The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365 – Extract: Introduction
The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365 – Extract: Introduction About This Post This extract is part of my ongoing work on the book currently entitled “The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365“, featuring introductory content extracts. Please bear in mind that these paragraphs, chapters, accuracy and logic are still in draft form and will almost certainly evolve as the manuscript develops. Some people might say “Mark – Why are you doing two books?” Simple really, often I just need to park work on the Mental Health side of my Bucket List (when the content/topic is emotionally challenging) and move onto the Technical side – It helps me focus, unwind and relax knowing I can do both of these challenges; this means my brain, my own Mental Health, benefits me in ways I did not imagine. Thank you,Mark Tonks (aka SharePointMark) Introduction: Exploring Microsoft 365 Welcome to the first part of “The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365.” This section is designed to introduce you to the world of Microsoft 365, detailing what it is, what it includes, and how it can serve as a pivotal tool in transforming the way you work or manage your organisation. Overview and Goals: Microsoft 365 is not merely a suite of applications but a comprehensive platform that integrates cloud-based services with familiar office productivity tools. Our goal in this section is to provide a foundational understanding of Microsoft 365, discuss its various components and licensing options, and guide you through setting up a developer tenancy—a crucial first step for anyone looking to leverage Microsoft 365 effectively. Empowering Through Knowledge: “Our ambition is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.” – Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft This vision is at the heart of Microsoft 365. By understanding its structure and capabilities, you can unlock its full potential to enhance your productivity and business processes. Key Topics and Features: What is Microsoft 365? An overview of the platform and its evolution. Components and Services Included: Detailed insights into the applications and services that make up Microsoft 365. Licensing Types and Options: Understanding the various licensing models and what they mean for you or your business. Setting Up a Microsoft 365 Developer Tenancy: Step-by-step guidance on creating and configuring a developer tenancy to simulate real-world business scenarios. “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” – Bill Gates. This quote can remind us that while technology like Microsoft 365 is a powerful tool, its real value comes from how it is used to bring people together and enhance our daily tasks. Definition and Overview of Microsoft 365 In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, Microsoft 365 stands as a cornerstone of business productivity and collaboration. Born from the robust framework of Office 365, Microsoft 365 has expanded its reach to offer a comprehensive suite of integrated applications and services designed to empower organisations and individuals across the globe. This section delves into the essence of Microsoft 365…. Introduction to Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365: A Seamless Integration of Productivity Tools In the realm of digital collaboration and productivity, Microsoft 365 emerges as a pivotal platform, revolutionising the way businesses and individuals operate across the globe. Initially launched in 2011 as Office 365, this suite began as a subscription service offering access to Microsoft’s renowned Office applications over the internet. It was designed to meet the growing demands for accessible and collaborative working environments, allowing users to work from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. Evolution from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 The transition from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 in April 2020 marked a significant evolution in the platform’s capabilities. This rebranding was not merely cosmetic; it represented a strategic expansion to encompass a broader suite of services and tools. Microsoft 365 now integrates various new functionalities, including advanced AI-driven applications, enterprise-grade security measures, and comprehensive compliance protocols, tailored to enhance user productivity and data security. Timeline of Key Developments: 2011: Launch of Office 365, offering cloud access to Office applications. 2017: Introduction of Microsoft Teams, enhancing collaboration. 2020: Rebranding to Microsoft 365, reflecting an integrated service model with added tools like Microsoft Stream and Planner for comprehensive workflow management. Expanding the Scope: Beyond Traditional Office Tools Today, Microsoft 365 stands at the forefront of cloud-based solutions, driving the paradigm shift towards a hybrid work environment. This suite is not just about accessing Office tools online; it’s about creating a connected and secure ecosystem where collaboration is effortless and intuitive. Microsoft 365’s expanded toolkit includes: Microsoft Teams: A hub for teamwork that integrates chats, meetings, and collaboration. OneDrive for Business and SharePoint: Solutions for document storage and management that facilitate real-time collaboration and information sharing. Microsoft Security Solutions: Advanced security features that protect against cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and compliance with global standards. The Role of Microsoft 365 in the Modern Digital Landscape: As the digital workplace continues to evolve, Microsoft 365 adapts to meet the changing needs of its users, offering solutions that are not only innovative but also integral to maintaining productivity in a rapidly changing world. The platform’s ability to integrate various communication and collaboration tools under one umbrella exemplifies Microsoft’s commitment to providing solutions that are both versatile and essential for modern enterprises… Mark Tonks aka. SharePointMark Microsoft Solution Architect, Senior Project Manager, and Mental Health Advocate Mark Tonks My Personal Favourites Business Links Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe
