Since working as a consultant in mental health for children in schools in 2004 I have worked in partnership with Nicola Swales on various projects offering support and education around children and young people’s mental health. I first worked with her on developing a Children and Young Peoples’ Participation Strategy for Bradford where it quickly became clear that her passion and drive for enabling children and young people to have a say in the services provided to them was second to none.

I have worked with Nicola Swales for several years on many different programmes, supporting Young people and their families to achieve positive life outcomes. Nicola’s knowledge and ability to support not only Young People and their families, but the staff she manages, and supports is second to none, she is always professional and credible to everyone she works with.

Her Knowledge and skill set on enabling Young people to keep themselves well and recover from trauma is invaluable to Schools and the wider Community. The one thing that is always apparent with Nicola is that she genuinely cares about her work and her empathy and understanding is clear to see for everybody who meets her.

I have had the pleasure of working with Nicola on a number of projects aimed at young people’s emotional wellbeing.

Nicola is a powerhouse when it comes to emotional wellbeing and participation, with years of knowledge and experience. It was a pleasure working and learning with Nicola. She is also one of the most personable professionals you will ever meet. Her passion and her drive to change people’s lives radiates from her. Nicola is fantastic at building positive relationships with young people and her warm and welcoming personality makes her approachable to all.

I met Nicola in a professional capacity some 15 years ago, whilst working in a role dedicated to improving the voice and influence of children and young people. At the time she was working for Barnardo’s and supporting young carers, amidst setting up other provision for vulnerable young people. I was struck then with her approachability, her care and absolute dedication to improving the health and well-being of others.

I am now proud to call Nicola one of my close friends and throughout all these years, her love for others and dedication to providing help and care has never wavered. Even her family background outside of work has a strong ethos on fostering disadvantaged children. Nicola and her husband have also opened their home up and are planning to provide other children and young people with a loving home.

I know Shine Bright will make a huge difference to the lives of those under its care.

I had the pleasure of working with Nicola during my time at Barnardo’s and can attest to her passion and dedication to supporting the well-being of children and young people through meaningful engagement.  Nicola is an expert in her field and having seen first-hand the impact her work has had on the communities she has worked with I would not hesitate in recommending her.