Doreen Lawrence

Finding The Inner Strength

In the face of the most unimaginable grief after the death of her son, Baroness Doreen Lawrence found the incredible inner strength to not only carry on from the darkest place possible, but to channel her pain into positivity and change. And now, for the first time, she's sharing her remarkable story to help inspire and support you, and to remind you that, whatever you are facing, you're not in this alone.

23 video lessons

Course notes

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For anyone who’s ever felt grief or pain
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Self-paced, with no deadlines

The course

Baroness Doreen Lawrence shares an intimate and honest account of her experiences after the death of her son, and how she found the strength to not only carry on but become a force for positive change in the world. Grief and trauma is different for everyone, but by talking about what she went through after Stephen's death, as well as some of the practical coping strategies she learnt along the way, Doreen hopes to help you find light in even the darkest days.

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Your Maestro

Baroness Doreen Lawrence, OBE, is an inspiration to millions. Faced with the most tragic of circumstances when her son was killed in 1993, she somehow managed to find the strength to channel her pain and anger into something positive. Championing not just Stephen and herself, she went on to influence a monumental change in UK law, as well as setting up the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to help marginalised young people achieve their dreams.

Lessons

Doreen's introduction

4 mins

Grief is different for everyone, and it’s not a linear path. By sharing her experiences of bereavement after the murder of her son, Baroness Doreen Lawrence hopes you’ll feel less alone, and find some comfort and support in her words.

Expectations

15 mins

Growing up, Doreen had the same hopes and dreams for a normal, happy family life as anyone else.

Building a home

7 mins

Moving into a newly built townhouse in South London, Doreen and her family were happy to be part of a friendly community.

Life will never be the same again

15 mins

On the evening of the 22nd April 1993, there came a knock on the door that would change everything forever.

Guilt

5 mins

Guilt is a natural feeling when going through grief, but it’s important not to let it consume you.

A need to help

5 mins

Doreen is able to pinpoint the exact moment she felt driven by her need to help.

Channelling anger

7 mins

Find something productive to channel your anger into, and just remember to breathe in and breathe out.

Driven to distraction

7 mins

It’s okay to wallow sometimes, but it can be really helpful to focus your mind on something else for a while.

Therapy

10 mins

Counselling can feel intimidating for a number of reasons, but it can also be a lifeline – when you’re ready.

10.

Value system

5 mins

Having a strong sense of right and wrong instilled from an early age is invaluable.

11.

Coping strategies

18 mins

Doreen shares some of the coping strategies that she found helpful when navigating the ebb and flow of grief.

12.

Imposter syndrome

9 mins

Staying humble and grounded is of the utmost importance to Doreen, because at the end of the day, she never wanted any of the accolades she has been awarded.

13.

A meaningful life

6 mins

Finding purpose and positivity from within the darkness has helped Doreen lead a meaningful life.

14.

Becoming a Baroness

9 mins

Doreen talks about the unexpected honour of being invited to join the House of Lords, and exactly what being a Baroness entails.

15.

Importance of education

3 mins

Education is the key to unlocking your potential and a better future for yourself, and is something that’s been important to Doreen her whole life.

16.

Inspirations

3 mins

Inspiration can be found in the most humble and unlikely places. It’s just about what speaks to you.

17.

Stephen Lawrence Trust

7 mins

In honour of Stephen’s memory, Doreen set up a charitable trust to help marginalised young people achieve their dreams.

18.

Stephen Lawrence Day

6 mins

With the support of Prince Harry and Teresa May, Doreen marked the 25th anniversary of her son’s death with the greatest honour.

19.

Campaigning

14 mins

Doreen talks about the importance of speaking up for her children, and what inspired her to become a lifelong campaigner for equality.

20.

Olympics 2012

9 mins

For someone who’s not naturally comfortable in the spotlight, being asked to help open the 2012 Olympic Games definitely pushed Doreen out of her comfort zone.

21.

Rest in peace

5 mins

Finding peace is unique to everyone. It’s important to reflect and find what works for you.

22.

Keeping perspective

4 mins

It’s important to step back and take stock of things from time to time in order to see the bigger picture.

23.

Summary

4 mins

At the end of the day, Doreen is an ordinary woman who’s done extraordinary things because she had to, not because she wanted to.

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Course notes

75 pages

A downloadable PDF full of advice and support drawn from real life experience to help you find the inner strength when you need it most.

Inspire someone to find their inner strength

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