About topaz
Consultant & Registered Learning Disability Nurse
Topaz is one of the consultants you may work with when you book support through Charlie’s Journey.
We know it can feel daunting speaking openly about your life with someone you’ve never met, so this page is your chance to get to know a little more about Topaz before your appointment.
You’ll find out about her professional background and experience, her own lived experience of chronic illness and neurodivergence, why Charlie trusts her to work with you, and a bit about who she is outside of work too!
Why Charlie Chose Topaz & Why She Trusts Her With You
Topaz is one of us! She is a chronically ill warrior who has had to adjust her life to get out of what I call ‘survival mode’. She has also been on PIP until recently, so she also understands the hell we have to go through in that regard as well.
On top of being a fellow chronic illness warrior & PIP survivor, she is STUNNING at her job! Topaz has over 15 years’ experience specialising in neurodivergence. She has amazing knowledge and experience that she can share with you and help guide you during the consultancy meeting, so you can express how it feels to be you. She is AMAZING at this, as she has lived with severe pain, fatigue, ADHD and understands what is needed from a PIP point of view.
She is also really funny! She has a bladder the size of a walnut…. so she has to wee a lot!!! We call them ‘team wees’ or ‘walnut breaks’ hahahaha. She also…. vapes…. but she won’t do this or even ask if it’s ok unless she feels it’s appropriate!
Remember, we are both really informal and massively want us all to be relaxed during our chats consultancy. With Topaz’s pain levels, she needs to move her body at intervals, which the walnut-sized bladder helps her do. Don’t forget, we can adjust to whatever you need, so if you need to move your body as well or sit still… either way, she will understand and get it!
I trust her to listen and HEAR what you are saying. She will keep you on track but will also adapt to your needs and how you communicate best. The only variance between us is that I use the f-word a lot more!!!
You can be yourself; she isn’t posh….. she is one of us but with great qualifications and experience. I am sure you will be happy you got to work with her!
Remember, she is doing PIP at ‘Charlie Platinum Level’. I would NEVER authorise anyone to work with you unless they were fucking amazing at minimum!
About Topaz’s Professional Background
Qualifications
Registered Learning Disability Nurse
Experience Supporting Chronic Illness, Disability & Mental Health
I am a proud Learning Disability Nurse with 15 years’ expertise delivering person-centred care to adults with learning disabilities, ADHD and autism, with physical and mental health diagnoses.
I have supported a wide range of individuals with different abilities and comorbidities. I have worked closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, GPs and acute services to ensure those who find it difficult to access services get the right support and treatment they need to improve quality of life.
It has been a passion of mine to speak up for those who struggle and help those get the support that they do not know is available.
Areas I’m Particularly Passionate About
I have a special interest in chronic illness. As a fellow warrior, I am diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Endometriosis.
I know what it is like to be room-bound for years and have a great understanding and empathy. I have worked extremely hard over the years to improve my condition, and I am passionate about helping others do the same.
Fun fact, I am also diagnosed with ADHD! Neurodiversity is also a great passion of mine, and I have recently started training on the diagnostic pathways for ADHD and Autism!
Getting to know topaz
A Little More About Me
Outside of work, I am a mum of two daughters. They are in the teen/tween era and keep me on my toes! I have a husband and a grown-up stepson and three cats!
I am working on getting a tank full of tropical fish. I am fascinated by them and love all the sparkly and radiant colours of the scales. I could sit and watch them in an aquarium all day, but I would get kicked out eventually!! My husband does have to drag me away….
I’m easy-going, quite funny (well, people do laugh at my jokes occasionally), I am kind and caring and have a no-nonsense approach in and out of work.
My facial expressions give away exactly what I am thinking (I don’t know I am doing it half the time). I will always lead with kindness and have been told I have a calming presence.
Switching Off & Recharging
I really enjoy listening to music and singing (although I am not sure anyone else likes my singing).
I LOVE Teddy Swims, and he’s often playing in my house on repeat…. much to the rest of the family’s annoyance! I also like Cat Burns, Benson Boone, Olivia Dean and Alex Warren.
Music really helps me switch off and reset.
Pets, Hobbies & Interests
I’ve already mentioned my cats, but not their names…. Coco, Luna and Peggy! They are all black cats, and two of them are long-haired and fluffy! Great for cuddles, not so great for the vacuum!
I really enjoy crafting, and I make a wide range of things! I paint canvases (I’m not Picasso, but I’m not totally crap!!), I make jewellery and hair accessories, I also make and paint ceramics.
I like to keep my mind busy and occupied!! When I am just too shattered for any of that, I am usually watching reruns of comedy panel shows on the sofa with my family! Current favourites are 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Taskmaster!
I do go out now and again… I promise. With my chronic illness and improvement journey, I have only just started to venture out again after a few years!
I enjoy seeing friends and family, going to festivals and little getaways now and again with friends or family.
Why I Chose This Work
Why This Work Matters to Me
This work matters to me as I have personal experience with chronic illness and neurodiversity.
I know how hard and draining it is to get the right help and support at the most stressful time, and the last thing you need on your plate is navigating anything else.
I want to help others get the support they need and improve quality of life wherever I can!
What Makes This Role Meaningful
This role is meaningful to me because I am passionate about making a difference.
Helping people through a stressful and complex process to get the essential support they are entitled to is critical and highly rewarding.
How I Hope Clients Feel After Working With Me
I hope the clients feel listened to, empathised with and that they are made to feel important!
I hope to relieve some worries and stress and provide them with clarity in a very uncertain journey!
What Clients Can Expect From Me
A judgement-free environment
Open and honest discussion
Relatability and empathy
Humour
Kindness
want to find out whether consultancy is right for you?
You can check out all our services on the services page. If you are still unsure whether the service is right for you, you can book a free 15-minute suitability call with Charlie or Topaz. It’s a short, no-pressure video call to find out whether our consultancy support could be right for you and what that support may look like.