About Us
About me
I started Amber Lights in Oxford in 2019 to give back to Homeless Oxfordshire who supported my sister Hannah during her time of need. Whilst supporting Hannah, it opened my eyes to addiction and how easily homelessness could happen. After losing Hannah so suddenly, I wanted to give back and keep Hannahs memory alive. This led onto supporting Homeless Oxfordshire through the Skyline and Pawsome range which has helped raise funds and awareness and awareness for them in Hannahs name. Supporting Hannah was incredibly tough, it was hard to know how best to support Hannah and balance everyday life. I hope that by sharing my experiences, it will help to reduce the stigma of addiction and homelessness and create a space for more open and honest conversations.
More recently, I have completed an accredited diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology taught by Andy Ramage and the Arete Way team. Self-development coaching has become a real passion of mine. Giving people the time and space to talk and the opportunity to develop themselves and work towards their ideas and goals is incredibly powerful and empowering. It is something I wish was around for Hannah many many years ago.
On a personal note, I live in Oxfordshire with my husband Chris and our dog Ruby. I run Amber Lights in Oxford alongside my full-time job and enjoy being out walking and doing Cross Fit. I was lucky enough to receive the British Empire Medal in the Kings Birthday Honours in June 2023.
About Hannah
Hannah never failed to make me laugh and was always there when I was struggling either with the biggest of hugs or with one of her one hit singing wonders. Hannah had a wonderful caring personality and would often take people under her wing.
In late 2015 through to 2017, Hannah’s struggles with alcohol addiction saw her seek the help of multiple homeless charities within Oxfordshire including Homeless Oxfordshire. During this time, she sought comfort from the services they provided and began to rebuild her life. Hannah passed away in 2017.
She is everything this project stands for and the reason it was created. Her strength through losing everything, coping on the streets and at the end of it all, she was still determined to build herself back up. It is something I will always be in awe of.
Hannah was the ultimate tonic to your life and I was honoured to have her as my big sister.
Why Amber Lights?
The name Amber Lights in Oxford was chosen as a link to shining a light on homelessness and addiction in Oxford.
In Hannah’s memory, the Oxford Skyline and Pawsome clothing range was set up to support Homeless Oxfordshire and the fantastic work they do. Homeless Oxfordshire are the largest supported accommodation provider for homeless people in Oxfordshire. Each night they accommodate over 200 people. Alongside this, they provide day services, hot food, clothing, toiletries and welfare facilities to over 550 individuals who access their services throughout the year.
Going forward, Amber Lights will also become an open and honest space to talk about addiction and homelessness where I will talk about my experiences and offer support to those affected by a loved ones addiction/homelessness.
