Life After Public Service

• Beck House's Fight for Mental Health Awareness After a Crisis

  In this episode, Donna interviews Beck House, a former police officer whose journey through mental health challenges and recovery is both harrowing and inspiring. Beck shares her early passion for public service, her experiences in the police force, and the traumatic events that led to a mental health crisis, including a prescribed drug-induced psychotic episode. She candidly discusses the inadequate support she received during her struggles and the impact of her experiences on her mental well-being. After a difficult recovery process, Beck found her purpose in helping others by founding a community interest company, SIS (Strength in Struggles), which offers alternative therapeutic options and peer support for those facing mental health challenges. KEY TAKEAWAYS From a young age, there was a strong desire to help people, which led to a career in policing. This journey included studying health and social care, criminology, and psychology before joining the police force. A significant personal loss and relationship breakdown triggered a mental health crisis, leading to suicidal ideations and a breakdown that resulted in being sectioned and experiencing traumatic treatment in a psychiatric unit. The initial treatment involved antidepressants that worsened anxiety and led to a drug-induced psychotic episode. This experience highlighted the complexities and potential negative effects of psychiatric medications. After a difficult recovery process, including accessing better mental health support, there was a shift towards helping others. This included writing a book about personal experiences and founding a community interest company focused on mental health support and alternative therapies. BEST MOMENTS "I was the last one to speak to her on the phone. And although I'd dealt with a lot of death in the police by this point, this was my own first significant personal bereavement." "I was terrified to step a foot out of place. It wasn't long before the other patients found out that I was a serving police officer." "I was sat there on the cell floor thinking, what, what has my life come to? Like, how have I ended up?" "I was literally carried out by my arms and legs to the police van." "I still think there's a place and a need for medication and I'd never discourage people from taking it." GUEST LINKS https://www.instagram.com/s.i.s_strengthinstruggles https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-house-1917462b0 ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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• How Dan Holder Transformed His Struggles with PTSD and Alcohol into a Life of Purpose

  Donna interviews Dan Holder, the founder of Arc Atomic Rambo Coaching, a company dedicated to helping individuals remove alcohol from their lives and improve their mental health. Dan shares his journey from serving in the Royal Marine Reserves to experiencing complex PTSD after a demanding tour in Afghanistan. He discusses the challenges he faced with alcohol as a coping mechanism and how he ultimately transformed his life through positive psychology and resilience training. KEY TAKEAWAYS The coaching business emphasises building a community for veterans and others dealing with mental health issues, providing a space for individuals to share experiences and seek help. The journey through PTSD involved various forms of therapy, including EMDR, which helped transform traumatic memories into manageable ones, leading to personal growth and resilience. Alcohol was initially used to numb the effects of PTSD, but recognising its detrimental impact led to a commitment to sobriety, which became a catalyst for achieving personal goals, such as completing an Ironman. The coaching approach is based on three pillars: Awareness, Resilience, and Commitment (ARK), which helps clients understand their situations, build resilience, and maintain accountability for their goals. Plans are in place to establish a community interest company to provide structured support for veterans and others in need, ensuring that help reaches those who require it, beyond just financial assistance. BEST MOMENTS "I think if you want to deal with PTSD, quit drinking first, because then you're actually full front going on to sort out PTSD." "Why do people always ask you the worst thing you've ever seen or done? Why not ask about the best thing you've ever done?" "I always knew drink was an issue back then. It took me a long period of time to stop." "I just reframed PTSD. To me, that's like post-traumatic growth. I've become a way better person because I suffered with PTSD." "The alcohol-free movement is massive now. You can still be sociable, you can go out and do all of that side of things." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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• Laura Haining on Supporting Vulnerable Populations Through Holistic Care

