In the UK and internationally, I've solid experience interviewing people of all ages about a range of societal and personal issues.

As a paid employee or freelancer for many global non-governmental organisations and national charities, I’ve travelled extensively as part of my work – from the mountains of Tajikistan, the war zones of Sudan to the wreckage of post-earthquake Haiti. Working with photographers and film crews or independently, I’ve sensitively supported people as they’ve shared their personal stories in their own words and in their own time – from six-year-old children who are orphaned by AIDS to 90-year-old widows who have been robbed in their home. 

I apply the principles of the Red Cross Code of Conduct when gathering stories and as a former NSPCC/ChildLine counsellor have had CRB (now DBS) enhanced clearance. Due to confidentiality issues, I do not showcase many photos or stories here, but if we work together I can share examples of printed and digital work.

“I don’t really like where I live. A neighbour robbed my house and it made me very sick. Nobody does anything much for older people here in Moldova. Nobody cares about us; nobody needs us. That’s why I like coming to the community centre. The people here are my family.”
— Alexandra, 90-years-old, widowed and living alone.
“After Cyclone Nargis struck the lime plants were all destroyed. Only recently have I been able to start planting again – banana, guava and coconuts. I’ve had loan support from an older people’s self-help group. Without this money, I’d have to go to loan sharks.”
— Daw San, 61-years-old, grandmother, farmer and main breadwinner

International writing and interviewing has covered the following issues:


ARGENTINA

  • Life in jail in Buenos Aires — Ezeiza Federal Prison and Villa Devoto. Hearing the stories and life experiences of women on drug-smuggling charges, including British and European inmates.

  • Protecting the rights and heritage of the indigenous Wichí people on the Bolivian border, including projects that document their language and history.

BOLIVIA

  • Quechuan people affected by malnutrition and the ongoing impact of the climate crisis in Andean village communities.

BURKINA FASO

  • Farmers affected by the 2006 increased global food crisis and the impact of the climate crisis.

  • Education projects for blind and partially-sighted adults and children.

CAMBODIA

  • Adults and children affected by AIDS or living with HIV in Phnom Penh city and the surrounding rural villages.

COLOMBIA

  • Income-generation projects for those who have fled their homes during the civil conflict in Sincelejo, Cartegena, Barranquilla and Medellín – gathered during 4 separate trips to Colombia.

  • Human rights work in Cali, and Cazuca and Ciudad Bolívar in Bogotá.

HAITl

  • Income-generation projects for older people during the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.

INDIA

  • Gender-equality projects and public health work with women with leprosy or at risk of domestic violence in remote villages in Maharashtra State and Delhi. This includes self-defence classes for young women in rural areas.

  • Documenting the fair trade manufacturing processes of ceramics and jewellery suppliers in Jaipur.

KENYA

  • Vulnerable older people in Lodwar who have been affected by ongoing drought and tribal conflict.

LIBERIA

  • Post-conflict community projects, such as health education and water and sanitation provision in Monrovia.

MOLDOVA

  • Family and child sponsorship programmes that support those at risk of relying on institutionalised care.

  • Soup kitchens and home help for isolated older people living on the breadline.

MYANMAR

  • Documenting the impact of older people's self-help groups in Kyaiklat Township and Pathein.

SUDAN

  • Water and sanitation education and provision, and emergency feeding programmes in Darfur for those affected by the civil conflict.

TAJIKISTAN

  • Primary- and secondary-aged children abandoned to state care and living in institutions. And projects supporting those leaving state care at aged 16.

UGANDA

  • Children and young people living in child-headed households and orphaned by AIDS.

  • Community-based groups helping to set up a network of volunteers to support those affected by HIV and AIDS.

UK

  • Adults and children living with physical and learning disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.