OUR INSPIRATIONAL TALKS / TRAINING
Smash Life UK Ltd founders Andy and Matt Smith, are passionate about delivering their engaging, moving and educational Smash Life keynote talks. Leading from the heart, with the vision of engaging, entertaining and enhancing the knowledge base of every industry professional that attends.
The brothers have put together a selection of talks that cover a wide variety of topics. Each topic draws from their lived experience of trauma growing up within the UK care system, as well as from their many years of practical experience working in various professional roles in the social care sector.
The Smash Life brothers have extensive speaking experience and have made appearances at many conferences and events all over the UK. They have shared stages with other care experienced people such as Fatima Whitbread, Ashley John Baptiste and Kris Akabusi and are confident, engaging professional speakers that you can rely on to invigorate, entertain and most importantly educate your audience.
A Smash Life Talk weaves a multitude of themes and key messages throughout the brother’s real life lived experiences. Andy and Matt have also delivered training to professionals such as social workers, teachers, residential care home staff, social care practitioners, managers, directors, youth workers and students. When you book Smash Life for your event or training, you aren’t just getting one care experienced person but two!
Andy and Matt are available to book for your professional conference across the UK and abroad.
Please note, due to the content and sensitive nature of some of the talks, a gentle warning for your audience is advised as they may trigger a range of emotions in those attending.
PREVIOUS CLIENT EVENTS
Feedback
Below are reactions to our service and keynote speaking from some of our recent clients and young people!
“Andy and Matt give so much to those they work with, they really are an inspiration to so many. Being able to relate to the young people they mentor through their shared life experiences gives the young people someone they can connect with openly. I would highly recommend Smash Life.”
“I just want to say a massive thank you to Andy for the support I have been given. I can always know that no matter what mood I am in I will always come out of the session smiling. More people should be like this looking out for others.”
“Thank you for coming along and sharing your story with us all. Such a heartfelt speech that moved everyone in the room, and lots of really important information to take away.”
“Having heard Andy and Matt speak I was able to relate many of the things they said to me and to the young people I work with and could only hope the young people that I work with develop a tiny bit of insight that Andy and Matt have. Their talk and shared experiences show that young people do not need to be a victim of their past and hearing this first hand can only strengthen this belief with the young people they work with. The motivation, humour, honesty and frankness of the talk is moving and exhilarating. I felt a roller coaster of emotions listening but felt even more motivated to support the young people I work with. Since meeting Andy and Matt I have spoken to young people about them – shared their messages and views. Their words have stayed with me and I can relate their experiences to many different situations I come across in my role. I thought I knew a lot “looked after children” , care leavers, the system – but learnt more from this talk than any other course, training or from books.”
“What a breakthrough……he has told you more than he would’ve shared with carers or me on the first meeting”
“Just had the most inspirational speech from these lads. Absolutely amazing and they should be very proud of themselves and their achievements”
“ Since I have seen you I am not arguing with the teachers, its good to know someone has been there and understands.”
“…really looks forward to her sessions which is such a transformation – when ….has something to think about ….opens up with us here which is such a relief and …also feels reassured about things on her mind knowing ….can talk it over with Matt”
“These remarkable brothers suffered long term abuse, humiliation, degradation and shame at the hands of those entrusted with their care. Their life story is one of courage, resilience and determination.. Their promise to use yesterday and their commitment to each other today, is to be the change for children that they should have experienced. If you are looking for conference speakers, mentors for your children these chaps are going to be booked up very quickly after being invited for by the consortium for therapeutic communities to their first conference debut yesterday.”
“Andy has provided our most vulnerable students with support that they would not be able to access within school. His unique perspective on the issue experienced by LAC has enabled our students to feel secure, in particular during the stressful exam season. This is an excellent example of use of pupil premium funding.”
“I was lucky to hear Andy and Matt present earlier this year and their story must be one that has resonated with me the most. Ever. It has informed our practice at Sandcastle Care and we now weave our therapeutic web into colleges and schools offering trauma informed care training even further. Thank you Andy. Thank you Matt.”
“A big thank you for helping so far on this absolute monumental journey I’ve been on: Anger, Emotions, and Positive vibes so again thank you so much”
“Our young people really value time with Matt. It’s their space. Their time. Time to express how they feel. Time not to be judged or made to conform. Time to be themselves”
“It was really good, he was really cool and I enjoyed the talk because Matt was funny, down to earth and really relatable, not like some teachers who just talk down to you”.
“Incredible. Thank you for sharing your story and advice”
“Andy has a fresh delivery style to bring home the stark reality of young people in crisis and dwelling on his past experiences he provides many ideas on helping young people to get on the right path to make the best life choices they can. He is an inspiration to young people everywhere who are daunted by the challenges life brings them.”
OUR PARTNERS
We are proud to work alongside the Council’s, Schools, Businesses and Groups listed below.
