In this transformative episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores the concept of resilience—what it means, why it’s essential for managing stress, and how to cultivate it in yourself and those you care for. Andy breaks down practical strategies to build resilience, emphasising its importance for caregivers, educators, parents, and leaders alike.

Drawing from real-life experiences, powerful analogies, and actionable advice, Andy offers a comprehensive guide to navigating life’s challenges with strength and grace. Whether you’re seeking ways to manage stress during the holiday season or looking to model resilience for others, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in the face of adversity while fostering calm, confidence, and growth in those around them.

🎧 Resources Mentioned:

• Carers Card UK: The UK’s #1 card for carers, offering discounts, support, and a sense of community. Learn more at Carers Card UK.
• Able Hub: Access exclusive content, events, and over 45 certified online courses on topics like self-care, neurodiversity, and conflict management. Try it free for 14 days at Able Hub.

Understanding Resilience Andy explains resilience as the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going despite adversity. It’s not about avoiding stress but about navigating it effectively and learning from challenges.

Emotional Regulation and Awareness Resilient individuals are emotionally aware and capable of processing their feelings healthily. Andy shares techniques like mindfulness and grounding to manage heightened emotions.

The Growth Mindset Reframing challenges as opportunities is a cornerstone of resilience. Andy offers strategies to shift from “I can’t” to “What can I try next?” using problem-solving and incremental progress.

Connection and Trusted Relationships Andy emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people who recharge your energy and help you stay motivated.

Building Confidence Through Small Wins Celebrate small successes to boost self-esteem and resilience. By recognising progress, you lay the foundation for handling bigger challenges.

Stress as a Tool for Growth Stress can be beneficial when viewed as a muscle-building exercise. Andy explains how changing your perception of stress can positively impact your resilience.

Practical Strategies for Everyday Resilience Andy shares a personal story about how martial arts helped a student build resilience through incremental progress, offering inspiration and actionable insights for listeners.

• 00:00:00 – Episode Introduction and Carer’s Card UK Sponsorship
• 00:02:15 – Resilience and Managing Stress During the Holiday Season
• 00:03:09 – Why Resilience Matters for Caregivers and Educators
• 00:06:06 – Reframing Challenges with a Growth Mindset
• 00:07:01 – Building Strong Relationships and Connections
• 00:09:38 – Creating a Coping Strategy Toolkit for Everyday Challenges
• 00:12:06 – Embracing Routines and Optimism for Stability
• 00:15:04 – Real-Life Story: Martial Arts and Resilience Building

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss future conversations on caregiving, mental health, and personal growth. Subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast on your favourite platform.

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• Instagram & TikTok: @abletocarepodcast
• LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram: @AbleTraining

Visit Able Hub to join a thriving community of caregivers, educators, and leaders. Gain access to exclusive resources, courses, and events to support your personal and professional growth.

In this transformative episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by the legendary Geoff Thompson—acclaimed author, playwright, and speaker—to explore themes of fear, forgiveness, and personal transformation. Geoff shares his remarkable journey from facing adversity to creating profound works of art, including his stage play Fragile and his feature film collaboration with Orlando Bloom.

With his deep insights into resilience, spirituality, and the power of truth, Geoff offers listeners a guide to turning life's challenges into light and empowerment.

This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone navigating fear, seeking forgiveness, or striving to live a life rooted in truth and kindness.

🎧 Resources Mentioned:

Geoff Thompson’s TED Talk: The Fear Pyramid

The Forgiveness Project Website

Recommended Reading:

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Key Messages:

Redefining Forgiveness

Geoff explains forgiveness as a transformative act of letting go—releasing entanglement and restoring balance through reciprocity, not necessarily pardon.

Overcoming Fear Through Action

Geoff reveals how he confronted his deepest fears, including vulnerability and judgment, and found empowerment by repeatedly stepping into discomfort.

The Power of Truth

Through his creative work and personal growth, Geoff illustrates the magnetic pull of truth in attracting opportunities and repelling negativity.

Kindness as a Transformational Tool

Geoff emphasises self-compassion and the impact of daily acts of kindness on personal and collective growth.

