Home . Why We Do It . Our Impact So Far

Our Impact So Far.

We analysed all the feedback forms we have collected since our first event in 2016, looking at how people felt during and after our event, as well as what they thought of Touch Network, and how coming to one of our events made them reflect on their own lives.

This page will show you the impact that we are having, and how our Touch community describe us and our events.

What did people think?

In total, we received 1136 comments specifically about people’s thoughts and reflections either on our events or our overall project. We analysed these comments and identified six key points our attendees made after coming to one of our storytelling events:

I learnt something.

139 people said they learnt from each other or found the event interesting / useful.

I felt inspired.

141 people said they felt inspired after attending one of our events.

I felt uplifted.

70 people said our events made them feel hopeful or uplifted.

I felt connected.

70 people commented that they felt connected to the storyteller, or that it was an honour / privilege to take part.

I felt welcomed.

147 people agreed that they liked the atmosphere / venue, or felt comfortable / safe and in a friendly environment.

I felt empowered.

88 people commented on feeling empowered; through self belief, conscious action, the project itself or honesty and openness.

What did people take from our events?

We received 308 comments about things people will take away and reflect on from our events. We have broken these into categories in the chart below:

What did people like about the event?

We received 781 comments from our community telling us specifically what they liked about our events. We have put these into categories in the chart below:

Our Impact.

Our events are at the heart of what we do, so we make sure to keep records of how many people have attended and become part of our community. Here are our key figures for both our neighbourhood events and our additional support services.

101

Total Events Held

Since 2016

269

Total Speakers

Since 2016

2790

Total Attendees

Since 2016

538

Coaching / Support Hours Provided

Since 2016

What people think about Touch.

We took the words our community used to describe us and our events from the feedback forms and made a word cloud to show you what people think about Touch.

Privilege

Personal

Supportive

Unforgettable

Worthwhile

Challenging

Love

Encouraging

Enlightening

Energising

Excellent

Healing

Optimistic

Informative

Useful

Gorgeous

Joyful

Self-belief

Heartwarming

Thanks

Welcoming

Respectful

Beautiful

Relaxed

Lovely

Moving

Liberating

Touching

Fascinating

Inspiring

Motivating

Real

Human

Wonderful

Positive

Enjoyable

Insightful

Fantastic

Safe

Emotional

Uplifting

Varied

Unique

Valuable

Honest

Hopeful

Refreshing

Rewarding

Brave

Inclusive

Interesting

Special

Proud

Friendly

Comforting

Amazing

Thought-provoking

Therapeutic

Meaningful

Great

Powerful

Brilliant

Open

Reflective

Gift

Our Events.

This is the Touch Network calendar. A place where you can find out more information about all of our past events.

#14: February 16, 2018.

Hanger Farm Arts Centre

Number of attendees: 70
Number of speakers: 4

Hosted by Dan and Debs

Dan is the founder of Love Soul Choir and we have worked together with him to deliver joint events which have included some amazing choir performances.

Debs has hosted a number of times and her story is part of the foundations of Touch. She is a mum of 2 little ones, and works for Touch full time.

Hanger Farm Arts Centre
Aikman Lane
Totton
England
SO40 8FT
United Kingdom

Event Speakers

Joe	Joe: A passion for life after suffering from an anxiety disorder A passion for life after suffering from an anxiety disorder Joe was faced with a constantly changing upbringing and challenges very close to home, which lead to a severe anxiety disorder during his teenage years and into his twenties. But with the right support and inner strength, he has found meaning and a passion for life. He now understands his emotions and is excited about future opportunities, using the anxiety as a force for good rather than seeing it as a hindrance.
Lucy	Lucy: Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome About 4 years ago, Lucy found herself with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Through sheer determination and a refusal to accept that CFS could be a life-long condition, Lucy pieced together a path to recovery. While the journey has thrown up some surprises, she believes that the things she has learned have made her stronger, and better.
Eric	Eric: Experience of education having attended a grammar school while living on a council estate. Experience of education having attended a grammar school while living on a council estate. Eric trained as a teacher and social worker and spent many years working with disaffected young people. He shared about the impact of his own experience of education having attended a grammar school while living on a council estate.
Rachel & Asma	Rachel & Asma: Friendship, seeking asylum and setting up a Bake Club Friendship, seeking asylum and setting up a Bake Club Rachel and Asma shared about how they met and their friendship. Asma shared a little of her journey which led to seeking asylum in the UK and Rachel talked about her journey of finding opportunities to meet with and learn from women seeking asylum in Southampton. Together they have started a community Bake Club.

Attendee Feedback

I felt very humble and most respectful of others whom I met.

It was a very moving and inspiring event that is well run.

I feel it is most encouraging to hear of peoples’ journeys and how lucky I have been.

#5: September 23, 2016.

