The whole emphasis of her work in Sierra Leone was to help the children and young adults to build positive images of themselves and give them hope for the future. On her return to England in 1978 she was instrumental in setting up a "Big Brother/Sister" youth club on the Stockwell Estate, Brixton, in South West London.

In 1980 she married and along with her husband, Robert, returned to Sierra Leone. There they worked among Sierra Leoneans for two years. They returned to England and between 1984-88 they had two sons.

During this period Elaine started and ran a Mother and Toddlers' Group and studied Childcare and Playgroup Leadership. In 1990 she opened "Stepping Stones" a club for under fives at her local health centre helping parents interact with their children through singing, talking, listening and playing together.

She also became involved in counselling teenagers, e.g., for the London Borough of Lambeth, and in fostering. It was at this time that she returned to her love of storytelling, beginning at her son's school.

Elaine has developed many positive image programmes catering for different races, ages and groups. She has run seminars and workshops for Health Visitors, Social Workers, Teachers, Health Care Assistants1 Refugees and Young Female Ex-drug Offenders as well as creative workshops for adolescents in the community. Elaine has lectured at Westminster College, Kensington & Chelsea College, and Bromley College in London.

Elaine Joseph is also author of the children's story, "THE DREAMSTEALER" (published by Mantra in seven languages) and a self-awareness programme, "WHO AM I? “ for Year Six school children.

Check out Elaine's website for more information www.iichild.com