Embarking on a criminal trajectory from the age of sixteen and into my thirties, I had attached to a lifestyle that had become my identity, and I couldn't see beyond it. Then, one day, my life took a transformative turn, and I owe it all to my mother's dedication to holistic well-being. Recognizing the potential for change within me, she enrolled me in a psychotherapy course without telling me. It was yet another attempt to influence my life choices. For once, it prompted a soul-searching conversation and became the pivotal moment that shifted the course of my life. Fast forward to today—I am now a qualified counsellor and a proud founder of the DBA Project, and I’m on a mission to reach the most vulnerable members of society. My personal journey fuels my commitment to helping young people and is a testament to what can be achieved when you choose to believe in yourself and dream big!

As a child, I was presented with significant opportunities, signing schoolboy forms with Millwall FC at fourteen and securing a three-year professional contract with Arsenal just two years later. While hard work played a role in my achievements, an unwavering belief in myself was present from a young age. Supported and instilled with a sense of self-worth and confidence that flourished on the pitch, I also learned the invaluable skill of bouncing back from failures. My journey may be unique, but there are many paths to success. However, it can be challenging to make strides without the foundational core of self-worth, self-respect, and confidence. Today, I leverage the power of sport to educate children and young adults across the country about emotional wellbeing. I firmly believe that every individual possesses something within them that can be harnessed to find purpose and meaning in their life!

For many years, I thrived as a Personal Assistant for an oil company. When the opportunity for a career change arose through redundancy, I embraced the chance to explore my interest in holistic therapies and wellbeing. Completing qualifications in practices such as aerobics, yoga and massage, I transitioned into occupational health and corporate well-being, leveraging my newfound skills to support individuals in investing in their physical, psychological and emotional health. As the proud mother of Daniel, the founder of DBA, and having firsthand experience witnessing the success of holistic care and mentorship, I am incredibly excited about the future of the young people we have the privilege to work with, and I look forward to contributing to their journey in realizing their dreams.

At the age of 13, I found myself excluded from school for violent conduct, setting the stage for a turbulent path into a life of crime. The rejection from schools in the borough only fueled this trajectory, leading to a long custodial sentence in my twenties. It was during this period of reflection that I decided it was time for a change. Today, I stand as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, a Master Practitioner in NLP, and an England Boxing Coach. My daily work revolves around supporting young people, specializing in addressing challenges such as antisocial behavior, gang affiliation, county lines, abandonment, and bereavement. While my route here may not have been traditional, I believe my lived experience is as valuable, if not more so, than any formal qualifications. I share a deep connection with our young people, understanding and being understood in return. My focus is on mindset and limiting beliefs, empowering them to recognize that the only obstacle in their way is themselves

With over twenty years of experience in the Health and Social Care sector, I am fortunate to have discovered my calling early in life—helping others has been a lifelong journey. My diverse experience spans from supported living for individuals with disabilities to providing end-of-life care in hospice settings. I've also specialized in gang intervention and youth trauma and worked in secure units. Throughout these roles, I've developed a deep belief in the importance of compassion for humankind. This is why DBA's approach to mentoring resonates with me; holistic wraparound care is transformative and can change lives, including those typically hard to reach. Recognizing and understanding one's capabilities can set an individual on a new and positive path. A philosophy that aligns with my own values and experiences; I’m excited by the potential of those we work with!

"My early years were marked by significant challenges and hardships as generational trauma cast a long shadow over my childhood. Fueled by anger and shame, I navigated my teenage years as a destructive force, struggling to find stability in any secondary school I attended. A fateful night of drinking with friends led to a motorbike accident, resulting in the loss of my arm. Spiralling into depression and anxiety, I further immersed myself in criminal activities, eventually facing an eight-and-a-half-year sentence. During this time, I embarked on a transformative journey to reclaim my identity and rebuild my life. Through introspection, self-reflection, fitness, reading, meditation, and unwavering determination, I discovered my true self. My lived experience is a testament to the fact that adversity isn't the end of the road but rather a stepping stone to new beginnings and opportunities for growth. Our greatest gift often comes disguised as our worst nightmare, and I aim to demonstrate the indomitable spirit of the human soul and inspire others to Dream, Believe, and Achieve.