Coffee#1 Portswood

Number of attendees: 10
Number of speakers: 4

Hosted by Keren and Phil

Keren has been involved in Touch from the early days. She loves people, and getting the best out of them which really shows in her hosting of events.

Phil was involved in Touch from the early days as a Director, he also got involved hosting events and enjoyed the experience.

Coffee#1 Portswood
203-205 Portswood Road
England
SO17 2NF
United Kingdom

Event Speakers

Sam	Sam: Highs and lows of a mental health diagnosis Highs and lows of a mental health diagnosis Sam talked about the highs of being sectioned in the Department of Psychiatry, to the lows of unemployment and coming to terms with a mental health diagnosis, and then to sorting things out (hopefully) and making the most of all the experiences gained along the way
Louise	Louise: Turning trauma into victory Turning trauma into victory Louise told us about her journey of self discovery, exploring concepts of identity, belonging and family. She was born in Rwanda and left in 1993 just before the genocide, where she and her brother were adopted by a French couple. 20 years later she took her first trip back, which opened up a lot of questions and challenges, fuelled by a deep need to find inner emotional peace. Since then, she’s had the opportunity to carry the Rwandan flag at Commonwealth Day, have breakfast at the President of Rwanda’s Office, do an internship with the First Lady – and above all turn trauma into victory and reclaim a great sense of pride for her home country, Rwanda
Mark	Mark: Managing to overcome the fear of rejection Managing to overcome the fear of rejection Mark shared his story of paternal rejection in early childhood. He says that the desire for acceptance and learning to trust people remain a lifelong challenge. Mark’s story is remarkable because he appears confident and successful. He has been the Chair and Director of global organisations and currently runs three companies. His story showed how the fear of rejection remains an ever present threat that he has, in part, learnt to manage and overcome.
Debs	Debs: Living with depression and looking after a young baby Living with depression and looking after a young baby Debs shared her story of being a Mum yet experiencing an ongoing struggle with depression. She has spent a lot of time in hospital over the years, but this was her first time living in a Mother and Baby Unit in Winchester for two months. Her story talked about what it’s like to have depression and continue to love and look after a 10 month old and how her daughter, friends, family and the team at the hospital have helped her to come through.

Attendee Feedback

Brilliant initiative. Great opportunity to listen to real people’s lives Very moving but comforting that others feel the same way. All the speakers were very brave.

What an interesting, moving, and even though it’s not quite the right word, entertaining evening. So unusual and such a privilege to hear such personal stories – the honesty and bravery of the speakers was inspiring.

The event was inspiring. Hearing how life has not always been easy but how people have learned, or are still learning, to cope and be positive. Well done everybody.

Sense of Community	86
New Perspectives	110
Self Belief	25
Connection with honesty	66
Ideas to apply to own life	21

It was inspiring	141
It was varied	99
It was moving	37
It was uplifting	70
It was honest	26
It was useful	53
It was comfortable	147

Matt	Matt: Volunteering at a Community Cafe Volunteering at a Community Cafe Matt chatted about volunteering at the Christmas and Community Café for 16 years, what he has learnt and how some of this learning is applied in his working role.
Emma	Emma: Unexpected enjoyment of physical activity Unexpected enjoyment of physical activity Emma talked about her relationship with physical activity – from no level of physical activity to completing her 100th outdoor swim, and how she learnt to embrace silliness and appreciate the natural environment.
Cara	Cara: Supporting her sister through cancer Supporting her sister through cancer Cara spoke about how she found resilience whilst supporting her sister on her cancer journey through covid times and beyond.
Amanda	Amanda: Discovering resilience after a mid-life crisis Discovering resilience after a mid-life crisis Amanda found herself surviving a mid-life crisis at 45. She began a process of learning to read the signs and having the courage to make changes. It became a discovery of the real meaning of resilience and the importance of congruence.

Megan	Megan: Volunteering during quarantine Volunteering during quarantine Megan talked about how volunteering gave her some moments of light and connection through quarantine, when she was unable to be with her family
Seb	Seb: Tackling self-doubt Tackling self-doubt Seb spoke about how she tackled self-doubt through incremental challenges to achieve personal growth.
Zara	Zara: Finding a healthy work/life balance through volunteering Finding a healthy work/life balance through volunteering Zara spoke about how volunteering encouraged her to look at her own academic practises and find a healthy work / life balance. Her story will also touch on her strained relationship with her father and his substance misuse
Sim	Sim: Gaining a sense of empowerment while volunteering at university Gaining a sense of empowerment while volunteering at university Sim spoke about how volunteering has given her a sense of empowerment through difficult times at University

Lisa	Lisa: Her lifelong role as a carer Her lifelong role as a carer Lisa spoke about her lifelong role as a carer for her family and how after some catastrophic events over 15 years Lisa embarked on a spiritual journey. She will touch on her poor mental health and unhealthy coping mechanisms that lead to self-harm, failed suicide attempts and reaching the lowest of lows.
Danni	Danni: How her dad changed her life How her dad changed her life Danni talked about how she met her Dad, how he changed her life and helped her to realise what it takes to be a real Father.
Dan	Dan: Vulnerability and self-acceptance Vulnerability and self-acceptance Dan spoke about his journey of vulnerability and self-acceptance, from experiencing eating disorders and poor body image, and also a physical assault. Dan found that showing up authentically in all situations and becoming a mental health advocate, created a life-affirming and healing path for him.
Davey	Davey: Supporting his wife through her cancer treatment Supporting his wife through her cancer treatment Davey talked about how he looked after his own wellbeing while supporting his wife through her cancer treatment throughout lockdown.

