We are back with a bang! Season 2 of Taking Action kicks off with the indefatigable Melanie Stuart, FE lecturer, activist and more. The list of links and references set out below will give you a flavour of the range of this conversation. Mel is open, honest and brave and shares her own personal development in these notes and on the show, but, above all she gets stuff done which is what taking Action is all about.

It's one for anyone interested in FE, culture change and courage
 

Relax Kids
This is where the journey began for me, learning about ACEs and how the brain works. As part of Relax Kids training in Scotland, we met Jane Evans, whose work had a significant impact. Link to Jane Evans work which I use in lessons with students https://youtu.be/qKlzd-H2X9w?si=CBbVRsbjXhw8-dbz
Website: https://relaxkids.com/
Hand in Hand Parenting
Wanting to know more I then discovered Hand in Hand Parenting. The connection-based approach resonated deeply, and The Secret Garden in Fife became my youngest daughter’s nursery because they embedded this relational, connection-first philosophy.
Website: https://www.handinhandparenting.org/
An anecdote of mine https://www.handinhandparenting.org/2018/10/how-to-talk-to-teenager 
The Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery: Training in the Hand in Hand Approach – Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery 

Mel's business Facebook page, a combination of mindfulness and connection based parenting work: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulConnectionsWithMelanie
Listening Partnerships (Hand in Hand Parenting)
Listening Partnerships have been central to my own growth and embodiment of trauma‑informed practice.
Overview: https://www.handinhandparenting.org/2016/08/listen-launch-post-what-is-a-listening-partnership/
Dundee and Angus ACEs Hub (Now Aces Action Community)
The hub began in 2018 after an Upstart launch event at Dundee University, watching the Resilience documentary at the DCA, and meeting others committed to change.
Website: https://dundeeangusacehub.wixsite.com/dundeeangusaceshub
Facebook: Dundee & Angus ACEs Action Community | Facebook
ACE-Aware Nation Conference – 2018 Conference
Mindfulness Action Research (CAIRN Article)
Enhancing Student Wellbeing: The Impact of Mindfulness Exercises on Subject Based Anxiety in Further Education
https://www.cdn.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Enhancing-Student-Wellbeing.pdf
EIS FELA (Further Education Lecturers’ Association)
The union representing FE lecturers across Scotland, including the Dundee branch.
Main site: https://www.eis.org.uk/FELA/FELA-Home
FE Matters Campaign / Dundee Branch Context
For updates on FE campaigning activity, industrial action, and ongoing sector concerns, see Fighting for the Future of Further Education on Facebook.
Fighting for the future of Further Education | Facebook
Hear2Connect (Community Connection Work)
Hear2Connect supports connection-based community work.
Private Facebook: hear2connect community | Facebook
Private LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16096108/
Scotland ACEs Action Community
A national community sharing learning and supporting trauma‑informed action across Scotland.
ACEs & Trauma Scotland Forum | Facebook
ACESAction Community Scotland Forum | Groups | LinkedIn
Carnoustie High – Crew
What Crew is EL Education – Building the Culture and Structure of Crew 

And here is the link to join our screening for those who wish to sign up for the Dundee & Angus College screening of- Love and Trouble – a documentary exploring how trauma lives inside relationships –https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=mQQF_bgn1EKWzZGmwHUsn3ZbWeBjwIRDtBGMEzy1gf1URUtPVlZBODZCWkxOUjRBQl