5 top tips for aspiring runners who are feeling self-conscious, from runners who have been there too

5 top tips for aspiring runners who are feeling self-conscious, from runners who have been there too

It’s easy to get into the habit of avoiding exercise because we’re feeling self-conscious. With body image being a key shame trigger for both women and men, I know I’m not alone in worrying what people will think of my sweaty red face, blotchy chest, wobbly bits, inability to control my panting, and even the…

How The National Lottery are helping us to support more people experiencing social anxiety in Cornwall
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How The National Lottery are helping us to support more people experiencing social anxiety in Cornwall

We’re super excited to be celebrating being awarded almost £220,000 in National Lottery funding to support our work with people who feel anxious and avoidant in social situations. The grant will be used to run more activities across Cornwall that support people in growing confidence and self-acceptance whilst making new friends. As many of you…

4 lessons to help you feel more courageous with presentations
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4 lessons to help you feel more courageous with presentations

At 7 years old, I felt so terrified when doing a ‘weather forecast’ at school, I nervously farted in front of my class. At 26, I froze during a 3-minute presentation whilst on a ‘Projecting Professional Confidence’ workshop; feeling unable to finish I ran back to my seat and held back tears as my body…

What you should know about group sharing and vulnerability

What you should know about group sharing and vulnerability

‘Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity.’ Brene Brown – Daring Greatly. Like many introverts, I have always been a chronic hater of sharing with the group. Allowing myself to be vulnerable – seen, heard and judged. Speaking in class, staff…

How an unplanned gap year helped me to get confident for university
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How an unplanned gap year helped me to get confident for university

One girl, a gap year, a university, and a whole lot of fear. That’s the run down of things right now. Let me explain… Things don’t always go to plan My intention was to start university last year, straight from college as most of my friends were doing. I was a mix of excitement and fear….

Quiet Get-Together - Charlestown Walk
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What you need to know about joining a Quiet Connections Cornwall gathering when you experience social anxiety

When you experience social anxiety, social gatherings can seem endlessly daunting, and it can often feel as though the safest option is to gracefully bow out and avoid such situations. I know this because I have done it countless times, and I know I probably will do it at least a few more times in…

What’s the biggest challenge of entrepreneurship that no one talks about?
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What’s the biggest challenge of entrepreneurship that no one talks about?

Speaking at Cornwall Business Fair alongside Sally Heard, CEO from Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), I opened up about the hidden challenges of social entrepreneurship: feeling like you’re not good enough and don’t belong here. The imposter experience is something I think the majority of us have experienced, be that in our careers or personal…