What did people think?

I learnt something.

I felt inspired.

I felt uplifted.

I felt connected.

I felt welcomed.

I felt empowered.

What did people take from our events?

What did people like about the event?

Our Impact.

Total Events Held

Total Speakers

Total Attendees

Coaching / Support Hours Provided

What people think about Touch.

Our Events.

Summer 2023 – Touch Network has held 100 events!

Make a friend smile with a thoughtful Touch gift.

Emily	Emily: Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Emily talked about her experience of being diagnosed with Breast Cancer age 34…The ups, the downs and how some amazing things have happened in her life as a result.
Joe	Joe: Being a Carer Being a Carer Joe talked about the varying roles she’s played in her life, and how, through the pandemic, she’s learnt to embrace her latest role of being a carer.
Clarke	Clarke: Finding his Dream Career Finding his Dream Career Clarke spoke about how in spite, and perhaps because of losing his sight and battling ill health, he found his dream career as an artist.
Alex	Alex: Finding Ways to Manage his own Wellbeing Finding Ways to Manage his own Wellbeing Alex talked about his journey of learning ways to look after his own wellbeing through periods of life change, ill health and mental health challenges.

Saire	Saire : Self compassion and looking after herself Self compassion and looking after herself Saire’s life in lockdown…a journey of discovery. Saire talked about how she increased her self-compassion and learned how to look after herself better during lockdown.
Nazneen & Pathik	Nazneen & Pathik: Lockdown Lockdown Nazneen, Pathik and Debs chatted together about how they managed lockdown with young children. Focusing on the solutions they found to support them and their children to feel the best they could during what has been a difficult time.
Laura	Laura: Lockdown Lockdown Laura regularly uses poetry to explore ideas and experiences, and shared something she wrote to capture the highs and lows of life in lockdown.
Simon	Simon: Working in the NHS during COVID Working in the NHS during COVID Simon talked about working in COVID… expecting the unexpected, Simon’s personal perspective.

Ian	Ian: Depression Depression Ian talked about his 17 years working in insurance with high profile clients and a busy social life. Ian told us about how everything wasn’t as it looked, he was struggling with depression. He talked about the life choices he made that have led to, and continue to help, with his recovery.
Sarah	Sarah: Autism Autism Sarah talked about her recent diagnosis of autism. She explained how this has helped her to understand the challenges she’s faced, become more accepting of herself and connect more deeply to others.
Charlie	Charlie: Bad experience of boarding school Bad experience of boarding school Not everyone who went to boarding school ends up running the country – those are one lot. The other lot are sufficiently wounded by the experience that it shapes their whole life, and they struggle to understand, make sense and overcome it. Charlie is one of those.
Lizzie	Lizzie: Feeling low Feeling low Lizzie described how after lots of big life events in a short space of time, she noticed she began to feel particularly low and the feeling wasn’t shifting. She slowly began to accept that this wasn’t normal and that she needed to seek help. Lizzie’s story described how she found beauty in herself and life again.

Vie	Vie: Setting up social enterprise Setting up social enterprise From feeling like a failed human to becoming a success in her own terms, Vie talked about her social enterprise journey to setting up VieNess Discover You Love You CIC.
Emma	Emma: Autism Autism Emma shared her experiences of being on the autistic spectrum, of having a hard time understanding love and relationships and of being hopelessly infatuated with pop stars, a teacher and an ex-boyfriend, before finally finding a long-term partner at the ripe old age of 38.
James	James: Adjustment disorder and PTSD Adjustment disorder and PTSD James talked about overcoming an adjustment disorder from his transition from the military to civilian life. He talked about how this compounded his diagnosis of PTSD from his service and how, with help, he has navigated his mental health issues on his journey of recovery, to now lead a healthy and positive life. James told us about how he now works for the organisation that helped him through.
Rebecca	Rebecca: Functional Neurological Disorder Functional Neurological Disorder Rebecca talked about Functional Neurological Disorder, which makes her wobble and shake at times. She focussed on how she has found she is more resilient than she thought, and that her friends and family have picked her up when things are hard to cope with.

