Hey there! I’m Darren – an inclusion specialist and the guy behind Resilient Kids Hub.

Growing up wasn’t easy for me. As an undiagnosed neurodivergent young person, I often felt like I was trying to run a race on a track that kept shifting beneath my feet. My emotions could feel like a storm one moment and complete stillness the next, and I had no idea how to navigate the whirlwind inside me. Add to that the ever-changing world around me, and let’s just say life felt like one big puzzle with too many missing pieces.

It took years—and a lot of self-discovery—to understand why I struggled and to figure out the tools I needed to thrive. But here’s the thing: I shouldn’t have had to figure it all out alone. Without the right tools to manage my emotions and build resilience, the challenges I faced didn’t just stay in my mind—they eventually caught up with my body. The years of emotional turmoil culminated in a complete burnout, and I was physically knocked down by sepsis.

You see, I’m a firm believer that what happens in our minds eventually shows up in our bodies. Emotional struggles, when left unaddressed, can lead to very real physical consequences. That’s why I’m so passionate about prevention—it’s not just about putting in interventions and provisions after the damage is done; it’s about equipping young people with the tools they need before life’s challenges take their toll.

That’s why I created Resilient Kids Hub. I see so many young people today going through what I did, struggling to manage their emotions, feeling lost in a system that doesn’t always understand them, and missing out on education and opportunities they deserve.

Through Resilient Kids Hub, I help young people and families tackle the tough stuff—emotions, well-being, confidence—with tools that are practical, relatable, and (dare I say) even fun! I’m all about creating real connections and showing young people that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about learning how to get back up, dust off, and keep going.

When I’m not running workshops or dreaming up new resources, you’ll probably find me performing stand-up comedy, swimming in the sea, or (badly) surfing and getting smashed by waves somewhere along the coast. I absolutely love being outside—it’s my way of recharging and finding balance when life throws its challenges my way.

Life’s messy, but that’s what makes it beautiful—and I’m here to help your young person navigate it with a little more ease and a lot more ‘bouncebackability.’ 💛