a massive dress I’d have laughed in your face!

Five years ago, though, a friend of mine was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and watching her go through Chemotherapy and experience all of the horrendous side effects was life changing. I felt so helpless because I’m no Doctor or Scientist, but I was desperate to make a difference and the Great North Run was just around the corner, so I applied for a place with the Breast Cancer Campaign. 

While working at a Nursing Home, we picked names out of a hat for a Christmas show we named ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ and I picked out Diana Ross. This inspired me to wear a fish-tail dress which caused me to take three hours and forty-two minutes to get around the 13.1 miles! I had hoped – and aimed – to raise £350 but ended up with over £4000 and that, with the amount of support I had, meant that the original plan of this being a one-off run was completely scraped and I aimed for double the distance.