Pip	Pip: Turning 50 Turning 50 Pip chatted with us about how becoming 50 marked a turning point in her life. Around this time Pip was forced to escape the ‘rat race’ for health reasons, but in turn this enabled Pip move from a place of emptiness to gratitude.
Debs	Debs: Overwhelming challenges & being out of her comfort zone Overwhelming challenges & being out of her comfort zone Founder of Touch Network, Debs updated us on her current overcoming challenges, especially around being out of her comfort zone when things seem to be going well. She also updated us on our new project ‘My Amazing Story’ and how she attempts to overcome fear when trying out new ideas such as this.
Anne & Jenny	Anne & Jenny: Setting up Southampton Mental Health Network Setting up Southampton Mental Health Network Annie and Jenny talked about the things that encouraged Annie to lead on setting up the Southampton Mental Health Network and how Jenny and her family have inspired, supported and motivated her on the way.
Colin	Colin: Life as an actor, drug & alcohol worker & founder of a Ukulele Band Life as an actor, drug & alcohol worker & founder of a Ukulele Band Husband, father of 3.5 children, orphan, founder of Southampton Ukulele Jam, actor, drug and alcohol worker, and member of the Chateau Bateau Band looks back over his 51 years and wonders how he got here without falling off the edge.

Clare	Clare: Other people's expectations Other people's expectations Clare talked about shedding the baggage of other people’s expectations and finding her path again through writing.
Celeste	Celeste: Developing sense of home and community Developing sense of home and community Celeste talked about her experience of change during the time she has lived in Southampton. Looking at her developing sense of home, what this has meant to her, and how her sense of community has changed.
Marc	Marc: Living with a mental illness Living with a mental illness Marc shared with us his journey of what it has been like living with a mental illness. From self destruction and addiction, to seeking help and understanding.
Lucy	Lucy: Difficult relationships Difficult relationships Lucy chatted to us about her experience of some difficult relationships. She told us about her journey of discovering who she is, what she thinks, what she needs and how she is okay with knowing the journey is not over yet.

Saire & Laura	Saire & Laura: Friendship and living with mental ill health Friendship and living with mental ill health Saire and Laura chatted with us about how their friendship has been a lifeline through the highs and lows of living with mental ill health. They told us about how they met, and how their friendship has a huge impact on how they can enjoy life and have fun.
Claire	Claire: Setting up a community bookshop Setting up a community bookshop Claire shared how her passion for social change has led her to be the instigator in the epic move of Southampton’s community bookshop, October Books, and some of the personal challenges faced on this journey.
Chris	Chris: Highs and lows of his entrepreneurial career Highs and lows of his entrepreneurial career Chris chatted to us about his entrepreneurial career and described the highs and lows of this. He also described the twists and turns that his personal life has taken, including moving here from South Africa and family life.
Matt & Rueben	Matt & Rueben: Embracing mental wellbeing Embracing mental wellbeing Matt and Reuben who work at Trago Lounge (a café bar in Portswood) shared some of their own stories, and chatted with us about how the team have decided to embrace mental wellbeing, through supporting Touch Network, as their fundraising cause of the year.

Jane	Jane: Cancer & living with a constant oxygen supply Cancer & living with a constant oxygen supply Jane is a cancer survivor – not only one but twice. Jane is living with other health conditions and uses a constant oxygen supply. She talked about her life experiences and challenges with health and work.
Charlie	Charlie: Marriage breakdown Marriage breakdown Charlie was 50 something when his marriage broke down and he found himself homeless in Southampton. He talked about his experience and how it affected him and the unusual friendship he formed in Southampton. He believes: “we need to be bigger than some of our beliefs.”
Alex	Alex: Searching for his identity & reconnecting with his father Searching for his identity & reconnecting with his father Alex is a mixed-race person born in Eastern Europe. He talked about his experiences and search for identity and his reconnection with his ethnic background and his father who he has not seen in decades.
Brian	Brian: Fear of heights Fear of heights Brian is 82 now. Throughout his long illustrious life he has faced and overcome a number of personal challenges and obstacles, starting with his work and conquering the fear of heights. He talked about his experiences of work and overcoming personal fears.
Hany	Hany: Being an immigrant in a foreign country Being an immigrant in a foreign country Hany is an Afghani woman who has found herself an immigrant in a foreign country three times so far. She talked about her life’s experiences and her long journey to the UK and “never giving up”
Baila	Baila: Survivor of domestic violence and abuse Survivor of domestic violence and abuse Baila is Pakistani woman, survivor of violence and abuse together with her four daughters from whom she has been separated. She talked about her experiences and how she motivated herself and “kept on going”….

