PGP / SPD My story:

POTS Is Not “Just a Fast Heart Rate” My heart rate was 88 bpm. I stood up. It went to 134 bpm within four minutes. That’s a rise of 46 beats per minute just from changing position. For adults, one of the diagnostic features of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a sustained increase in heart rate of 30 bpm or more within 10 minutes of standing, alongside symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and without the significant blood pressure drop that would point more towards orthostatic hypotension. So while one smartwatch reading alone does not diagnose POTS, a jump like 88 → 134 bpm shows exactly why simply standing can be difficult. Thankfully, I have been diagnosed and have managed my POTS for years now. And this is something people often misunderstand. Someone with POTS can sometimes manage sitting, moving around or even walking better than standing still. That doesn’t mean the condition is mild. It means the body is having to work differently to keep blood circulating properly while u...

Today should be a day of celebration.  After years of hard work, consistency, determination, and refusing to give up, my stickers finally arrived for my autograph packages. ❤️ They represent two parts of my life that I have poured my heart into: creativity and advocacy. They represent the people I've supported, the voices I've amplified, the causes I've stood up for, and the dreams I've continued to chase even when life made things difficult. But if I'm honest, this past week has been relentless. I think people sometimes forget that behind every profile, page, group, blog, or business is a human being. It's difficult to fully celebrate something you've been excited about when you're simultaneously navigating health battles, recovering from targeted behaviour, dealing with family wounds, and preparing for court proceedings connected to past abuse. Today, when these arrived, I expected to feel excited. Instead, I mostly felt tired. And that's okay. Bec...

Understanding the core fundamentals of Abuse: no no An educational presentation: Abuse can occur right under your nose and you may not even realise that what you are witnessing - or experiencing - is abuse. Not all abuse is physical. Sometimes it looks like: - Manipulation - Intimidation - Humiliation - Gaslighting - Coercive control - Financial restriction - Isolation - Online harassment - Fear - Threats - Exploitation - Psychological harm Many forms of abuse become normalised over time, which is why awareness and education are so important. As part of my Level 2 Understanding Domestic Abuse studies, I created this educational awareness guide exploring the many different forms abuse can take and the long-term impact it can have on individuals, families and communities. This presentation was created to encourage: - Awareness - Compassion - Safeguarding - Education - Healthier communities - Survivor support We need more people choosing to be helpful instead of harmful. Abuse thrives in ...

Not Their Enemy, Just Their Reminder: Some people see genuine support as a threat because they’ve been too busy being maladaptive, nepotistic, and sabotaging others while pretending to help. They weaponise their so-called “support” to harm, and they don’t want those they’ve pushed out of the community — their self-proclaimed elite — to have a real voice. They thrive on ostracising, silencing, and blacklisting others. I’ve lived it, so of course I get trolled and attacked for running a magazine that gives everyone a voice and refuses to leave anyone out. Because of a false community protection notice I received, there are now two organisations and a company I can’t publish about in the magazine. My genuine support for them was met with lies, manipulation, and abuse — and I can’t be involved with them anymore. I still write about the reality of what happens. I prefer positive and uplifting posts, but I can’t control how others behave — I can only call it out and focus on the spaces that ...

Disability Advocacy Changes Lives ❤️ Disability advocacy means everything to me. It isn’t just about words — it’s about action. It’s about refusing to stay quiet when people are discriminated against, ignored, or mistreated. That’s why I created and shared this graphic today. Because people still need reminding that: Disability advocacy means fighting for the rights, inclusion, and equality of people with disabilities. It is about challenging discrimination and barriers, and promoting accessibility and independence for all. That’s what I live by. That’s what I fight for. Recently, my advocacy has looked like: Delivering my Disability Awareness Speech, sparking honest conversations about accessibility, the social model of disability, and how society must change. Working as an Independent Visitor for children in care, standing alongside them so they know they have someone in their corner when the system feels overwhelming. Supporting people when they face housing gatekeeping, making sure...

I had an early start today with a driving lesson, followed by a quick visit to my parents for coffee. It’s set to be a busy day, as I plan to attend the Great Aycliffe Town Council meeting this evening. Having taken back Aycliffe Uncensored, I’m committed to keeping up to date with developments in our community and continuing the work behind the scenes. This week is especially full, as I’ve taken on supporting a few more people through my advocacy work, alongside continuing my Level 2 studies.  As an advocate, my role is to stand with people, amplify their voices, and help them navigate the systems and challenges they face. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I’m proud to contribute to bettering people’s lives. If more of us chose to pass on kindness and support, so many more people would feel seen, valued, and empowered. Together, we are stronger. ❤️ Sarah 🌹 xo Alt text: Selfie of Sarah with red hair tied back, glasses, and a lip piercing, wearing a black fishnet top over a red...

Shining a Light on Disability: My Upcoming Talk on Disability Awareness For as long as I can remember, I’ve carried the weight of being unseen—of living in a world that wasn’t built for people like me. Not just physically, but socially, emotionally, and culturally. And yet, it’s precisely because of these experiences that I feel a responsibility to speak up, to share what I’ve learned, and to challenge the assumptions and barriers that too often go unquestioned. Very soon, I’ll be giving a talk on disability awareness. This isn’t just another event on the calendar for me—it’s a chance to create understanding, to shine a light on realities many people don’t see, and to give voice to those often unheard. I’ll be sharing my personal journey: the daily challenges, the moments of invisibility, and the resilience it takes to navigate a world that isn’t always accommodating. But I’ll also be highlighting hope, possibility, and the change that is within our reach when awareness meets action. D...

What a Disability Advocate Actually Does (and Why I’m Different) A disability advocate is someone who stands up for disabled people’s rights , access, and dignity. Advocates challenge unfair systems, support people through complex processes, and ensure their voices are heard when they are often ignored. Advocacy is about empowering individuals to access the support and services they are entitled to, and holding services, councils, and policies accountable. I have been doing this work for over two decades, informed by both professional training and lived experience. My work includes: Helping disabled people secure accessible housing and adaptations to live safely and independently. Supporting people through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications and appeals. Sharing knowledge about Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), helping women manage the condition and, in some cases, avoid requiring wheelchairs. Implementing practical changes, such as securing seating at bus stops so peop...

Public Statement: Speaking Up Shouldn’t Mean Being Silenced I’ve taken some time to reflect before saying anything publicly. But recent events have left me confused, disheartened, and needing to share what’s happened—not for attention or conflict, but because I believe in honesty, fairness, and the importance of being heard. As a disabled advocate and resident of County Durham, I recently raised a formal complaint about the conduct of a sitting councillor. This wasn’t something I did lightly. The behaviour I flagged involved public misinformation, a misuse of influence, and actions that had already harmed me and others in the community—especially those of us who are vulnerable or marginalised. I submitted my complaint with context, evidence, and a respectful request for anonymity due to past targeting. Despite this, I was told the complaint is unlikely to proceed, that my name cannot be protected, and that I may wish to withdraw it. What I’m struggling to understand is this: How is it ...