About - Steven Russell

About me

My mission

My mission is to redefine the way we approach education and social care by bridging the gap between lived experience and professional expertise. Through my work as a Dual Perspective Specialist, I empower professionals—teachers, social workers, foster carers, and leaders—to build stronger, more authentic connections with children and young people.

I am committed to creating transformative training, workshops, and keynotes that inspire individuals and teams to rethink traditional practices, embrace empathy, and implement creative solutions.

At the heart of my mission is the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. By creating environments of belonging and inclusion, I aim to spark meaningful change that ripples through lives, families, and communities.

My vision

I envision a world where education and social care systems are driven by connection, compassion, and creativity. A world where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, feels a deep sense of belonging and knows they are valued.

Through the power of the Dual Perspective approach, I strive to create a future where professionals are equipped with the tools, insights, and empathy needed to transform lives. My vision is to inspire a culture of connection—one that prioritises patience, presence, curiosity, creativity, and authenticity as the foundation for meaningful relationships.

By championing small, intentional actions, I believe we can create extraordinary change. Together, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and where the ripple effect of connection transforms not just individuals, but entire systems and communities.

What is a Dual Perspective Specialist?

A Dual Perspective Specialist is anyone who uses their personal lived experience alongside their learned professional expertise to guide and inform their work.

This approach brings a rare and powerful combination of insight and empathy that goes beyond conventional training. Instead of just following a set module, a Dual Perspective Specialist offers something far more profound.

For example, I lived through the care system as a child and later spent two decades working as a professional in that same field. This dual perspective allows me to bridge the gap between theory and reality.

By combining the rawness of lived experience with professional knowledge, a Dual Perspective Specialist becomes a potent force for meaningful change, offering insights that are both deeply personal and expertly informed.

What do they provide?

Authenticity

Insights drawn from real-life challenges that cannot be taught in a classroom.

Connection

The ability to engage with people on a deeply human level, creating a safe space for reflection and growth.

Transformation

Practical tools and emotional resonance that promotes lasting change in individuals and teams.

Empathy

A genuine understanding of diverse perspectives, creating compassion and bridging gaps to build stronger, more cohesive relationships.

My why

I do what I do because, as a child navigating a chaotic care system, I struggled to build meaningful relationships. Constantly starting over left me feeling alone, rejected, and like I didn’t belong anywhere. I know what it’s like to feel invisible, to feel like the world has no place for you.

I do what I do because I want to be a beacon of hope and optimism for every child navigating the system – those who feel lost, disconnected, and unsure of their place in the world.

My “why” is little Steven – the boy who taught the man how to truly connect with children and young people in a way that matters, no matter how fleeting the moment. My “why” is what keeps me going. It grounds me, anchors me, and fuels my purpose: to create a world where every child feels seen, heard, and deeply connected – a world where they know they belong.

My professional journey

Began my journey in 2006 as a Residential Support Worker

Progressed to Senior, then Deputy Manager, and Interim Manager

Became a Specialist Family Support Worker and later a Family Assessment Officer

In 2020, I founded Elements

Did you know?

Since 20202, I’ve presented to over 30,000 people.

Mentored over 250 children.

Delivered over 90 workshops for professionals.

Created over 10 articles.

I've presented at iconic venues like:

The Guildhall, London

The British Library Museum

The Symphony Hall

Bolton, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Football Clubs

I've travelled across the UK

From Birmingham to London, Liverpool, and even the Isle of Man.

My journey of impact

2020: Funded Elements CIC and Elements Education and Training

Warwickshire Council Project: Supported 50 children in care on a 6-month project.

Project ELEV8: Delivered at Cottenham High School and Sir Graham Balfour, supporting 30 students identified as at risk of permanent exclusion.

First Conference:
I launched my first conference, The Power of 1.

Through the Eyes of a Carer: Delivered in collaboration with Telford and Herefordshire Fostering Services.

