ABOUT US
Finding your breath
in the chaos
At Supportive Stories, we understand that sometimes life feels like you’re treading water in a stormy sea. Whether you’re a business owner drowning in systems and processes, or a parent navigating the complex landscape of raising a child, that overwhelming feeling of “I don’t know where to start” is all too familiar.
We’re here to be your lighthouse in that storm.
At Supportive Stories, we have a growing team of specialists brought together by our Founder, Lucy Oldershaw. Our unique approach bridges the gap between practical systems and emotional intelligence, drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience to offer not just solutions, but a steady hand to hold through the journey.
Lucy understands firsthand what it means to feel overwhelmed whilst trying to keep everything running smoothly. Like many of us, she’s navigated her share of life’s difficult chapters – experiences that have deepened her understanding of how the stories we tell ourselves impact how we handle both everyday challenges and complex circumstances.
The stories we tell ourselves matter. Sometimes it’s hard to shift the perspective on your own though, and that’s why we’re here to help.
The stories we tell ourselves matter. Let us help you rewrite the narrative from "I'm drowning" to "I can breathe again."
You don’t have to do this alone. And with Supportive Stories, you won’t have to.
Supportive Stories: Purpose Summary
Mission
Vision
To empower overwhelmed businesses and families with the systems, support, and guidance they need to rewrite their stories from struggle to strength and feel confident in their daily challenges. We aim to build a network of specialised associates who create positive change for children and families through direct support and by strengthening the businesses that serve them.
Values
Balance of Knowledge and Intuition
We value both formal expertise and lived experience, recognising that the most effective support combines professional knowledge with intuitive understanding.
Compassion as Foundation
We approach every interaction with genuine care and empathy, creating a safe space where clients feel understood rather than judged.
Partnership Over Service
We don’t just provide services; we build partnerships. We embody our clients’ values and become true collaborators in their success.
Structure Amid Chaos
We bring organisation, consistency and calm to overwhelming situations, creating “room to breathe” for our clients.
Systems That Work
We develop practical, accessible systems that genuinely reduce rather than add to overwhelm.
Authenticity and Openness
We value honesty and transparency in all communications, acknowledging that vulnerability is often the first step toward growth.
Respect and Professionalism
We maintain professionalism while being approachable, creating relationships built on mutual respect and genuine connection.
Our Story
Every powerful Supportive Stories begins with a story.
For me, it began with a simple book I wrote for my two-year-old son as he started nursery.
Despite the shelves of parenting books available, none provided what he truly needed: the words to advocate for his emotions to be seen, heard, and validated. As a teacher, I understood the power of tailored resources. As a parent of neurodivergent children, I knew that standard approaches often miss the mark.
The impact of his own Supportive Story taught me something incredibly valuable: that when we equip ourselves with the right language, mindset and tools, that we can move from being overwhelmed to empowered.
Supporting families and the businesses that serve them.
In 2023, I transitioned from my role of teacher and tutor to business owner and I quickly discovered my passion for business administration, which now comprises a key part of our services while still maintaining the original vision of providing support to children and families through shared understanding and practical assistance under the brand of Supportive Stories.
Two complementary paths
Today, Supportive Stories operates along two essential paths:
For Families
We provide the frameworks, resources, and support that parents need to help their children—particularly those with neurodivergent profiles—understand their emotions and develop the language to express them. Rather than “fixing” children, we empower parents with evidence-based approaches to create supportive environments where children can thrive.
For Businesses
We apply these same principles to bring structure to chaos and create room to breathe for overwhelmed business owners. Through systems development, team cohesion work, and strategic support, we help businesses tell themselves more empowering stories about what’s possible.
BEYOND ADMINISTRATION TO TRANSFORMATION
What sets Supportive Stories apart is our unique blend of practical systems and emotional intelligence. We’re not just admin assistants or family coaches—we’re partners who understand that sustainable success requires both structured systems and supportive narratives.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that by reframing challenges, acknowledging emotional discomfort, and embedding the neurological language of emotions, we can transform both family dynamics and business operations.
GUIDED BY KNOWLEDGE, INFORMED BY EXPERIENCE
Every service we offer is anchored in professional expertise and enriched by lived experience. We balance academic knowledge with intuitive understanding, creating solutions that are both evidence-based and empathetically delivered.
We know that our own stories – our inner narratives – often get in the way of creating space so we are here to be alongside you and help you shape your own Supportive Stories and to keep you moving forward.
At Supportive Stories, we believe that with the right words, systems, and support, everyone has the capacity to write a more empowering story for themselves, their families, and their businesses.
At Supportive Stories, we believe that with the right words, systems, and support, everyone has the capacity to write a more empowering story for themselves, their families, and their businesses.
Sustainability Information
At Supportive Stories, we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact while maximising our positive social contribution.
As a remote-first business, we reduce carbon emissions through digital workflows and virtual meetings rather than commuting. We carefully consider the environmental footprint of our digital practices and aim to work with partners who share our commitment to sustainability.
Beyond our environmental efforts, we believe true sustainability encompasses wellbeing and balance – the very principles that guide our work with overwhelmed businesses and families. We’re on a continuous journey to improve our practices and create positive ripples through our business ecosystem.
What Our Clients Say
Grounded support when it’s needed most
Lucy has a wonderful way with words – in the nicest sense – and always has something positive and supportive to say if and when I’m having a moment where I’m overwhelmed and feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. She’s really embodied the values and ethics of my little business. It wasn’t until Lucy came around that I realised how little room to breathe I had. She’s amazing! Digitalised my registration/enquiry form, enrolling new students is now streamlined...
My life is infinitely better for having her as a part of it.
Lucy has worked with me as an associate VA for some time now and I can honestly say I don’t know what I would do without her – and this is reflected in the feedback of all the clients of mine that she works with. She’s incredibly organised, great at communicating, really kind and compassionate and has a super strong work ethic. I heartily recommend Lucy not only as a top notch virtual assistant but also as an all-round fabulous...
Her adaptable approach has enabled our business to evolve and grow.
Lucy is an absolute asset to any business. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Lucy has been instrumental in the success of our business. She has supported the rapid growth we have seen over the last 2 years. Her adaptable approach has enabled our business to evolve and grow. She has been caring and understanding as well as hugely supportive. Lucy listens to direction when needed and also works hard to proactively find solutions to challenges faced. Every business needs...
I have room to breathe – room to plan next steps in my business.
I honestly don’t know how I’d manage without her. Lucy is kind, professional, patient, and endlessly helpful — I’m so grateful to have her on my team! If you need someone who is reliable, efficient, thoughtful, and supportive, Lucy is the VA you need in your corner. She’s been a total legend for me and has made an enormous difference to both my business and my peace of mind. I can spend more time on what I’m best at, knowing...
I booked in for a Clarity Call with Supportive Stories.
She was able to ask the important questions that really helped me to focus on how I wanted to portray my business and how it would be perceived by others. Lucy made me feel at ease from our very first conversation and she had an extremely helpful and professional attitude. I would definitely recommend Supportive Stories to others. Lucy has given me confidence and inspired me to believe in myself and my business venture, and take those scary first steps...