The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365 – Extract: Use Cases and Practical Applications
The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365 – Extract: Use Cases and Practical Applications About This Post This extract is part of my ongoing work on the book currently entitled “The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365“, featuring introductory content extracts. Please bear in mind that these paragraphs, chapters, accuracy and logic are still in draft form and will almost certainly evolve as the manuscript develops. Some people might say “Mark – Why are you doing two books?” Simple really, often I just need to park work on the Mental Health side of my Bucket List (when the content/topic is emotionally challenging) and move onto the Technical side – It helps me focus, unwind and relax knowing I can do both of these challenges; this means my brain, my own Mental Health, benefits me in ways I did not imagine. Thank you,Mark Tonks (aka SharePointMark) Detailed Exploration of Key Use Cases Microsoft 365 adapts to a vast spectrum of business, educational, and personal needs, offering a robust platform that enhances productivity, facilitates communication, and simplifies collaboration. The following use cases and practical applications of Microsoft 365, showcase its versatility and real-world impact across various industries. Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): Remote Work: SMEs utilise Microsoft Teams alongside SharePoint to create seamless remote work environments. Microsoft Teams facilitates video conferencing and instant messaging, while SharePoint manages documents and collaboration, ensuring that geographical boundaries do not hinder productivity. Project Management: Microsoft Planner and To Do are instrumental for SMEs in tracking projects and managing tasks, helping keep deliverables on track and resources effectively allocated. Large Corporations: Enterprise Security Management: Corporations leverage Microsoft 365’s advanced security and compliance features to protect against data breaches and ensure cyber safety. Tools such as Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and Purview Compliance Manager are crucial for maintaining data integrity and regulatory compliance. Scalable IT Infrastructure: Microsoft 365 supports large corporations in managing a scalable IT infrastructure, ensuring consistent and reliable IT operations across global offices. Educational Institutions: Classroom Collaboration: Education Institutes employ Microsoft Teams for Education to enhance the classroom experience, enabling interactive virtual classrooms, streamlined assignment distribution, and grading. Administration and Staff Coordination: Outlook and OneDrive are utilised to manage administrative tasks and improve communication among faculty and staff, enhancing operational efficiency and data sharing within the educational environment. UK Government Entities: Dedicated UK Government Cloud: Microsoft 365 for Government provides a UK-specific cloud environment that meets the country’s strict data residency and compliance requirements, including those related to GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act. This dedicated environment ensures that sensitive data is stored and managed within the UK, fully compliant with government security standards. Collaboration and Communication: Utilising Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, UK government agencies can foster secure and efficient collaboration and communication within and across departments. These tools are configured to meet the high security and compliance standards required by UK government operations. Efficient Public Service Delivery: Streamlined Administrative Processes: Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook and OneDrive enable more efficient management of daily administrative tasks, improving communication and document management amongst staff and reducing operational redundancies. Digital Engagement with Citizens: Leveraging Microsoft Forms and Dynamics 365, government entities can enhance engagement with citizens through secure digital platforms, facilitating easier access to government services and feedback mechanisms. UK Non-Profit Organisations: Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Microsoft Teams for Remote Work and Volunteer Coordination: Leveraging Microsoft Teams helps UK non-profits maintain effective communication channels with volunteers and staff, regardless of their location. This tool supports remote work and enables seamless collaboration on projects and events, crucial for organisations with limited physical office space. SharePoint for Resource Sharing: SharePoint serves as a central hub for document management and collaboration, allowing non-profits to efficiently organise, store, and share resources and policy documents in compliance with UK data protection laws. Efficient Donor Management and Fundraising: Dynamics 365 for Non-profits: This tool can be specifically tailored for donor management, providing CRM capabilities that help non-profits manage relationships with donors, track fundraising efforts, and analyse donation data to improve engagement strategies. Microsoft Forms for Feedback and Surveys: Utilising Microsoft Forms enables non-profits to gather valuable feedback from stakeholders and measure the impact of their programs, essential for reporting to UK charity regulators and supporters. Compliance with UK Regulations: Data Security and Compliance Tools: Microsoft 365’s security features ensure that non-profits can handle sensitive information such as donor details and beneficiary data in compliance with the UK Data Protection Act and GDPR guidelines. Tools like Purview Compliance Manager help non-profits assess and manage their compliance posture effectively. The diverse applications of Microsoft 365 demonstrate its adaptability and potential to transform operational practices across different sectors. By understanding these real-world use cases, from enhancing educational methodologies to ensuring the security of government operations, users can customise Microsoft 365 solutions to meet their specific needs, driving significant improvements in efficiency and security…….. Mark Tonks aka. SharePointMark Microsoft Solution Architect, Senior Project Manager, and Mental Health Advocate Mark Tonks My Personal Favourites Business Links Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe Assist companies in maximising their Microsoft 365 licenses while also inspiring individuals to improve their productivity, collaboration skills, and enjoyment at work. Visit their Website Counsellor who Cares Whether you’re struggling with eating disorders or other mental health challenges, our dedicated bespoke Eating disorder treatment will guide you on your journey. Visit their Website Saltaire Training Company Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses which are accredited by the Department of Public Health Visit their Website Thrive in Mind Our mission is to provide proactive,
