About Laura

Well, now I have to decide if I should give you my full life story or just the high/low lights.

I think a mini bio is best; no-one likes to read pages and pages of irrelevant info about other people, am I right?

So here it goes...

 

I am Laura, I was born and raised in the Northeast of England.  I still live here with my family.

 

I work full time for a Trade Union, I used to be an activist in the Labour Party (but no longer) where I became the Women's Officer, a move that really cemented my desire to push for women's rights and equality.  In 2017  I started a community group called the Women's Banner Group with an intention to remember, recognise and celebrate the achievements of woman in communities, trade unions and politics.  As a group we have grown massively and have been involved in some incredible campaigns to further "the cause" for women.

 

At the start of the infamous Lockdown of 2020 I co founded Socialist Think Tank, an online media platform to discuss Socialism, left wing politics and issues that impact people all over the world.  This has been a wonderful experience and I have met some incredibly impressive people during this time.  Many of whom do make me really feel my inbuilt imposter syndrome but a pleasure to know nonetheless.

Through the Tank I was introduced to the Independent Media Association and quickly became a board member to promote Independent media in all its forms.  Once again I have come across some unbelievable journalistic talent and I now get ALL of my news from these sources.

 

I decided to start my own podcast because during lock down I nearly completely lost the plot! Being a mother teaching the kids at home, whilst trying to feed them properly, entertain them, work full time, clean the whole house and remember to brush my own teeth and hair was bonkers!   I thought I was just being rubbish but after starting weekly chats with some of my best friends I realised that it wasn't just me.  We all had different issues but we were all pretty much women on the edge! Talking about it helped.  That's what I hope will come out of this podcast and I can't wait to talk to a bunch of women just trying to get through the day, like me!

 

Since I landed a part in the Ken Loach film The Old Oak I have become increasingly in love with being creative again.  And although I do try to keep my political mind on everything I do I am now taking a leap into acting and writing. Both things I have wanted to do from a very young age.  I think I have finally reached an age where I think... "Screw it I'm just going to give it a go".  Time becomes increasingly limited and so I have stepped back from many of my elected roles in favour of doing something that brings me joy.  A decision I still struggle with.  Is it women or mothers or everyone who feels like their worth is only decided on what value they can bring other people?  Doing something "For Me" still feels ultimately selfish and so I am creating a Community Interest Company for the people in my area who want to get involved in TV and Film and writing and creativity. Watch this space for more on that soon!