Meet the BigTalk Education team

At BigTalk Education, we are dedicated to providing high-quality Relationship and Sex Education to children and young people. Our experienced team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to deliver age-appropriate sessions in schools and colleges across the country.

Lynnette Smith

Founder & Managing Director

Lynnette founded BigTalk Education in 2005, and is a qualified teacher, trainer and Sex & Relationship Education specialist.

As a former Chair of the National Children’s Bureau’s Sex Education Forum Advisory Group, Lynnette is a leading expert in the field of Sex and Relationship education.

For more information on Lynnette’s background, consulting work and media appearences please click the link below.

About Lynnette Smith

At BigTalk Education, we believe that every child deserves access to essential information in a safe and comfortable environment. We are proud to have a dedicated team of skilled facilitators who are committed to promoting wellbeing and empowering children as they learn about growing up safe and healthy. From primary schools to secondary schools, our programmes are designed to cater to all ages and abilities.

HAYLEY

Operations Manager & Facilitator

Hayley is the Office and Operations Manager at BigTalk Education, organising the team, liaising with schools and delivering RSE. Having previously run her own business, Hayley loves working with the BigTalk Education team. With her extensive experience in this field she knows the difference that her work makes to the lives of children, young people and their families. Hayley has a son in Sixth Form.

DEB

Senior Facilitator

Deb graduated as a mature student from Lincoln University after working for 15 years within the banking & finance industry. She then worked as a Youth Worker helping to keep young people safe and has worked for BigTalk Education since 2011. Deb works across the country delivering age appropriate Relationship and Sex Education within schools and colleges, she is also a one-to one and SEND specialist with a wealth of experience. Deb has a grown up daughter and a son at university.

HAZEL

Senior Facilitator

Hazel has been part of the BigTalk team since 2016. Before this, Hazel worked for 15 years as a Teaching Assistant in Primary and Secondary schools working with children on the SEND register. She has been involved with the Local Authority Adoption Panel and as a mother and grandmother, Hazel is able to relate well with the Parents and Carers who come along to our Introductory sessions.

HELEN

Senior Facilitator

After a career in manufacturing, where she worked her way up to Senior Management, Helen decided on a change of direction. She decided she wanted to follow her long held dream of working with children to help keep them safer in this changing world. Helen decided to take the plunge by retraining for her new role at BigTalk, her enthusiasm and love for the job shines through! Helen is a proud Mum to her grown up son.

DEB

Senior Facilitator

Having 30+ years of experience as a Primary School Teacher, Headteacher and Executive Head, makes Deb a great asset to the BigTalk Team. Providing the highest standard of education for all children has always been central to her work.

Deb has two grown up daughters and two grandchildren. She enjoys supporting children and families.

JANET

Senior Facilitator

Janet has had her own business for the last 14 years in canine hydrotherapy and rehabilitation. Alongside this she has tutored in an alternative education provision for 12 years, focusing on general life skills. Janet enjoys working with children and young adults and has a passion for educating children on growing up safe and well-being.

Emma

Facilitator

Emma brings along over 20 years’ experience teaching in various state and dance schools.

Whilst teaching Emma attended a BigTalk presentation which she found to be interesting and sparked her enthusiasm to work in the field of RSE. Emma is passionate about educating children to keep them safe and is very pleased to have joined the Big Talk Team. Emma has 2 children growing up fast!

DAVID

Facilitator

David has over 20 year’s experience of teaching science in secondary schools and colleges.

David is passionate about educating children and young people with the facts and science of RSE, so that they are knowledgeable and safe. He is the proud father of a grown up daughter and a teenage son.

DANIELLE

Facilitator

Danielle is the newest addition to the BigTalk team. As a Mum of a Primary and Secondary age son, she is aware of the importance of safeguarding and the value of teaching children about positive relationships and keeping safe from an early age.

With her vast office experience along with the completion of a degree in Leadership and Management, Daniellie is perfectly placed to deliver RSE and support Hayley in the BigTalk office.

Are you interested in joining our team based in North Lincolnshire?

Operation Hydrant is the police initiative set up in 2014 to coordinate investigations into allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse. This factsheet from Operation Hydrant gives some basic information on reporting historic abuse to the police and what is involved.

To report non-recent child abuse to the Police

To report non-recent child abuse to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

The Truth Project was set up for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to share their experiences in a supportive and confidential setting. It’s part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which was set up in 2015 to investigate organisations and institutions that have failed to protect children from sexual abuse.

HAVOCA – Help for Adult Victims Of Child Abuse

HAVOCA is run by survivors for adult survivors of child abuse. They provide support, friendship and advice for any adult who’s life has been affected by childhood abuse. Their website includes information on finding professional help, a survivors forum and details on survivors support groups near you.

National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect. Their website also contains free online resources and information on legal advice, support groups and much more.

One in Four

One in Four specializes in supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse, and particularly survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma. They can assist in helping survivors access long-term, low cost Counselling for men and women over 18 years, psychoeducation groups and workshops plus advocacy and help with reporting abuse.

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis offer help if you've experienced rape, child sexual abuse or any kind of sexual violence. They can provide details of local Rape Crisis services.

Samaritans

Whatever you are going through you can always speak to someone at Samaritans. As a non-religious organisation offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. Call them on 116 123.24 hours a day free of charge. Alternatively you can visit your local Samaritans branch.

Survivors UK

Survivors UK is a charity for specifically for Male survivors of rape and sexual abuse. They can offer a range of support services including counselling and therapy appointments as well as online chat. All services are provided by trained professionals who as specialists in the field of male sexual violence have helped many men to work through their experiences.

Victim Support

Victim Support is a UK charity which delivers tailored support to help people recover from the effects of crime and traumatic events. They can provide emotional and practical help. They also have resources for children & young people that have been victims, as well as their parents and teachers.

Rehab for Addiction

Rehab for Addiction aids individuals affected by substance misuse and their loved ones, providing a wide array of services to guide you towards the most effective treatments. They support with alcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox services, intervention, aftercare, and outpatient counseling, all facilitated by various reputable UK Private Addiction Rehab or NHS/Council-Funded providers.