Taking Action with the real David Cameron and Melanie Stuart ACEs activist, lecturer at Dundee & Angus College

We are back with a bang! Season 2 of Taking Action kicks off with the indefatigable Melanie Stuart, FE lecturer, activist and more. The list of links and references set out below will give you a flavour of the range of this conversation. Mel is open, honest and brave and shares her own personal development in these notes and on the show, but, above all she gets stuff done which is what taking Action is all about.It's one for anyone interested in FE, culture change and courage Relax KidsThis is where the journey began for me, learning about ACEs and how the brain works. As part of Relax Kids training in Scotland, we met Jane Evans, whose work had a significant impact. Link to Jane Evans work which I use in lessons with students https://youtu.be/qKlzd-H2X9w?si=CBbVRsbjXhw8-dbzWebsite: https://relaxkids.com/Hand in Hand ParentingWanting to know more I then discovered Hand in Hand Parenting. The connection-based approach resonated deeply, and The Secret Garden in Fife became my youngest daughter’s nursery because they embedded this relational, connection-first philosophy.Website: https://www.handinhandparenting.org/An anecdote of mine https://www.handinhandparenting.org/2018/10/how-to-talk-to-teenager The Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery: Training in the Hand in Hand Approach - Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery Mel's business Facebook page, a combination of mindfulness and connection based parenting work: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulConnectionsWithMelanieListening Partnerships (Hand in Hand Parenting)Listening Partnerships have been central to my own growth and embodiment of trauma‑informed practice.Overview: https://www.handinhandparenting.org/2016/08/listen-launch-post-what-is-a-listening-partnership/Dundee and Angus ACEs Hub (Now Aces Action Community)The hub began in 2018 after an Upstart launch event at Dundee University, watching the Resilience documentary at the DCA, and meeting others committed to change.Website: https://dundeeangusacehub.wixsite.com/dundeeangusaceshubFacebook: Dundee & Angus ACEs Action Community | FacebookACE-Aware Nation Conference – 2018 ConferenceMindfulness Action Research (CAIRN Article)Enhancing Student Wellbeing: The Impact of Mindfulness Exercises on Subject Based Anxiety in Further Educationhttps://www.cdn.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Enhancing-Student-Wellbeing.pdfEIS FELA (Further Education Lecturers’ Association)The union representing FE lecturers across Scotland, including the Dundee branch.Main site: https://www.eis.org.uk/FELA/FELA-HomeFE Matters Campaign / Dundee Branch ContextFor updates on FE campaigning activity, industrial action, and ongoing sector concerns, see Fighting for the Future of Further Education on Facebook.Fighting for the future of Further Education | FacebookHear2Connect (Community Connection Work)Hear2Connect supports connection-based community work.Private Facebook: hear2connect community | FacebookPrivate LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16096108/Scotland ACEs Action CommunityA national community sharing learning and supporting trauma‑informed action across Scotland.ACEs & Trauma Scotland Forum | FacebookACESAction Community Scotland Forum | Groups | LinkedInCarnoustie High - CrewWhat Crew is EL Education - Building the Culture and Structure of Crew And here is the link to join our screening for those who wish to sign up for the Dundee & Angus College screening of- Love and Trouble - a documentary exploring how trauma lives inside relationships –https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=mQQF_bgn1EKWzZGmwHUsn3ZbWeBjwIRDtBGMEzy1gf1URUtPVlZBODZCWkxOUjRBQlhVVkxQ