I am an award-winning journalist who spent my teenage years in the UK's foster care system. I am particularly interested in trauma-informed practice within my industry. As both a care experienced person (CEP) who has been interviewed by the media, and a journalist in my own right, I have a unique first-hand perspective on issues that can arise without proper training. When interviewing someone about their lived experience, this conversation can trigger a range of emotions, behaviours and sometimes long-forgotten memories. As a recently qualified journalist, I know that few schools or courses in the UK teach professionals how to deal with these realities.

My Fellowship focuses on the creation of a toolkit which will help prepare journalists for an interview with someone from a CEP background. The trauma-informed toolkit will also advise CEP interviewees on their rights when working with the media, and detail self-care practices to ensure their safety. I am grateful to the Churchill Fellowship for giving me the opportunity to travel to the USA and realise this toolkit. I also hope to turn the toolkit into accessible training sessions available to both media professionals and CEPs.