Debs	Debs: What her business means to her What her business means to her Debs chatted through what working with Touch Network means to her, and the journey it has taken in order to get to a place of feeling comfortable with her working life
Amy	Amy: Long term health condition Long term health condition Amy chatted with Debs about her long-term health condition and how she maintains her sense of humour throughout it all. They chatted together about how Amy continues to not be beaten by the condition, how she is a mum of two and how she once set up an inspiring social impact project in her local area.
Nicky	Nicky: Depression and a brain tumour Depression and a brain tumour Following the birth of her first child, Nicky lived with depression for 16 years. She doesn’t know why she suddenly got better, she just did. Then in 2015 Nicky was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She was shocked and scared and life changed. Nicky and others worried for her mental health in the face of such news. In November 2017 Nicky underwent an 8 hour brain surgery and continues to adjust to the new normal.
Heather	Heather: Post traumatic growth Post traumatic growth Heather shared her story of post traumatic growth. She took us with her as she recalled the highs and lows of being a critically ill patient and then a carer for her terminally ill mum. Together these experiences have changed her life, and its purpose, as well as giving her the most fab-u-lous opportunities.

Jemma	Jemma: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis At the age of fourteen Jemma was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, something of which was only brought to her doctor’s attention after her mum noticed a deformity in her back while she was getting ready for a birthday party. As the curvature and twist in her spine worsened and she progressed into her teenage years, Jemma became more conscious about her body and the things she would wear. Now, after having an operation (spinal fusion) at the age of nineteen, Jemma feels more confident than ever and is glad that she managed to bounce back from a hard time in her life as quick as she did.
Matt	Matt: Panic attacks, dehabilitating anxiety & physical symptoms of stress Panic attacks, dehabilitating anxiety & physical symptoms of stress Matt chatted with Debs about developing coping mechanisms for a variety of challenging mental health conditions, including panic attacks, debilitating anxiety and physical symptoms of stress. He reflected upon how creative writing and poetry can help people overcome social phobias and how exercise provides him with stability and points of return in times of need
Claudia	Claudia: Overcoming communist thinking Overcoming communist thinking Claudia who reached a milestone in her life this year, discussed how she overcame her communist thinking.
Matt	Matt: Challenges and inspirations of fatherhood Challenges and inspirations of fatherhood Matt talked about the impact of being a father, how it both challenges and inspires. He explored how as his sons grow older, he connects more with his own childhood.

Lynda	Lynda: Borderline personality disorder Borderline personality disorder Lynda talked about how she found light at the end of the borderline personality disorder tunnel. She chatted through how she navigated her way through the many twists and turns of the sometimes bumpy journey and still enjoy her life.
Luke	Luke: Working in social care Working in social care Luke talked about his personal work journey and how he has overcome the challenges of working in social care and supporting people with complex needs, emotions, behaviours and systems around them.
Jenni	Jenni: Living with a canine partners dog Living with a canine partners dog Jenni talked about how a wonderful canine partners dog has completely changed the life of a local mum and her family. A happy, warm and waggy friend attended!
Debs	Debs: Feeling comfortable with her working life Feeling comfortable with her working life Debs chatted through what working with Touch Network means to her, and the journey it has taken to get to a place of feeling comfortable with her working life.

Bhavin	Bhavin: Feeling the odd one out at school Feeling the odd one out at school Bhavin chatted to us about feeling the odd one out at school and how this lead to some mental health challenges in adulthood. He told us about how things have moved forward in recent years, through being able to identify his triggers and good friends.
Jan	Jan: Getting through illness Getting through illness For Jan, to be unable to walk, drive, work, for at least 14 weeks, was inconceivable. Yes, it was a temporary situation, but difficult to contemplate. She did not count on the amazing support she had from friends in the village – her very own Care in the Community!
Paul	Paul: Fear of public speaking Fear of public speaking Paul spoke about how an insight into his fear of public speaking helped him understand that his fear was not about public speaking at all.
Debs	Debs: What her business means to her What her business means to her Debs chatted through what working with Touch Network means to her, and the journey it has taken to get to a place of feeling comfortable with her working life.

Jon & Chris	Jon & Chris: Loss of critically ill daughter Loss of critically ill daughter Jon and Chris shared how their daughter Katie overcame some of the challenges she faced from critical illness and disability, maintaining a positive attitude even in the final months of her life. They also discussed how they have been managing the day-to-day impact of grief and bereavement following the loss of Katie 18 months ago.
Dominic	Dominic: Hope and despair of life Hope and despair of life Dominic talked about his ordinary life.  As a boy at school he was told that he ‘wouldn’t amount to much’ and he carried that with him into adulthood.  He shared the nagging doubt, a story of love and surprise and how through highs and lows, hope and despair, life has amounted to a fair bit.
Sam	Sam: Swimming in open water to help him grieve Swimming in open water to help him grieve Sam lost his father in 2017 following a six year battle with cancer. He shared how open water swimming helped him to grieve and why he is exploring how others use exercise to improve their mental health.
Jenny	Jenny: Challenges and joys of being a foster carer Challenges and joys of being a foster carer Jenny talked to us about her life as a Foster Carer, the challenges and joys and the hurdles she has had to overcome to qualify for the role.  Her journey has not necessarily been the classical one, but with the right network around her she has been able to fulfil her dream.

