Sue Bell OBE DL co-authors new book with Fatima Whitbread MBE
Last week saw the launch of The Strength of Resilience, a powerful new book bringing together the stories of 20 co-authors, including entrepreneurs, leaders, coaches and changemakers.
Among them is Kids Inspire CEO and Clinical Director, Sue Bell OBE DL, who was invited to contribute, sharing her personal journey - the experiences that shaped her and ultimately led to founding Kids Inspire.
Fatima Whitbread MBE describes The Strength of Resilience as:
“not just my story. It’s a celebration of people who have faced life head on and emerged stronger.”
Sue attended the special launch event in London and reflected on the experience alongside the other co-authors:
“It was a genuinely moving evening. I met people with extraordinary stories of adversity, courage and determination, and it was an honour to be included among them.
One of the strangest moments was signing books and talking to people who had read my chapter. It felt surreal, but it also reminded me that while the chapter carries my name, it reflects a journey that has been shaped by many people over many years.
As I listened to the stories being shared, I kept thinking about the children and families we work with every day. One of the deepest lessons I have learned, and something that sits at the heart of Kids Inspire, is that children make sense when we understand their story. Behaviour is communication. Beneath every struggle is someone trying to adapt, survive, belong and be understood.
Resilience is often spoken about as though it is an individual quality, but I was reminded last night that resilience grows in relationship. It grows when people feel seen, understood, supported and valued.
The story I shared in the book includes the early days of Kids Inspire, but what it cannot fully capture is the extraordinary contribution of the many people who have helped build Kids Inspire into what it is today.
Whether working directly with children and families, leading teams, supporting operations, raising funds, managing services or working behind the scenes, every person contributes to the relationships, opportunities, love and care that sit at the heart of our organisation.
Last night left me feeling enormously grateful. Grateful for the trust that children and families place in us. Grateful for the people who have believed in the vision over the years. And grateful for all of you who continue to bring that vision to life every day through your skill, compassion and commitment.
The evening was a celebration of strength and resilience, but for me it was also a reminder that healing happens in relationship, and that is something Kids Inspire demonstrates every single day.”
It is a true privilege for Sue to be part of this book, and an incredible opportunity to shine a light on the work of Kids Inspire and the importance of supporting children and young people’s mental health.
The Strength of Resilience is available to purchase now via Amazon.
