I have really enjoyed watching Freedom 2 emerge and develop over the last few years. The passion the organisation shows in giving a voice to young girls who have, or who are at the risk of exploitation, is invaluable. So many of the younger generation have been lost to trafficking, abuse, trauma and neglect. I want to write today about how these same values that are held by Freedom 2 reflect my story. I had a wonderful childhood with loving parents and a secure home. At the tender age of 23 I met the most beautiful woman, both inside and out. The adventure has lasted for 17 years, so far. They have been filled with ups and downs. One of the biggest disappointments we experienced came through miscarriage and…

  Being Present in Relationships The time we have in life is so limited. We have to balance family, friends, careers, personal wellbeing and how we act as a citizen in the world. I work in the charity sector supporting exploited and marginalised people groups. I tend to give my all to my job, going above and beyond to support those in need as much as I can. However… I have been challenging this approach recently. My motivation to commit my time to assisting those most vulnerable in society has not reduced in the slightness. Rather I think it is one of the best things we can devote our time, money and energy to. I have just been thinking about why charities exist. I believe if community functioned effectively -…

    I feel so privileged to have been asked to write an article for Freedom 2’s blog ‘For the 1’,  which is a series of blogs aiming to empower each and every one of us to inspire and help others. [Image: Katie Warman Design] “We can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone” Ronald Reagan. I love this saying because it’s so true. If everyone helped make just one person’s day a little less overwhelming, a little easier or a little happier, think about how many clearer heads, lighter shoulders and bigger smiles the world would have! With the blog theme focusing on how we can help others, I have decided to share 5 ‘helpful hashtags’ that I plan to focus my social media (and life!) around this year.…

'For the 1' December blog “Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody”. I have this written on the wall in my bedroom, it’s the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. Something of a life motto I guess.  One of my favourite examples of this statement being outworked comes from a very cool story told in the Bible, about a guy called Jesus, (who is God in human form), when he meets a woman at a well. We don’t know her name but we do know that she is from a different culture than his - a people group generally despised and considered to be enemies. We also know that in those days it wasn’t ok for a man, especially a religious teacher…