Transitioning from a corporate background, I have continuously explored creative endeavours that hold memorable significance. From achieving milestones in music, including playing at Glastonbury, to success in sports and writing, I've always valued the joy and curiosity that creative arts bring to my life. My journey has seen its share of challenges; I've navigated the consequences of 'not having' and learned invaluable lessons along the way, and my own encounters with childhood trauma have fuelled a deep commitment to educating families on emotional wellbeing and ensuring that young people recognise and actualise their full potential; something I feel that I wasn't able to achieve, at least until now! Despite early experiences, I am now an IAPC&M - Certified Hypnotherapist, and my diverse background uniquely positions me to contribute to the mission of DBA Project, guiding young minds towards resilience, self-discovery, and a brighter future."

As a dedicated and qualified teacher passionate about children’s mental health, I am committed to a journey of continuous learning and am currently pursuing further qualifications to become a counsellor. With a wealth of experience working with children and families across various professional settings, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of poor mental health on students’ aspirations. I believe that with the proper support, these challenges can be overcome. I feel fortunate to provide a safe space to mentor young people and instil a sense of self-worth in them, allowing them to become resilient young adults capable of achieving anything they put their minds to.

As a learning mentor in a Pupil Referral Unit, my role involves engaging with children facing behavioural issues, learning difficulties, and mental health conditions. I've discovered great rewards in supporting those who may not thrive in the traditional school setting. Utilizing my background in music, dancing, acting, and a love for sports, I connect with these children on a personal level. At DBA, we value and encourage creative pursuits. Exploring your hobbies and interests means discovering who you are and what you can offer the world. You have to believe in yourself, and that's where we come in!

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with young people across various age groups, from nursery school to secondary education. What I value most in my work is the opportunity to form genuine connections and positively influence the lives of each individual. With a background in performing arts, I leverage this expertise to explore the expression of emotions and the potential outcomes of life decisions, especially when faced with pressure. I believe in delivering a clear message, one of hope, and aim to instill in young people the understanding that, regardless of their background or individual needs, they should dream big and wholeheartedly believe in themselves.

In my current role, I provide support to young adults with learning difficulties, assisting them socially and in various aspects of their lives, including budgeting and medication management. This work aligns perfectly with my personality, as I consider myself a kind and patient individual with deep respect for everyone and everything around me. I am genuinely passionate about life and making the most of every moment, a perspective that reflects in my laughter, happiness, and gratitude. I believe that my positivity serves as an uplifting influence for those I work with, offering encouragement and support regardless of their struggles.

From an early age, my intuitive empathy allowed me to sense the emotions of those around me without the need for verbal communication. This innate ability ignited a strong desire to help others. Through my own healing journey, which involved extensive therapy sessions, I discovered a deep alignment with my life's purpose. At DBA Project, we embrace a holistic approach to mentoring. Utilizing practices such as EFT, Breathwork, Mindfulness, Sound Healing, and more, I guide young people through their challenges, providing alternative ways to process emotions. It is a blessing to share my knowledge and experiences, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I mentor.

Throughout my life, I have encountered both extraordinary highs and extreme lows. But in my darkest moments, I have always had a voice in my head urging me on and echoing the ethos of the rugby field: "Get up, Rob, never give in. Dust yourself off and go again." Sport has been a constant in my life, but it is rugby I call home that is my passion. One minute, you're charging forward with the ball, nothing stopping you, then out of nowhere, you're tackled to the ground, feet swept from under you with a pile of grown men in a scrummage, all fighting to gain possession of the ball and ultimately, you! Life is the same; you can happily go about your day, minding your own business. Then, bam, life throws you a curveball, and you're derailed. That's when it's time to dig deep; that's when growth happens. Mentoring aligns perfectly with my values. I find fulfilment and growth in guiding young people, knowing that I am making a positive impact. My family's motto, "Be the best 'you' that you can be", underscores my belief that anything is possible with the right mindset. I'm honoured to pass this on to the next generation and help them succeed.