My Journey :Embracing Uniqueness

Aluna Behaviour Consultancy: Transforming Lives, One Behaviour at a Time

In a world where behavioural challenges can often feel insurmountable, Aluna Behaviour Consultancy stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Founded in April 2022, with the fundamental objective of affecting behavioural change for happier and more fulfilling lives, Aluna's work spans across children and young people, families, adults and professionals. It offers practical support and insight into a myriad of behaviours through specialist training, workshops and coaching opportunities.

At the helm of the business, I’m a Behaviour Strategist with 30 years of teaching and education experience. This extensive background provides a rich tapestry of skills, comprehensive knowledge and expertise, all aimed at promoting positive and permanent change. The consultancy's approach is rooted in the belief that effective intervention at the earliest stage possible is key to breaking the cycle of learned and generational patterns of dysregulation. The principles of Advocacy, Liberty, Understanding, Nurturing and Aspiration underpin and guide its passage to true, authentic inclusion.

Aluna Behaviour Consultancy's mission is clear: to create a climate where behaviours that challenge are met with understanding, support and effective strategies for change. By working closely with all stakeholders, Aluna is making a tangible difference in the lives of those it serves. The consultancy's ethos is driven by fostering relational, trauma-aware and anti-racist practices. Such a holistic approach shifts the focus from problematic actions to positive qualities, fostering wholly inclusive practices in all sectors of the education and care systems. Every conversation, every interaction, is an opportunity to learn and grow. 

Embracing Uniqueness: My Personal Journey

When I was 7 years old I was told that I was “unique” and special. I didn't know what it meant, but I knew I liked it!! The phrase is one of those gifts in life I call a "golden nugget"; something you can draw upon to remind you how awesome you are when you're unsure or doubting yourself. It prompts you to remember how important your contribution is to the world and does wonders for your self-esteem.

Mark Finnis, author of Independent Thinking on Restorative Practice, has some great golden nuggets, my favourites being:❤️ Labels belong on jars.❤ ️ Relationships aren't built in a day, they're built daily.❤️ Change the behaviour by meeting the need.❤️ Loved children go to school to learn, children who aren't loved go to school to be loved.

So many times, we are judged, caricatured and typecast. As a 4 foot 8 Black female, I'm well aware that my physical appearance is a one-off, but I challenge being called “different”. We're all unique and I refuse to accept that I – and the young people I work with – should be labelled as anything else!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is not simply a trope to highlight differences but it exists to celebrate individualism. It's about creating environments where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their background or characteristics. My work strives to promote DEI by being empathetic and responsive to the needs of each one of us.My journey is a testament to the power of embracing uniqueness. By challenging stereotypes, we can break down barriers and build a more inclusive world. Every action counts. Let's continue to honour our idiosyncrasies and view them through a judgement-free lens. After all, our path to self-actualisation is a worthy accolade to be proud of.​​

The Way Forward: A Call to Action for the Future of the Next Generation

As we look ahead, how to prioritise the needs of future generations becomes increasingly urgent. The challenges facing our education and social care systems are multifaceted and addressing them effectively requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of children’s services, one principle stands out as paramount: the importance of differentiated responses to children's emotional needs and behaviour. This is not a trend but a necessity, rooted in the understanding that every young person requires tailored support in order to achieve growth. 

When emotional needs are met, young people engage positively, develop strength and exhibit resilience in the face of challenges to achieve their full potential. Conversely, unmet emotional needs lead to poor wellbeing, disengagement and a decline in academic performance. Being a “behaviour detective” serves to explore what are sometimes chasms in young people’s emotional development. Their actions, however undesirable, are their only outlet through which to communicate their as yet unmet needs. 

My work with children, young people and their families relies upon a relational and strategic approach. Differentiated responses involves being attuned to each young person's context and to respond with empathy and care, knowing the underlying causes of their behaviour rather than merely addressing the symptoms. Strong, supportive connections between young people, educators and caregivers are at the heart of relationships built on trust, feeling valued and mutual respect. Forming these bonds requires time, effort and a commitment to a compassionate and equitable society.

The path ahead demands an unwavering, united effort from all corners of society; government, local authorities, schools, and social care agencies alike. We stand at a pivotal moment, where the choices we make will echo through the lives of the next generation. In order to truly prioritise the needs of our youth, we must radically rethink the funding of essential services, ensuring that resources flow to where they are most desperately needed. We must be keeping our young people in school; not excluding them. We must be trauma informed; not retraumatise them with our cold, punitive actions. We must be activists and upstanders for their rights; not allowing them to be discriminated against and ostracised. We must be the adults of today that they will aspire to become tomorrow.

Engagement between children-centred agencies is not just beneficial, it is imperative. Aluna Behaviour Consultancy plays a significant part in supporting young people at school and their families at home. Working in both settings gives the 360° perspective that influences all future work. Only through such collaboration can we craft a future where every young person is given the opportunity to thrive, to rise above challenges and to reach their fullest potential. The stakes have never been higher. The time to act is now. Let us commit to this cause with the urgency and passion it demands, for the future of our children rests upon it. Their lives depend on the actions we take today; an opportune time to pledge a commitment to their wellbeing and an investment in their future.