I’m Catherine Cox, a North Devon–based writer and community engagement practitioner. I’ve spent much of my working life creating spaces where people feel able to notice, reflect and reconnect - in schools, community projects and outdoor learning settings.

Before moving into community engagement work, I worked for many years in education, including as a headteacher. That experience gave me a deep respect for care, safeguarding, and the quiet skill of listening well. More recently I’ve developed story-led projects that help people connect with place and purpose - often through nature, creativity and meaningful conversation.

I created Story Portraits because I believe that behind every organisation doing good work there are human stories that deserve to be held with dignity. When told with care and consent, these stories help others understand what has changed, why it matters, and why support is needed.

I’m drawn to work that is both practical and heartfelt - where stories are not extracted, but invited; not polished into performance, but shaped gently into something shareable and true.

Outside of work you’ll usually find me gardening, walking, sea swimming, drawing, learning something new, or writing metaphorical stories that help life feel a little more spacious.