We all have a story but we don’t all get to tell it and that needs to change. I give as much time and energy as I can to bold charitable organizations working hard to help make our society more equal and books and culture more accessible. 

As a child, my local library was my sanctuary and libraries remain vital to me - I helped lead the fight to save the library that saved me (Newarthill Library, I love you!). And I continue to champion local libraries as an essential public service. In 2011, I started the Writers-in-Residence scheme at Gladstone’s Library, where I’m a Trustee. As a board member for over a decade, I supported Brighton Fringe to grow into the UK’s second largest arts festival. I’m a Schools Ambassador for Stonewall and was a Patron of Little Green Pig, a writing and mentoring charity for young people in Sussex.

In 2023, I was thrilled to be named an Honorary Member of CILIPS (the Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals in Scotland).

There’s always more to do, especially now.