Siobhan Priest - or Shiv - appears as @thefiremum on Instagram and I love seeing her posts about her life as a firefighter in the London Fire Brigade.

Shiv started her working life as a model and continued in that job when she became a single mum to her daughter, at the age of 24.

However she says she was always looking for a helping role in life. Firefighting appealed from an early age but it took many years for her to research it properly and then go for it when her second child, her little boy, was starting school.

She loves the routine and stability that her job gives her, and being part of a watch where she has 10 ‘brothers’.

Shiv says that every day is different, and putting out a fire is fun, as it’s a hands-on job and they are professional problem-solvers.

Shiv is proud of being a firefighter and of influencing other women to follow in her footsteps, and it was an absolute joy to meet someone so excited and fulfilled by their job.

Extra info:

Home Fire Safety Checker:

Get tailored advice for your home or for someone you care for. Our tool allows you to carry out a thorough check of your home in only a few minutes. It’s simple and practical, giving you specific advice for your family and your home. Visit: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/home-fire-safety-checker/

#ChargeSafe campaign

On average there is a fire from a lithium battery in an e-bike or e-scooter every two days in London. Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes. For safety tips, check out our campaign webpage: www.london-fire.gov.uk/chargesafe

Cadets

London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets is a free programme for young people aged 13-17, available across all London boroughs. The course gives young people a chance to learn valuable life skills and build their confidence, whilst gaining an insight into careers in the emergency services. https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/community/young-people/fire-cadets/

Outreach/Recruitment

If you are interested in finding out more about jobs/careers at London Fire Brigade, email: outreach@london-fire.gov.uk to request updates and info on recruitment activities and events. To find out more about Firefighter Siobhan Priest’s typical working day, watch her in London Fire Brigade’s You Tube film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0ASQfxHIO8

Spinning Plates is presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, produced by Claire Jones and post-production by Richard Jones.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louise Boyce aka @mumastillgotit is a content creator, author and model.

She has 3 children aged 13, 10 and 6, and she has developed a huge following for her fun and largely positive take on motherhood, which she makes fun of, in her online reels.

She told me how she started modelling at the age of 15 and became bulimic to reach the weight goals set by the industry at that time.

After she had her first baby she went back to modelling as a plus size (or size 12+) model, but after lockdown she started playing around with funny films about motherhood. Her USP is that she plays the child using tiny doll’s hands, and her husband is characterised as a bit of a buffoon - which she’s happy to say he’s totally supportive of.

We agreed that laughter IS the best medicine. That, and having a rant with a girlfriend!

Spinning Plates is presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, produced by Claire Jones and post-production by Richard Jones.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sian Williams is a journalist and broadcaster and author. She trained as a trauma assessor while working at the BBC and is a registered counselling psychologist. She presents the fabulous Radio 4 series and podcast ‘Life Changing’ which I totally recommend.

She has 5 children, the eldest being in their 30s, the youngest 17.

Sian told me about having her glorious and unexpected first son when she had just got her first job in the newsroom in London. She also talked about how she values her close relationship with her step daughter.

Sian has just published a new book called ‘The Power of Anxiety: How to Ride the Worry Wave’ which talks about turns sensitivity into a strength.

I felt instantly relaxed by Sian’s beautiful voice and gentle counseling manner… and almost revealed all my deepest secrets to her!

Spinning Plates is presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, produced by Claire Jones and post-production by Richard Jones.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.