Hi, I'm Annabel!

I'm a youth mentor, workshop facilitator and the founder of Heartful Humans.

I'm also a hiking lover, ocean dipper and a tea drinker.

As a kid, I was never great at talking about my feelings. I was a pro at burying them and telling everyone I was fine. And eventually they would come out anyway, usually over something completely unrelated.

It took me a long time to learn that feelings need to be felt and not just named or pushed aside. Now, that's what I'm passionate about helping young people do. To notice what's actually going on inside for them, feel and express it without fear or judgement in whatever way feels right for them. As the saying goes, you've gotta feel it to heal it!

Adolescence is a pretty wild ride when you think about it.

Physically, mentally and emotionally, everything is changing all at one and I just don't feel like young people are given enough credit for what they go through during these years. I feel like they all need extra support, compassion and guidance from the adults around them while they navigate all the changes.

It's a tough gig for parents too. Many feel disconnected, worried or just unsure - is this normal? What should I say or not say? Are they actually fine or just really good at pretending? I am over or under reacting?

You don't have to go through any of this on your own and neither does your young person. Whether they're the chatty type or the 'I'm fine' type, there is support for everyone.

How I Can Help

1:1 Mentoring

A safe, calm, confidential space for young people to chat, share and express themselves without judgment.

Workshops

Pratical, engaging sessions on topics like self-esteem, friendships, emotions, body image and more

Main concerns from parents and caregivers

  • Losing connection with their kids

  • Peer pressure and friendships issues

  • Body image

  • Sudden explosions or overreactions

  • Their physical, emotional and mental health

  • Whether they're genuinely happy

  • The impact of social media

  • Whether they're making good decisions

  • Getting caught up in the wrong crowd

What Young People Often Experience During This Stage

  • Low confidence or self-esteem

  • Disconnection with parents

  • Anxiety, worry, stress, overwhelm

  • Big reactions to small triggers

  • Withdrawing from school, family or social occasions

  • Difficulty communicating what's really going on

  • Feeling like something is wrong with them or like they don’t fit in

  • Not wanting to burden anyone with what they're carrying

What people are saying

'My 9 year old daughter loved the workshop and learning about what self esteem means, exploring this in everyday situations, having a safe space to share thoughts, feelings and experiences and listening to other girls doing the same in a really supportive and positive environment. My daughter still talks about the workshop and said she would love to go back and join in again'

Lisa
Parent

'I got a lot out of the workshop and am able to carry what I learnt into year 12 to create a less stressful environment for myself'

Jake
Age 16

'I learnt that I am amazing and strong'

Charlie
Age 10

'I feel much better about what is going on in my life'

Emma
Age 10

'I enjoyed listening to Annabel because it was something new for me and it was interesting. I leaned about our inner negative voice and how to tame it'

Tom
Age 16

A mentor doesn't replace a parent, teacher, counsellor or psychologist. Instead they complement them and are a trusted non-judgemental person in their corner.