It should come as no surprise to hear that I think the world of my partners and waste no opportunity in cheesily talking about how awesome they are. Every now and then though I like pick something out to gush about, especially when it’s something important.

Lady M has had a couple of difficult years, but out of that she’s managed to effect a life-changing and possibly life-saving change at her place of work. It follows on from talks she has given about her own health issues and journey back from a hard place, given in meetings and on her work intranet forums:

Working with her HR and Occupational Health contacts, she was able to set up a confidential safe discussion and support forum on her company’s intranet. It has been quietly growing. Invisible to casual searches, individuals are either invited by admins, or pointed to a URL by fellow participants and from there a professional and personal safety net. It is available for people who need support with mental health or who are supporting people in need.

Every now and then, Lady M mentions to me how blown away she has been when someone who has found help or comfort there confides in and thanks her. Without mentioning names or circumstances she has relayed how people have found confidence, reassurance, even inspiration from her or the forum.

She always feels humbled, not seeing for herself how amazing a change she has made, or how many lives have been touched. She is fiercely proud of the progress and strength people have found, but insists on not taking any credit from them for the hard work, determination, and kindnesses that the people using the forum continue to demonstrate.

She may be unable to articulate her pride, as she’s so shy and retiring, but I’ll not stop being proud of her for what she’s set in motion, or the enduring good that she has done.

Your regularly scheduled snark and cynicism will return in another post.