Your Second Act

Meet Kim Plowright, whose life was slowly absorbed and reshaped by caring for her parents, both of whom developed dementia. Her father was diagnosed first, and Kim found herself trying to problem-solve his slow erasure before her mother was also eventually diagnosed. Years followed of chaos, repetitive routines and conversations, boredom, frustration and fear — and sometimes violence. Much of it f...

Meet Clare, whose decision to make Marseille her home began with a simple longing — to speak another language. Living in a London house share with multilingual flatmates, she felt the frustration of being limited to English, sparking a determination to conquer another language. A sabbatical in a small town outside Marseille gave her a taste of life immersed in another culture. And when Brexit and...

Meet Jo, who has navigated the complex world of medical weight management solutions with determination and resilience. From participating in NHS medical trials including the Covid vaccine to exploring bariatric surgery, semaglutide Wegovy injections, and tirzepatide Mounjaro treatments, she’s been on a quest to feel fitter and healthier. Throughout her journey, she found support from a group of lo...

Meet Bryony, a quietly tenacious connector whose story weaves through heartbreak, heritage, and hard-won community. Born in Herne Bay, she left Kent as a teenager and returned decades later, newly single and starting over in Margate. She came back for an exciting role at Turner Contemporary, just as the gallery’s arrival was stirring debate in the local community. It was a time of creative ambitio...

Meet Sue, a pint-sized powerhouse who learned to use her North London working class background, neurodiversity and gut instinct to overcome those who underestimated her. Follow her story through 1950s Camden, leaving school without qualifications and her success as a mature student. Her career saw her supporting the most vulnerable in women's refuges and inner London schools. She retired after bur...