E187｜ How a dog named Amber changed everything for Sophie Bradley

If you’ve ever lost hours doomscrolling, you’ll know that social media isn’t always the best place to be. And when it comes to protecting your mental health, the results of countless studies will make you want to close all your Apps and run for the hills. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeekBut before you do, take a moment to check out Sophie Bradley’s story, TechPixies’ Insta Ninja extraordinaire and a woman on a mission to use social media for good (or pawsitivity, if you like 🐾). After hitting burnout in 2017 and suffering from anxiety, depression and PTSD, Sophie found solace in walking her gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Amber.  [Cue some major cuteness if you watch this episode on YouTube. 📹]And in a story familiar to so many women, when Sophie felt the time was right to explore social media, she didn’t feel confident enough to put herself out there at first. So she created an account for Amber (now an Insta influencer in her own right, #dogsofinstagram) and developed the skills she needed to get confident to do her own thing. An Uber Boat campaign and some Coronation fun later, Amber and Sophie are currently fundraising for Pets As Therapy, so check out their Insta accounts and please give whatever you can. 💰  Here’s why you should tune inIf you’re yet to find your voice on social media, be inspired by Sophie’s approach and how she got started. You’ll hear some fab advice on using Instagram to fundraise, take away some top tips on protecting your mental health on social media, and learn more about the awesome work Sophie is doing with Link UP London. Here’s what to listen out for:[01:54] How Sophie used her dog to get confident on social media. [06:57] Amber the Cav Repawter gets a starring role in a historic event.[10:09] Can you help Sophie and Amber’s fundraising efforts? [13:57] Hear this top tip on collaborating on Instagram when fundraising. [18:24] Can you volunteer your skills to Link UP London?[28:28[ Discover what being a coach at TechPixies means to Sophie. [32:58] Tips for protecting your mental health on social media.If you can volunteer your skills to Link UP London’s The Be Heard: Raising Community Voices Programme or you work within a London-based Social Good Organisation that could benefit from help and support, drop Sophie a DM.Press play now ▶️▶️▶️ Love our podcast? Leave a review and get hold of our Quick Start Podcast Guide.For details of links and resources mentioned in this episode, please visit TechPixies.comWant to transform your life?  💪 Discover how to leverage social media with our 21 Day Social Media Confidence Challenge. 🚀 Take your social media to the next level by watching our Social Media Masterclass.🌈 Enjoy a super quick shift in your mindset with our 12 Day Design Your Dream Life Challenge.Follow us on social media @techpixies and ping us a DM or drop us a line  at [email protected] Thanks for listening!