What Is PYO?
Elizabeth set up Pick Your Own (PYO) as a Community Interest Company in Brighton & Hove and supported teens and young adults with life changing outcomes. After relocating and switching PYO to freelance provision, Elizabeth now offers accessible, blended coaching support to women, teens and young adults in Worthing and Adur and online support anywhere to those who are feeling a bit anxious, stuck, low in confidence and also to those suspected of having or diagnosed with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. Elizabeth has 25+ years of experience in education, SEN and wellbeing, including life as a teacher, SENCO, head teacher, mentor, coach, an SEN and wellbeing manager in two local authorities, young carers team manager and has supported women through Brighton's Threshold service. She is diagnosed with ADHD. She is committed to using her skills, knowledge and experience to reach out to women and teens who don't always find it easy to get what they need to feel happy and supported. She helps them feel more confident and recognise that they are strong and resourceful and to be able to use these parts of themselves to get back on their feet and/or to move forwards with a life that works better for them and in alignment with who they are. She holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
PYO provides a bespoke package of coaching, mentoring and befriending, offering neutral, non-clinical provision as an alternative to more formal support that many people find doesn’t work for them and isn't easily available. It supports, perhaps, quieter people who feel less visible but who are, nevertheless, vulnerable and at risk of social exclusion and poor emotional health and wellbeing.
PYO can supplement online support by supporting people at their chosen space and pace, with person-centred, strengths-based support working within a solution focused framework. It connects virtually on platforms that you are comfortable with and/or face to face, with a casual, friendly approach, including strolls and dog walks in parks, along the seafront, in a cafe or in your home. It understands that a trusting and comfortable relationship needs time.
PYO works collaboratively with people listening to their best hopes and working alongside them to work towards these through social, emotional and practical support.
PYO provides group support strenghtening family and friendship connections.
PYo provides faciltated group support for both teens and women around ADHD and neurodiversity.
PYO is a registered AQA Unit provider and if you would like to, can boost your confidence by supporting you through a certificated learning project of your interest.
Importantly, Pick Your Own recognises how difficult it is to try something new and to meet new people so PYO can help make introductions to local activity providers and support your participation, relationship building and anxiety management.
Missions & Values
My mission is to ensure that you have the support you need to build your confidence, make choices about, and work towards your preferred future.
- I believe that everyone can find agency in their own future with the right social, emotional and practical support.
- I recognise that it is extremely challenging for some of us to try something new and meet new people without the right support, brokerage and introductions.
- I believe that there is a vital role for non-clinical, person-centred, strengths-based intervention and that for many people this collaborative approach can be utterly life-changing.
PYO Outcomes
Rebuilding self-belief and self worth
Reorganising and tapping into your strengths and getting back on your feet or moving towards living a life that works better for you.
Finding your voice, your agency and more confidence in making choices
Identifying your preferred future, and feeling supported and motivated to move forwards
Having raised aspirations and a recognition of wider options
Connection and engagement with social and wellbeing enhancing activity, education and training.