  In this episode, Donna interviews Laura Haining, who shares her extensive experience in public service, particularly in her current role as a social prescriber within GP practices. Laura discusses the importance of addressing social issues that impact health and well-being, such as social isolation and housing concerns, and how her work helps patients connect with community resources. KEY TAKEAWAYS Social prescribing involves supporting patients with non-medical issues that impact their health and well-being, such as social isolation, housing, and access to community services. This holistic approach helps individuals build connections and improve their overall quality of life. Engaging individuals with lived experience in service design and delivery is crucial. Their insights can inform better support systems and ensure that services meet the actual needs of those they aim to help. A diverse background in various public service roles, including mental health support and homelessness prevention, has equipped individuals with essential skills in communication, crisis management, and person-centered care. Maintaining emotional well-being is vital in emotionally demanding roles. Engaging in personal self-care practices, such as exercise and having support systems in place, helps professionals manage the emotional toll of their work. Coaching focuses on helping individuals discover their own solutions and empowering them to take charge of their lives. This approach aligns with the philosophy of not being a "fixer" but rather facilitating personal growth and self-discovery. BEST MOMENTS "We can make referrals into other public services like primary care mental health or we can liaise with GPs if somebody needs more clinical input through the community mental health teams." "The nature of our role as well is that people build that relationship with you. It's quite reassuring for people because that approach works for people with kind of social needs." "When you unpick it, it can often be social needs that are being unmet as well." "There's a lot of research now around kindness. Doing good deeds is really, really good for your own well-being because when you give, you often get a lot more back." "I always think of that one, that you're not a fixer. You're there to help people to uncover their own answers." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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• Finding Healing After Postnatal Struggles | How Leanne Webster Helps Mums Overcome Birth Trauma

  What happens when a career in public service takes an unexpected turn into the world of maternal wellness? In this episode of Life After Public Service, Donna speaks with Leanne Webster, a former local government employee who found her calling supporting mums and babies through life’s toughest moments. Leanne shares her journey—from growing up in a labour family in Dundee to facing postnatal depression and trauma—and how those experiences inspired her mission to help women heal from birth trauma and bond with their children. She also reveals her three-step process for recovery and why recognising the impact of trauma is vital for both mums and families. KEY TAKEAWAYS A New Calling: From local government to supporting mums and babies through birth trauma. Personal Purpose: Leanne’s struggles with postnatal depression shaped her empathetic approach. Trauma Isn’t Always Obvious: Even less extreme experiences can leave lasting effects. Why Support Matters: The workplace once lacked mental health awareness—change is crucial. A Path to Recovery: Leanne’s three-step process helps mums heal and reconnect with their children. BEST MOMENTS "I work only with the perinatal period… supporting mums to unpack trauma and bond with their babies." "I felt like everything was crumbling down around me." "I had to reach breaking point before someone saw me as a person." "Everything I’ve gone through has brought me to helping other women." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.  She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://www.disruptivemedia.co.uk

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• Martin Price | Insights from a Former Foreign Office Civil Servant

  Today, Donna sits down with Martin Price, a former civil servant who spent 20 years in the Foreign Office, now known as the FCDO. Martin shares his unique journey from a civil engineering apprenticeship to a fulfilling career in public service, where he travelled to 64 countries, installing IT and security systems in embassies worldwide. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his life, including the loss of his mother and the impact of his divorce, which prompted him to transition into entrepreneurship. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey from a civil servant in the Foreign Office to becoming an entrepreneur showcases the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities, even when faced with personal challenges. Effective communication skills are crucial in both public service and business. The ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures enhances professional relationships and fosters collaboration. Early experiences in network marketing and mentorship shaped a strong foundation for influencing others. Sharing knowledge and experiences can inspire friends and family to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures. Travelling to various countries and experiencing different cultures has provided valuable insights into human behaviour and communication styles, emphasising the need for cultural sensitivity in global interactions. Despite achieving financial stability, maintaining a balance between work and personal life remains a challenge. The importance of nurturing deeper relationships and connections is recognised, especially after personal losses. BEST MOMENTS "I was actually in the Foreign Office, and now it's called FCDO. I did 20 years as a civil servant, man and boy." "I think sometimes you have to take that risk. You have to understand that it's worth taking." "The world has never been more connected from a technology perspective, and yet as humans, we're so much more disconnected." "I always wanted to do something. So for me to then fall into a great grounding is a great foundation for anybody that wants to go into business." "I think it's got the most legs and I think it all hinges actually on communication skills." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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