Helen Bouchami

Born and raised on a council estate in the seaside resort of Blackpool, Helen was the first in her family to enter University, where she acquired not only a degree, but also a husband. After graduation, she returned with him to his native Algeria. She worked first at the fledgling University of Oran, and then for the State Oil and Gas company.

Ten years on, she returned to the UK with her two sons, having separated from her husband, and after a few difficult years, forged a successful career in people development, working first in-company for a large computer manufacturer and then as an independent consultant. She also served on the Board of the regional NHS Ambulance Service,

The story of her journey into, through and beyond motherhood is the focus of her first memoir, ‘Am I Still a Mother?’ She continues to write, working on shorter pieces, a second memoir about her ten years in 1970s Algeria and two factual non-fiction books, drawing on her professional experience.

She lives near Reading and other than writing, keeps busy squandering her grandchildren's inheritance on travel, theatre and art.