Nikki	Nikki: Her son's premature birth Her son's premature birth Nikki shared her story of son Zachary’s premature birth and his 50 days in intensive care. She shared her emotions as well as how she found beauty in the journey.
Clare	Clare: Role of music after life-changing diagnoses Role of music after life-changing diagnoses Clare spoke about the role of music in her adjustment to a new perspective on life after four life-changing diagnoses in the space of three months. Facing her own mortality has meant that she has been able to let go of some of the fear of ‘what other people might think’ and start writing music again, finding meaning and ways to express some of the things she has experienced, however scary it might be.
Frances	Frances: How others have believed in her How others have believed in her Frances has struggled with physical and mental health struggles for much of her life. She shared her story of how others have believed in her, leading to her using her vast experience now to provide mutual support to others in similar situations.
Chix	Chix: The constant challenge of ‘scientist vs artist’ within him The constant challenge of ‘scientist vs artist’ within him Chix, who is a primary school teacher, talked about the constant challenge of ‘scientist vs artist’ within him, and how that has played a part in leading him through stressful and anxious times.

Steve	Steve: Overcoming loss of hearing Overcoming loss of hearing Steve has had various health issues since he was 11 years of age, including hearing loss, which has caused many problems. From his experiences he has found a new road to journey, which he hopes will help others
Juanrie	Juanrie: Living with a physical disability Living with a physical disability Juanrie talked about the challenges and achievements of living with a physical disability.
Nazneen	Nazneen: Changing appearances and becoming herself again Changing appearances and becoming herself again Nazneen is a writer and researcher who lives in Southampton. She spoke about having a life and appearance-altering condition, and how it helped her reevaluate her own perception of beauty and redefined her identity.
Seb	Seb: Inner resilience and appearing successful Inner resilience and appearing successful Seb shared some of the personal challenges he has faced whilst being an emerging and outwardly successful social entrepreneur, and through this has learnt inner resilience.

Rosie	Rosie: Learning to live with anxiety Learning to live with anxiety Rosie told her story about overcoming, being a capable woman, and learning to live with anxiety.
Dan	Dan: Finding his own voice Finding his own voice Dan talked about learning to be brave and how as a singer-songwriter he learned to stop hiding behind others and found a new voice (at a ripe old age).
Anna	Anna: Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Anna shared her story on the issues of dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in daily life and the struggle of anxiety from family bereavement. Through this she explained that despite the lows and anxiousness she learnt the power of choice and that you can control your own life and how that has led her to making powerful and freeing decisions.
James	James: Moving forwards from addiction Moving forwards from addiction James talked about surviving addiction and building a life he never thought possible.

Lucy	Lucy: Overcoming PND with the support of choir family Overcoming PND with the support of choir family Lucy talked about her journey of overcoming Postnatal Depression and the joy she gets from singing with Love Soul Choir.  She talked about the obstacles she faced and still faces on a daily basis, and how she has learnt to manage them, whilst still having a hunger for happiness and gratitude for the life she has now.
Dominic	Dominic: Relationship with parents Relationship with parents Dominic spoke about how he chose to abandon his mum as an 11 year old boy, and how he found a way to re-connect with her through writing a book about their relationship and what he loved about her.
Aisling	Aisling: Overcoming multiple challenges Overcoming multiple challenges Aisling has had to face many complex but exciting challenges compared to the average 21 year old. Aisling talked about her amazing life journey, including the many adventures and amusing aspects of her life, alongside the process of learning how to learn to deal with the psychological, physical, social and amusing issues that cerebral palsy brings.
Anna	Anna: Taking control of her own life Taking control of her own life Anna shared her story on the issues of dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in daily life and the struggle of anxiety from family bereavement. Through this she explained that despite the lows and anxiousness she learnt the power of choice and that you can control your own life and how that has lead her to making powerful and freeing decisions.

Liz	Liz : Moving forward from domestic abuse Moving forward from domestic abuse Liz talked a little about her experience of domestic abuse, but more so, on how she is turning her life around and moving forward. She focussed on her recovery journey including walking on hot coals and a doing a wing walk to raise money for the charity that helped her.
Gill	Gill: Leading a fulfilling life with no children Leading a fulfilling life with no children Gill shared something of her journey of coming to terms with not having children, coming through her grief and the realisation that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life without children.
Terry	Terry: Fighting resources to deal with challenges Fighting resources to deal with challenges Terry told his story of how a privileged life came unstuck and how he learnt and is still learning to deal with financial, emotional, psychological and physical strains. On the surface it might appear one way, but underneath there are still dark areas, questions and concerns. Terry reflected on how he has learnt to draw on his resources and continues to fight challenges.
Debs	Debs: Living life to the full with her depression Living life to the full with her depression Debs spoke about her recent admission to hospital for depression. She focussed on the highs and lows of the experience, as well as what she is learning about herself as she lives life as a working mum of one (with another on the way!), develops Touch Network and manages ongoing depression.

