70. Aurora Thompson - the power of hope

Wild Card - Whose Shoes?

Chapters
0:00
Introduction - Gill introduces Aurora and sets the scene talking about Steven Russell’s book launch.
2:40
Meeting Aurora - a dancefloor memory, and the start of Aurora’s story.
3:15
The Power of Hope - Aurora explains hope as four elements: connection, love, opportunity, purpose. 🍋
6:45
Childhood Trauma & Autism - Aurora shares her early experiences of abuse, bullying, and late autism diagnosis.
9:55
Mental Health Crisis - COVID, isolation, and the road to psychiatric hospitals.
12:20
Sectioned at 16 - Life under the Mental Health Act and moving to a therapeutic children’s home.
14:50
A Picture of Hope - the therapy dog photo that sparked a new path forward. 🍋
16:15
Early Intervention vs Crisis Care - Aurora reflects on how things could have been different. 🍋
18:45
Restraint vs Hug - Why do systems allow restraint but not comfort? 🍋
22:30
Being Seen as ‘Complex’ - diagnostic overshadowing, missed health needs, and her mum’s persistence.
25:30
Ninja Parents & System Failures - how only the most determined parents keep their children from being lost. 🍋
28:40
Working with Young People - Aurora’s current role supporting neurodiverse children, Makaton, and funding cuts.
33:55
Turning the Corner - letting people in, golden professionals, and the role of humour and honesty. 🍋
39:20
Barnardo’s & Finding Purpose - volunteering, participation, and turning pain into energy.
43:35
Dream Big - Aurora’s message: “Aim for the stars … land near the moon.” 🍋
45:40
Rapid Transformation - from psychiatric hospital to university in just three years.
50:35
Why Philosophy? - a chance meeting with a lecturer and the glue for all her big questions.
57:10
Autism as Strength How traits once felt like barriers now fuel Aurora's advocacy
59:40
Final Reflections - Gill and Aurora close with a message of hope, resilience, and dreaming big. 🍋
Wild Card - Whose Shoes?
70. Aurora Thompson - the power of hope
Oct 05, 2025
Gill Phillips @WhoseShoes


In this powerful episode of Wild Card  -Whose Shoes?, Gill Phillips talks with Aurora Thompson - a remarkable young woman whose story of trauma, survival, and resilience will stop you in your tracks.

Aurora shares her lived experience of abuse,, bullying, mental health crises, and being sectioned as a teenager. 

She talks about her diagnosis with autism and what difference it has made.

But at the heart of her journey is a message of hope: a force she breaks down into four vital elements — connection, love, opportunity, and purpose.

🍋 All behaviour is communication - don’t judge, listen.

🍋 How is it okay to restrain but not hug?

🍋 The cost (emotional and financial) of crisis care versus the value of early intervention

🍋 The role of “golden people” — those rare professionals who bring honesty, humour, and humanity

🍋 From despair to purpose: how a photo of a therapy dog sparked hope, and how participation work with Barnardo’s became a lifeline

🍋 “Aim for the stars and you might just land near the moon” - Aurora’s call to dream big.

We also explore diagnostic overshadowing, the importance of holistic care, and why systems must stop lazily labelling children as “complex” and start seeing them as whole people.

Aurora is now studying philosophy, working with young people, and speaking out with passion and clarity to help change the system for those who come after her. Her voice is brave, authentic, and unforgettable.

🎧 Listen in for a story that is painful, inspiring, and ultimately hopeful - and perhaps take away your own lemon lightbulb or two. 🍋💡🍋


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Please recommend 'Wild Card - Whose Shoes' to others who enjoy hearing passionate people talk about their experiences of improving health care.