"Not a barrier" — a visit from Maria Canning, former police sergeant

This week we welcomed Maria Canning, a former police sergeant who has served with Essex Police and Devon and Cornwall Police. Maria spoke to our children about her journey from cadet to sergeant, the realities of policing across very different communities, and what it means to protect and serve.

She was honest about the pressures officers face and the speed at which decisions have to be made, and she spoke openly about the negative headlines the police can sometimes attract, while reminding our children that those in uniform are human too.

Most memorably, Maria shared her own experiences of dyslexia and ADHD, and how they were never a barrier to her career. She went on to set up the Police National Dyslexia Association, turning her own challenges into something that has supported officers across the country.

A difficulty, handled well, can become a gift to others. Our children heard that loud and clear.