Jen	Jen: Emotional eating to freedon Emotional eating to freedon Jen shared her story of struggling with emotional eating, to finding freedom with food. Now a Clinical Psychologist, she loves nothing more than to inspire and support others who are struggling, to do the same.
Simon	Simon: Advantages of Dyslexia Advantages of Dyslexia Simon talked to us about his experience of dyslexia and how it impacted on him as he was growing up He told us about how he coped with the challenges that arose and what was helpful to him at that time and how he uses his dyslexia to full advantage.
Dominic	Dominic: Relationship with parents Relationship with parents Dominic spoke about how he chose to abandon his mum as an 11 year old boy, and how he found a way to re-connect with her through writing a book about their relationship and what he loved about her.
Annette	Annette: Silver linings Silver linings Annette talked about her route to becoming a bakery owner. It all started in north Wales with a baby that her sister wished had been a bike. It has ended in a bakery in Burgess Road, and en route has meandered through the peaks and troughs of universities in Leeds and Germany, accountancy, breast cancer and serving the students of Southampton.

Ben	Ben: Recovery from mental breakdown Recovery from mental breakdown Ben was sectioned at Antelope House in 2013, after a mental breakdown, eventually being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Ben talked about his breakdown, having to quit his work and the long road to recovery – including finding new meaning and passions in the aftermath of his diagnosis.
Rebecca	Rebecca: Road to self employment Road to self employment Rebecca shared about her journey to self employment and how this has helped her carve out her own identity. Being employed by others and working in their structures felt like being crushed, whereas carving a more unique way led to greater personal fulfilment for Rebecca.
Hannah	Hannah: Re starting life and finding a new path Re starting life and finding a new path Hannah told us about being a former professional dancer whose safe place used to be the stage. In her new life, she faces all the problems anyone going through a transition would. She shared her insight into positivity, change and what really matters.
James	James: Think global act local - what can we do to change the world? Think global act local - what can we do to change the world? James’ day job is to review environmental impacts such as climate change, deforestation and species extinction, and how they may be unpicking the fabric of Earth’s life support systems. It’s not always easy to keep a positive outlook. In fact at times he found that he was experiencing feelings of loss and sadness. And powerlessness. So he decided to do something about that by heeding the trusty adage “think global, act local”.

I learnt something.

I felt inspired.

I felt uplifted.

I felt connected.

I felt welcomed.

I felt empowered.

What did people take from our events?

What did people like about the event?

Total Events Held

Total Speakers

Total Attendees

Coaching / Support Hours Provided

#101: July 24, 2023.

Colne Avenue Baptist Church

Hosted by Clayton

Event Speakers

Cindy

Cindy: The support of a vocal group

The support of a vocal group

Chris

Chris: Turning what he believed was failure into success

Turning what he believed was failure into success

Marianna

Marianna: Surviving drug and alcohol addiction

Surviving drug and alcohol addiction

Attendee Feedback

#100: July 12, 2023.

Northam Community Centre, Southampton

Hosted by Lottie

Event Speakers

Tim

Tim: Living with Parkinson's

Living with Parkinson's

Emily

Emily: Celebrating Touch's 100 Events with 100 Letters

Celebrating Touch's 100 Events with 100 Letters

Nina

Nina: Her generous and supportive community

Her generous and supportive community

Attendee Feedback

#99: July 6, 2023.

The Nest, Portswood, Southampton

Hosted by Peter

Event Speakers

Stef

Stef: Growing up as trans

Growing up as trans

Paul

Paul: Living with undiagnosed Asperger's

Living with undiagnosed Asperger's

Attendee Feedback

#98: June 27, 2023.

Kelly House

Hosted by Cara

Event Speakers

Anita

Anita: Resilience despite health difficulties

Resilience despite health difficulties

Terri

Terri: Friendships

Friendships

Joe

Joe: Growing up with dyslexia

Growing up with dyslexia

Attendee Feedback

#97: April 24, 2023.

The Nest Coffee House

Hosted by Alex T-R

Event Speakers

Sadie

Sadie: Her supportive family

Her supportive family

Jackie

Jackie: The importance of music

The importance of music

#96: March 28, 2023.