Mental Health Workshops:
I delivered mental health workshops in Oakwood Prison in partnership with the Rees Foundation.

Published Author:
I became an author with the release of my debut book, Drip by Drip, Day by Day, Finding Purpose Through the Pain.

Launched The Ripple Effect: Every Moment Matters project for the education and social care sectors.

My beliefs

Behaviour is a form of communication, often misunderstood.
Being on the journey with a young person is more important than   the destination.
Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Connection is the foundation of all meaningful work.
Small actions can create extraordinary change—drip by drip, day by day.

I believe that when the Five Elements of Connection - patience, presence, curiosity, creativity, and authenticity - are implemented, they create more opportunities for young people to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion.

“In the first couple of sessions, I was a bit unsure. Dawn (foster mum) came to the first three, and then I was comfortable enough to continue by myself. Steven has helped me build confidence within myself. He is very approachable, which makes it easier for me to talk to him. I feel he understands me as we come from quite similar backgrounds. Steven has helped me realise that being weird is a good thing, as it shows your difference to others. In relation to the word ‘weird,’ we have been working on a canvas based around this. This could be used to show people that being weird is not something to be ashamed of, as we all have different personalities, and Steven has helped me realise that.”

DF
Year 10 Student, The Wilnecote School

“Working with Steven has helped me in so many ways, beyond just my anger and violent behaviour. It helped me understand myself and my emotions, which I’ve always struggled with. I first worked with Steven in a group and was extremely nervous, but it helped me learn new ways to manage my emotions without violence. I was able to channel my feelings into art, music, drama, and writing, and learned how to put my emotions into words instead of reacting with anger.

After the group work, I began one-to-one sessions with Steven at school, which have been incredibly helpful. He gave me methods to help me think when I’m angry, and they’ve worked really well. My behaviour had damaged my relationship with my family, especially my mum, but now we are closer than ever. I still struggle at times, but I’m much better at managing my emotions and understand that it’s okay to show weakness.

The biggest thing Steven has given me is a safe outlet for my energy and strong emotions. Working with him has had an amazing, positive impact on my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support.”

RT
Year 10 Student, Sir Graham Balfour School

“Steven has been amazing, genuine, and very easy to talk to. Steven has worked so hard and has been so positive that it has rubbed off on us. My daughter has become exactly how Steven described her—a “Survivor.” His support has helped her overcome her fears, and because of this, my daughter has now become a member of the school council. She would never have done this before. She has become happier at home and at school—we have our daughter back.”

Claire – Mother of Year 10 Student

“Both me and my daughter are sad our time with Mr. Russell has come to an end because of the positive impact he had on our lives. My daughter was refusing to go to school and was constantly anxious about other students talking about her. Since Mr. Russell’s support, she has returned to school full-time with a smile on her face. We are both in a much happier place because of Mr. Russell’s support and guidance.”

Landau Forte – Mother of Year 10 Student

“In summary, the support that KW receives from Steven, in my opinion, is vital, even more so as she continues to grow, develop, and question more about herself, her life, and her family. Steven has built a good relationship with K; she trusts him, and this enables her to feel comfortable engaging with him. Steven supports K and helps her to understand some of her thoughts and feelings. The support given is consistent and even received between meetings via positive messages and videos that help K see herself differently.

It also proves his dedication to helping young people and shows K that he cares. K has struggled with significant difficulties with peers over the past weeks, and Steven has been a great support, assisting K in dealing with the situation. Steven has also delivered remote support, showing young people like K that there is always a way, despite obstacles. When speaking with K about feedback earlier today, she first responded with, “I dunno,” but then during our conversation, she described Steven as “someone I can talk to,” telling me, “I like talking to Steven, he helps me.” In my opinion, the positive impact Steven has with K will become more measurable in adult life, but even now, his impact is already immeasurable. I am both glad and relieved that K has this support, and long may it continue.”

Vanessa, KW, Foster Carer