Karen Stewart
My passion is to come alongside people who are struggling and provide support and techniques to help them move forward in life.
​As well as learning from my personal wellbeing journey, I have over 25years experience as a classroom assistant, supporting children with emotional, behavioural and educational needs. I have a pastoral heart and help in church programmes including Transforming Lives for Good (a mentoring programme for primary school children) and GriefShare.
My Story
The inspiration for The Cove's wellbeing programme comes straight from my heart. As a parent of a young adult with ADHD, ASD and anxiety issues, I have often felt very alone and unsure of what to do or where to turn. For the most part I just needed someone to listen to me and suggest where I could access help for my child. It has been a long journey which still has its challenges, but I have learnt a lot along the way.
At times in life we can feel stuck. For me, that happened through the death of a loved one. I longed to return to the life I knew before the loss, but I eventually realised that I couldn’t be the person I was before and that I needed help to move forward.​​​
​The most important lesson I’ve learnt is to seek help early and make changes before I become totally overwhelmed.
There is no shame in asking for help, that’s how we learn and heal.
Life is still not easy at times, but I’ve learnt healthy ways of coping and have come to understand that my relationship with God, along with the support of good friends, is key to my wellbeing.
The following story was sent to me by a friend when I was a teenager:
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Only now, as an adult, can I fully appreciate this message. I am scarred, but more resilient and empathetic towards others who are experiencing similar pain.