Kadampa Meditation Centre Southampton

Hosted by Tor

Event Speakers

Jo

Paul	Paul: Relationship with parents / bereavement Relationship with parents / bereavement Paul told us how his Dad died two years ago, at the age of 88. Paul told the story of what it was like growing up with his Dad, he shares the learning he gained from a father who was highly esteemed and respected but often remote. Paul described how his relationship with his Dad changed at the end of his life as Paul helped him to be at peace in his last weeks.
Kate	Kate: Hope / Family / Indepedence and dependence Hope / Family / Indepedence and dependence Kate told us about how Epilepsy, a long term health condition, has affected her, especially over recent years. Kate told us about what she has learnt through her illness including what independence and dependence really mean, the importance of family, and how hope has helped her through
Hannah	Hannah: Self Care / Kindness / Insecurity Self Care / Kindness / Insecurity Hannah shared her journey from childhood insecurity to unsuspecting adulthood and explored what she has learnt about the importance of kindness, self care and choosing joy. In the midst of challenging times she asks the question how are we able to thrive and not just survive?
Dave	Dave: Challenging self Challenging self Dave asked the question ‘ever felt like life is slipping away from you?’ Dave talked about how he is using a landmark birthday to challenge himself and recapture some joie de vivre.

Debs	Debs: Recovering from depression Recovering from depression Debs, founder of Touch Network, spoke a little about her personal story of recovering from severe depression, what life looks like now, and why she founded touch network.
Adele	Adele: Moving her business to Bournemouth Moving her business to Bournemouth Adele told us about her move from London to Bournemouth in 2014. Full-time conventional work had never really suited Adele so in Spring 2015 she took a huge entrepreneurial leap and launched her first business Big Love from Ltd designing greetings cards and gifts. The results have been pretty huge on a personal and professional level.
Sandra	Sandra: Personal and business journey from South America to Bournemouth Personal and business journey from South America to Bournemouth Sandra, from our lovely hosts at Platform 19, chatted to us about her business journey of amalgamating dreams and ambitions in order to create a memorable and pleasurable place to visit and dine.
Michael	Michael: Rejection & finding meaning in life Rejection & finding meaning in life Michael told us about the way his parents offered an open home to many which provided a rich but challenging upbringing. Rejection, broken relationships and a search for deeper meaning and identity, have led Michael to a place of realisation and greater awareness of himself and others. Ultimately his lifelong journey of self-emptying and reliance on something beyond himself and a desire to reconnect others to the source of love and goodness in the universe, is currently lived out through growing vegetables!

Debs	Debs: Introducing Touch Introducing Touch Debs, founder of Touch, gave a little context of Touch and what the evening is all about.
Emily & Sean	Emily & Sean: Life during a PhD Life during a PhD Emily and Sean talked about life during a PhD and the personal challenges they have overcome through this, including planning a wedding and moving house.
Clare	Clare: Overcoming MH struggles and how PhD is part of life Overcoming MH struggles and how PhD is part of life Clare chatted with us about overcoming mental health struggles before studying towards her PhD and how her PhD formed part of her journey of setting up a social enterprise called Embodied.
Jessica	Jessica: Suprise learning from PhD Suprise learning from PhD Jessica talked to us about the unexpected and surprise learning that resulted from studying towards her PhD, such as finding techniques to deal with the loneliness of study.
Thomas	Thomas: Linking self to work and learning Linking self to work and learning Thomas talked about his work as an NHS clinical psychologist and researcher links to his own mental health problems. Does he practice what he preaches? Is there something to be said for ‘you don’t have to be crazy to work here but it helps’?

Debs	Debs: Format and context of the evening Format and context of the evening Debs, founder of Touch Network, told us why she founded Touch Network and the context of the evening
Ann	Ann: Freedom from abuse, debt and mental health difficulties Freedom from abuse, debt and mental health difficulties Ann shared some of her journey of finding freedom from abuse, debt and mental health difficulties, and how she now empowers others with her business ‘red dot shopping’.
Sarah	Sarah: Overcoming the trauma of sudden grief Overcoming the trauma of sudden grief Sarah spoke about overcoming the trauma of sudden grief and the importance of looking after yourself through life’s trials.
Laura	Laura: Poem reflections on womanhood Poem reflections on womanhood Laura shared her poem expressing reflections on womanhood inspired by International Women’s Day.
Tammy	Tammy: Understanding her vulnerabilities Understanding her vulnerabilities Tammy shared with us something of her journey towards understanding her vulnerabilities.
Maggie	Maggie: Role models in her life Role models in her life Maggie told us about the importance of role models in her life and how she has tried to be a role model to others.

Debs	Debs: Recovering from depression Recovering from depression Debs, founder of Touch Network, spoke a little about her personal story of recovering from severe depression, what life looks like now, and why she founded Touch Network.
Suzanne	Suzanne: Rejecting social norms Rejecting social norms Suzanne told us about her experience of wanting to be herself outside of conforming restraints of comparison and social norms.
Jen	Jen: Emotional eating to freedom Emotional eating to freedom Jen shared her story of struggling with diabetes and emotional eating, to finding freedom around food. Now a Clinical Psychologist, she loves nothing more than to inspire and support others to do the same
Andrea	Andrea: Waiting for your dream Waiting for your dream Andrea spoke a little about how the Songbird (our lovely venue for the evening) came to be after 18 years of first having an idea/dream and how it’s been a part of Andrea’s journey of finding her voice