The End-of-Life Deadline for Windows 10 – Why It Matters
The End-of-Life Deadline for Windows 10 – Why It Matters The countdown has begun: Windows 10 support officially ends on 14 October 2025 After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, leaving businesses and individual users exposed to cyber threats, software incompatibility, and operational disruptions. While October 2025 may seem far off (to some people): Waiting too long to upgrade could put your security, compliance, and productivity at risk IT managers, business owners, and everyday users must act now to ensure a smooth transition before it’s too late. In this post, we’ll break down what Windows 10’s End-of-Life (EOL) means, why upgrading to Windows 11 – or exploring alternative solutions – is essential, and what hardware and software considerations you need to address. Now is the time to prepare. Let’s dive in What Does End-of-Life (EOL) Mean for Windows 10? When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it doesn’t just stop providing updates it leaves millions of devices vulnerable to security threats, software failures, and compliance risks. After 14 October 2025, businesses and individual users still relying on Windows 10 will face serious challenges that go far beyond outdated software. For Windows 10 users, this means: No More Security Patches – Newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, leaving devices, networks, and sensitive data open to cyberattacks. No Technical Support – Microsoft will no longer provide assistance for Windows 10 issues. Reduced Software Compatibility – Over time, new applications, drivers, and security tools built for Windows 11, lead to performance issues, missing features, and software incompatibilities on Windows 10. Significant Compliance Risks – Businesses in regulated industries could fail security audits or face legal consequences for running an unsupported OS. With these risks in mind, businesses and users must start preparing now to ensure a secure and seamless transition. Compliance Risks For businesses holding Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus, or ISO 27001:2022 certification, continuing to use Windows 10 after its End-of-Life (EOL) isn’t just a security risk, it could lead to non-compliance, financial penalties, and loss of certification. These accreditation frameworks require up-to-date, secure systems, meaning that running an unsupported OS can have serious consequences for security standards, risk management, and overall business operations. Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus Mandates supported and up-to-date software – Running Windows 10 beyond its EOL date directly violates Cyber Essentials’ security requirements, putting certification at risk. Increased risk of cyber threats – Without security patches, ransomware and malware attacks become a major risk, potentially leading to cyber insurance complications and breach of contract obligations. For businesses handling sensitive data or operating in regulated industries, running Windows 10 past its EOL could lead to certification loss, compliance failures, and even contract terminations. Beyond Windows 10: The Bigger Picture The Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL) isn’t just about retiring an operating system – it’s part of a larger shift that businesses must navigate to stay secure and efficient. Alongside Windows 10, Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 2019 are also reaching their own EOL deadlines, increasing the urgency for organisations to modernise their IT environments before support ends. Office 2016: Support ends on 14 October 2025, the same day as Windows 10’s EOL. Office 2019: While mainstream support has already ended, extended support ends on 14 October 2025. Businesses still relying on these versions will face challenges on two fronts: outdated operating systems and unsupported productivity software, increasing risks across their IT infrastructure. The Risks of Ignoring These Deadlines With multiple Microsoft products reaching their EOL, businesses must act now to avoid serious disruptions. Failing to upgrade both Windows 10 and legacy Office applications can result in: Security Threats: Unsupported software is a prime target for cybercriminals. Compliance Issues: Organisations accredited with Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus must use supported software to maintain compliance or they could face certification loss, fines, or reputational damage. Compatibility Headaches: Modern applications and services, including Microsoft 365, will increasingly rely on newer operating systems and software. To stay secure, compliant, and efficient, businesses must begin planning their transition now before these critical deadlines arrive. Why Businesses and IT Managers Need to Act Now The Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL) deadline isn’t just a routine software update; it’s a turning point that will impact business security, compliance, and operational stability. After 14 October 2025, Windows 10 will officially become obsolete, forcing organisations to upgrade or face significant risks. Businesses must begin planning their transitions now, considering upgrades to Microsoft 365, Office 2021, or newer cloud-based solutions. With the simultaneous EOL dates for both Windows 10 and Office 