Our Story — The Heart of Georgia’s Approach

Welcome to the Lion’s Den grew from my love of the outdoors and my commitment to supporting children and families. I wanted to create a place where children could feel accepted, discover their strengths and build confidence through practical experiences.

Over more than twenty years, I have worked across the NHS and local authorities, with experience in forensic and community mental health, learning difficulties, autism, ADHD and youth justice.

That work taught me the importance of looking beyond behaviour and taking time to understand the person. Children need adults who listen, recognise their abilities and remain willing to learn from them.

Learning Through Life and Adventure

My social work studies in human growth and development helped me understand children’s biological, social and cognitive development. My training as a builder and joiner taught me to solve problems, assess risks and take pride in creating something useful. It also gave me confidence and independence—experiences I now want to help young people discover for themselves.

Travelling and climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Fuji in Japan brought further lessons in preparation, teamwork and adaptability. I learned to respect nature, pay attention to my body and recognise when I needed to change my plans or ask for support.

Learning about Buddhism in Japan encouraged me to reflect on thoughts, emotions and being present. Buddhist mindfulness and Christian values continue to shape my emphasis on compassion, patience and respect.

These experiences inform how I work with children, alongside my professional training and what I continue to learn from families.

Created With Georgia

My daughter, Georgia, is autistic and has a speech delay. Being her parent has helped me understand how important it is to listen carefully, respect different ways of communicating and make room for a child’s own choices.

We have experienced support that did not meet her needs, and we have also met professionals whose care and understanding made a real difference.

Georgia’s Approach grew from that journey. I developed it with Georgia, paying attention to what she enjoyed, what helped her feel comfortable and what gave her confidence. Her voice helped shape the approach and remains at its heart.

The Method Behind the Lion’s Den

Georgia’s Approach guides everything we do. We begin with connection, listen to the child’s voice and build on their strengths.

Bushcraft, joinery, creative activities, swimming and martial arts give us opportunities to put those principles into practice. Through shared activities, we support children to recognise their feelings, communicate their needs, solve problems and experience achievement.

We adapt our support to the individual child, helping them develop confidence and independence with time, practice and encouragement. We also work alongside parents and carers, valuing their understanding of their child.

A Place to Be Yourself

There is room at the Lion’s Den for energy, humour, curiosity and quiet moments. Children can bring their personalities with them, within clear, caring boundaries that help everyone feel respected.

Sometimes a child wants to talk. Sometimes a nod is enough. We take time to listen without expecting every feeling to be explained in words.

I want children to leave with pride in something they have tried, learned or made—and a growing belief in what they can do.

This is Welcome to the Lion’s Den. Georgia is my daughter, and the approach we developed together is at the heart of how we support children and families.