SUZANNE SMART

Words are our language, our life blood, how we express ourselves. Without words, we are pushed into finding other modes of communication. Words are the building blocks to relationships. Words can heal or hurt, build or break.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Suzanne Smart, a Trauma Transformation Practitioner & Trainer on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. I migrated to trauma practice after a teaching career, working in deprived areas where it was imperative to reach the children before being able to teach them. The experience was a baptism by fire into human behaviour under abject conditions and the compassion needed to overcome.

How would you describe your cultural heritage?

My cultural heritage has been shaped and honed by a myriad of influences, both Welsh and West Indian. My parents are both Windrush Generation British Citizens; dad from Barbados, mum from Antigua and I am first generation Welsh born. I wear all three flags with pride and take full advantage of the richness of my triple heritage. I am Black. I am British. I am Welsh.

With your work what is it you hope to achieve?

Childhood trauma can be physically and mentally debilitating. Through my company, POSITIVE IMPRINT, I hope to facilitate understanding of what trauma is, the causes and how to transform that trauma into a positive life force, enabling survivors to heal, thrive and live a life of fulfilment.

How can we improve the lives of young people, for future generations?

I really feel a trip back to basics would go a long way towards improving the lives of young people. More outdoor engagement, outside lessons (Shakespeare, for example). Room to make mistakes and learn from them. Improved support services for the children and their families that need it – those with physical and mental challenges, with more information available to educate the wider community, enabling understanding and empathy. It would be helpful if there was a lot less paperwork for teachers, to release the stress and allow them to focus on teaching, learning and creativity. I think we need more sponsorship for the arts; creativity is a great outlet for all and especially for children, and young people who are forming their perspective on the world and how they fit into it; this builds resilience and improves mental health through the range of immersive experiences. The negative impact of ACESs may also be lessened by creativity and utilising safe spaces, attacking trauma and reducing the impact of complex trauma whilst victims are in the early stages, before the effects take hold and fester.

If you could change one thing about your lived experience, what would it be and why?

I wouldn’t change a thing. My lived experience is what has moulded my life. If things were any different, who’s to say they would have been any better. I help many suffering people to regain their lives and find fulfilment; a direct outcome of my life experiences. I have three wonderful children and six perfect (biased, I know, but I am allowed…) grandchildren. I wouldn’t change them for the world.

You write poetry, which is pretty powerful stuff, how important do you think words are?

Words are our language, our life blood, how we express ourselves. Without words, we are pushed into finding other modes of communication. Words are the building blocks to relationships. Words can heal or hurt, build or break. The beauty lies in how we choose to use our words. This is where our relationship with ‘self’ comes into the equation. If we have a good relationship with self, then the words we choose will emulate that; the same goes if we do not. Words are a compass, a light, a lifeline. Words are also a rut, a signifier and a grave. Words elevate and demote. The beauty in the ear of the beholder or the cutting remark which tears down hearts, minds and souls. We each choose.

Tell us about your aspirations for FLOURISH.

My intention for FLOURISH is to be the go-to for youth emotional resilience training. The name synonymous with ‘flourishing’ minds and attitudes. Young minds are so vulnerable, because of their plasticity, so it makes sense to mould them with intentional greatness, to lessen the eventuality of them needing to backtrack later in life. Build resilience as a matter of course throughout the formative years and gain generational advantage.

Suzanne is keen to collaborate with schools, please email: suzanne@positive-imprint.co.uk