MEDIA

Faye Smith: Founder & Guide

Faye ran a communications consultancy for 15 years before moving to a trauma recovery community in Kent just as the pandemic hit, an experience which completely changed her life direction.

Growing up on the edge of the Peak District, Faye was climbing hills early days. She became a keen Rambler, led a women’s weekend walking-talking group for many years and founded NetWalking for Yorkshire businesses back in 2015.

Faye has also endured a series of losses and bereavements about which she has been interviewed extensively in the national media, which have caused her to explore, write and speak about the deeply therapeutic healing power of walking and swimming outside in nature as a vital part of her recovery journey .

She has walked and swum her way down Australia’s East Coast solo and covered over five hundred miles- around a quarter of England’s King Charles Coast Path- so far.

Despite all life has thrown at her, she is determined to continue her mission to encourage others into lives of purpose and freedom, sharing the hope and healing she has found to face life again- hence the name of her new business, Hope Walking.

In recognition of her inspirational support for others in business and life, Faye has won a host of business awards. She is a regular guest on BBC radio, speaking on wellbeing, women, family and faith issues and her story and business have been featured throughout the media. Described as a motivational and inspirational speaker, she tells her story and imparts skills at workplace, education, women’s and faith-based events nationally.

Available To speak about

Faye is available for interview and comment on the following topics:

• Her powerful story of overcoming adversity

• Finding hope and healing at the darkest of times

• Surviving marriage breakdown, separation and divorce

• Becoming a single parent

• Coping with children’s mental illness and trauma

• Bereavement- being widowed young and losing a child

• Faith and moral issues

• Mental illness and breakdown

• Trauma recovery journeys and helpful psychotherapeutic techniques

• Solo travelling

• Thriving after ‘empty nest’

• All aspects of self-employment

• Building confidence and becoming resilient