Living as an Example

By embodying truth, kindness, and resilience, Geoff shows how personal transformation can inspire and uplift others.

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Episode Introduction and Carer's Card UK Sponsorship

00:01:18 - Welcome Geoff Thompson: Author, Playwright, and Transformational Speaker

00:03:12 - Geoff’s Journey to Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose

00:12:24 - Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom and Healing

00:20:45 - Creating Fragile: The Power of Vulnerable Storytelling

00:31:02 - The Magnetic Pull of Truth in Creativity and Life

00:41:36 - Kindness and Self-Compassion: Practical Steps to Positive Change

00:52:12 - Geoff’s Advice for Caregivers and Educators on Facing Challenges

01:00:24 - Closing Reflections and Resources for Listeners

Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss future conversations with inspiring guests and thought leaders. Subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast on your favourite platform.

Follow us on social media:

LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram: @abletraining

TikTok: @abletocarepodcast

Looking for More Resources?

Visit our Able Hub website for courses, podcasts, and support resources to empower caregivers, educators, and advocates. Join the Able Hub community to gain exclusive access to content supporting your personal and professional growth.

Join host Andy Baker on the Able to Care podcast as he unpacks the complexities of stress and its impact on behaviour. In this episode, Andy introduces the HELP Framework—Human, Emotional, Cognitive, Location, and Physical—and explores how recognising these stressors can transform the way we manage and respond to challenging behaviours. Through practical examples, he highlights the importance of identifying unmet needs, addressing slow stressors, and fostering empathy to build better connections.

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of behaviour and stress management. 🎧

Carer’s Card UK (Sponsor): Gain access to discounts, a wellbeing hub, and support tools with Carer’s Card UK. Designed to reward and support carers across the UK, it provides benefits like gym memberships, ID cards, days out, and more. 👉 Visit: carerscarduk.co.uk/promo/abletocare

Able Hub by Able Training: Empower yourself with exclusive podcast content, resources, and over 45 certified online courses on topics like self-care, understanding dementia, and conflict management. 👉 Try Able Hub FREE for 14 days at AbleHub.uk

Andy’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours that Challenge—A guide for understanding behaviour, building empathy, and practical de-escalation techniques.

Andy introduces the HELP Framework, breaking down how different stressors influence behaviour:

• Human: Interpersonal issues, such as conflict or rejection, impacting emotional well-being.
• Emotional & Cognitive: Internal feelings and thoughts, including anxiety, fear, and negative thought patterns.
• Location: Environmental triggers, from noise to sensory overload, that contribute to stress.
• Physical: Basic needs like hunger, fatigue, and illness, which can escalate behaviours.

Andy emphasises recognising “slow stressors” (factors that build up over time) to manage behaviour effectively. Proactively addressing stress can reduce escalation and foster better outcomes.

Andy shares strategies such as validating emotions, adapting environments, and using grounding techniques to create a supportive space for individuals to thrive.

00:00:00 - Introduction to stress and its impact on behaviour 00:00:32 - Carer’s Card UK and benefits for carers 00:01:53 - Understanding behaviour as a combination of unmet needs, stress, and strategies 00:03:27 - The importance of responding vs reacting to challenging behaviours 00:04:09 - Slow stressors: How they build up and influence actions 00:05:15 - The HELP Framework explained 00:10:45 - Location stressors: Adapting environments to reduce triggers 00:12:30 - Physical stressors: Addressing basic needs and vulnerabilities 00:14:13 - Using the HELP Framework to prevent and manage behaviours 00:16:11 - Able Hub: Resources and courses for carers, educators, and advocates

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast for more practical insights and strategies.

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn: Able Training
• Instagram: @abletraining
• TikTok: @abletocarepodcast

Are you looking for more resources to support your journey as a caregiver, educator, or advocate? Join the AbleHub community—a platform designed to empower you with exclusive podcast content, practical resources, certified online courses, and interactive events.

With over 45 courses covering essential topics like self-care, dementia support, conflict management, and understanding neurodiversity, AbleHub provides a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.

For less than the price of a coffee a week, gain access to tools and strategies that can make a real difference in your work and personal life. 👉 Try AbleHub FREE for 14 days at AbleHub.uk