Gate Psychological Services

02/09/2026

🌿When the thing that normally helps isn't available, we still need to find ways to care for ourselves.

This Autumn, I'm learning to notice what running gives me and finding other ways to meet those needs while I recover.

Maybe you need to do the same. 🌿

What gives you a little bit of breathing space? Maybe you have some ideas for me 😊

01/09/2026

🌿 Rest isn't the absence of difficult things 🌿

So my summer didn't quite go to plan. I finished work three weeks ago with the intention of really taking some time to look after myself and slow down.

Alongside some lovely summer moments, there were some quite big stressors. Luna needed emergency vet care and hospitalisation over a weekend. This is the first time she's been really poorly and was a big shock to the whole family. Thankfully we got her home but she's still not 100%.

Then a planned medical procedure brought forwards last minute literally knocked me off my feet.

I'm back to work this week. I've rested, I've slept and I've fully soaked up the simple pleasures.

This post is serving as my little reminder...

🌿 Life doesn't neatly divide itself into stressful and restful periods. Often, they're happening at the same time.

Perhaps part of caring for ourselves isn't creating a life free of stress but noticing the small moments that do exist for joy, connection and restoration.

Let me know what you think & join me in the woods 🌿

06/08/2026

I'm not ashamed to admit that compassion fatigue has been hanging around for a while 🌿

🌿 Poor sleep
🌿 Overactive mind
🌿 Brain fog
🌿 Finding it difficult to be fully present for my loved ones

This week I've been winding down my practice so I can take some much needed time away over the summer.

Compassion fatigue doesn't mean you've stopped caring. It's a sign there's not been enough space for rest and recovery. To do my job well, I need to look after me too.

It's okay to need a change of pace. Self care doesn't mean dropping all responsibilities. It can be small pauses, finding space to breathe and feel a bit distant.

This won't be achievable all of my summer break but I'll be allowing myself those moments, and keeping guilt in check 🌿

05/08/2026

Sometimes our minds chase us with stories like "I'm failing." "I'm not enough." "I can't do this."

We often spend so much energy trying to outrun those thoughts. Thoughts aren't facts, they're not set in stone.

There is another way.

🌿 Notice the thought.
🌿 Name it.
🌿 Make space for it.
🌿You get to choose your next step. Not the fear, not the sadness.

You don't need to win the race against your thoughts.

You just need to notice where they're taking you, pause and choose the path that's right for you.

05/03/2026

🌿 AMAZING NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR 3-7yr OLDS 🌿

The Wildside- learning through nature are having a moment.. (as if we did'nt already love them)..

Introducing their BRAND NEW opportunity for families with children aged 3-7yrs who are showing signs of neurodivergence/sensory needs..

FREE..... Connect-Ed.

Read all about it in their own words here.....

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

Introducing 🐝 Connect-Ed 🐝

This 8 week program offers a unique opportunity to connect with your child through nature and play while exploring their specific developmental needs with professional input.

Throughout the 8 weeks, you will be joined by an occupational therapist, speech and language therapist and a trainee psychologist. These professionals will not only observe and engage in play, but also be there to help give suggestions, share knowledge and answer questions. *Please note, it does NOT constitute an individual assessment or formulation!

The seed to this project came from the notion that while there are many wonderful services and support out there, many of them are indoors with 4 walls…. In many cases adding another barrier to accessing support and information.
We‘re just removing the walls.

🌿 Thursdays 12:30-2:30pm / North Shields
🌿8 weeks
🌿 for children between 3-7yrs AND their parent/ carer or staff

Please fill in a form to express your interest at www.thewildsidenortheast.com/rooted-in-connection

Thanks to these sessions are free to attend.

15/02/2026

15/02/2026

🌟 Foster carers — the DfE want to hear from you!

The Department for Education is looking for foster carers approved within the last 2 years to take part in a 60‑minute online research interview. This will be about your experience of applying to become a foster carer.

📅 Sessions run 9 to 12 March
💻 60 minutes on Microsoft TEAMS
📝 Share your experience of applying to become a foster carer and help improve the journey for future foster carers

👉 Register your interest to take part and indicate your availability: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yXfS-grGoU2187O4s0qC-fLgHrJzzX5Jt33JfvNWB4JUREJPQTZWSVJETDBGUzJOUTZLUkdJSkFYQS4u

If you’re eligible to take part, a representative from the DfE will get in touch to confirm your session.

11/02/2026

📣The government in England is proposing changes to improve foster care and wants to hear from children and young people who are, or who have ever been in care, and care experienced adults.

👉Young people - https://consult.education.gov.uk/looked-after-children/fostering-for-the-future-views-of-children-and-you/

👉Care experienced adults - https://consult.education.gov.uk/looked-after-children/fostering-for-the-future-improving-the-foster-care/

The consultation closes on 17th March 2026.

31/01/2026

COLLAGE research study for care experienced young people on finding mental health support

Young people (aged 16 – 25, living in England) are invited to share their experiences of finding and getting mental health support via online interview.

This research is led by the University of Birmingham and their partners at the Universities of Bristol and Kent

COLLAGE research flyer

09/01/2026

The pressure to “be back at it” can be loud, especially in caring roles.

But resilience isn’t about pushing through.
It’s about staying connected to yourself while you show up for others.

Gentle January can look like;

🌿 Pacing your return

🌿 Choosing depth over speed

🌿 Noticing when your body tightens and giving it what it needs

🌿 Allowing ‘good enough’

This year, I’m thinking about sustainability from the bottom up. How we look after our bodies, minds and relationships.

🌿 What do we need to build strong, resilient roots? 🌿