Hi, I'm Maddy
Full disclosure - I'm not a wellness expert.
But with over two decades of experience across hospitality, marketing, PR and placemaking - from launching luxury hotels to building community-led projects - my work has centred around creating spaces where people feel welcome and able to be themselves.
As an introvert, I've often felt the pressure to be more outgoing and confident being seen. I work in an industry that rewards being visible, busy and connected, but in recent years, I’ve realised the importance of slowing down, recharging and coming back to myself.
Building connection through place
For the last ten years, I’ve run East Croydon Cool - a platform that brings local people together through stories and experiences.
What started as a way to celebrate my neighbourhood grew into something bigger: helping long-time residents and newer arrivals feel a shared sense of belonging.
Through a wide range of gatherings (including seasonal parties, literary nights, film clubs and anti-networking events), I’ve seen what happens when you create the right environment for people to feel comfortable and connected.
But while I was busy creating space for other people, I realised I needed some for myself too...
So, I "switched off" (for a bit)
In 2022, I decided I needed some space - to think, slow down and step away from it all.
Maybe it was a pre-birthday crisis (?!) but it turned out to be a pretty good one. I turned off my phone and spent 45 days walking the Camino de Santiago.
Somewhere between the blisters and the tortillas, I rediscovered the power of silence and simplicity.
But when I returned home, I found myself pulled back into the same busy world I had left behind - and realised how hard it was to recreate those feelings of calm and clarity in everyday life.
Creating The Switch Off
The Switch Off grew from that realisation.
After years of bringing people together to connect with each other, I became interested in creating space where people could reconnect with themselves.
The Switch Off brings those two sides of my experience together: everything I've learnt about creating welcoming spaces and thoughtful experiences, with my own appreciation for what happens when we put our phones away, slow down, and give ourselves a bit of time to think.
From the atmosphere and little details to the structure of each session, everything is designed to help you feel relaxed, present and free from expectations.
It isn't about becoming a perfect screen-free person (I'm definitely not one - I still spend far more time on my phone than I'd like!).
It's simply about creating regular moments to slow down, recharge and have time to yourself.
Because nowadays, we all need a little help to switch off.
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