2016/2019, organisations should take a holistic approach to ensure seamless updates across their IT environments. It isn’t just about compliance it’s an opportunity to enhance security, improve productivity, and unlock modern collaboration tools. A last-minute Windows 11 upgrade is not a viable strategy. Businesses must assess hardware compatibility, application readiness, licensing implications, and deployment plans well in advance to avoid major disruptions. Key Challenges Businesses Must Address Successfully upgrading to Windows 11 requires careful planning across multiple areas, including hardware, applications, and user adoption. Key challenges include: Assessing device compatibility: Many older laptops and desktops do not meet Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements and may need replacing. Evaluating application compatibility: Will legacy software function correctly on Windows 11, or will it require upgrades or replacements? Deployment planning: Businesses must plan device rollouts, licensing transitions, and data migration to ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime. Without a proactive upgrade plan, organisations risk downtime, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and rising IT costs all of which could have been avoided with early preparation. What to Expect Navigating Windows 10’s End-of-Life transition can be complex, but this guide will break it down into four key sections to help your business prepare smoothly and effectively: Windows 11 Benefits vs Windows 10: Why Windows 11 is not just an upgrade but a fundamental improvement in security, performance, and features. Upgrade
Segmenting Your Microsoft 365 Global Address List for Multi-Domain Organisations
Segmenting Your Microsoft 365 Global Address List for Multi-Domain Organisations In an era where mergers, acquisitions and multi-academy consolidations are commonplace, centralising multiple domains into a single Microsoft 365 tenant delivers undeniable efficiencies in security, licensing and administration. Yet with consolidation comes the hidden risk of an unwieldy Global Address List (GAL) – a single directory that exposes every mailbox, group and resource across your entire tenant. For an education trust of a dozen schools, this can mean a teacher accidentally emailing safeguarding records to the wrong academy. For a merged enterprise, it may result in sensitive financial forecasts landing in a newly acquired subsidiary’s inbox. This article presents a fully-up-to-date approach – using native Exchange Online Address Book Policies (ABPs) – to carve a monolithic GAL into secure, domain or division specific views You’ll gain: An understanding of why a single GAL poses security, compliance and productivity challenges A clear description of ABP components and their interplay Detail and plain-English explanations of PowerShell implementation patterns Expanded sections on Security & Compliance, Extending Segmentation into Teams and Beyond, and Governance Wherever possible, I’ve drawn directly from Microsoft’s latest documentation to ensure accuracy. Why a Single GAL Becomes a Liability Many organisations believe a centralised directory is inherently beneficial: one search bar to rule them all. In practice, users endure information overload when they must sift through hundreds or thousands of irrelevant entries to find a colleague or resource. Worse, autocomplete treats internal and external addresses the same, so a slip of the finger can expose confidential data to unintended recipients. For multi-academy education trusts, safeguarding student information is non-negotiable. A misplaced click can send pupil assessment data or pastoral notes to the wrong school, risking GDPR breaches and parental complaints. In corporate scenarios – say, a company acquiring a competitor – financial controllers might inadvertently share year-end bonus details with executives of the acquired entity. These are not hypothetical concerns; every mis-addressed email carries reputational damage, regulatory fines and erosion of stakeholder trust. IT helpdesks bear the brunt of this chaos, fielding reported incident tickets such as “Why can’t I find Mrs Jones in my academy?” or “Why am I seeing rooms from the finance department?” These repetitive queries divert valuable IT capacity from strategic projects – be it rolling out a new learning-management system or deploying advanced security analytics. As tenant scale grows, so too do the hidden costs of a monolithic GAL. Address Book Policies: Virtual Segmentation Rather than fragment your environment into separate tenants – an approach that multiplies licences, security boundaries and operational overhead – Exchange Online’s Address Book Policies (ABPs) offer a “virtual partition” within your existing tenant. An ABP bundles together four filtered directory view components so that users see only the objects assigned to their business unit or academy all while retaining centralised governance and compliance controls. At its core, an ABP comprises: A Global Address List (GAL) scoped by a recipient filter, defining which mail-enabled objects appear in name-resolution requests. An Offline Address Book (OAB) downloaded by Outlook clients in cached mode, ensuring offline users browse the same filtered directory. A Room List, for filtering resource mailboxes (meeting rooms, shared equipment) to prevent cross-unit booking conflicts. Custom Address Lists, enabling category-based browsing (e.g. by department or faculty) within the defined scope. By tagging mailboxes using a custom attribute or SMTP domain suffix you drive these filters automatically, so new users immediately inherit the correct ABP without manual reassignment. The Address Book Policy Routing agent further enforces isolation by marking out-of-scope lookups as “external” ﹘ preventing misleading “internal” display names in autocomplete once you enable it with: Set-TransportConfig -AddressBookPolicyRoutingEnabled $true Dissecting the Four ABP Pillars Global Address List (GAL) When a user types a name into the To: field in Outlook or OWA, the directory lookup consults the GAL. A domain-specific GAL (e.g. GAL_Contoso) ensures that Division A staff resolve only their own colleagues, distribution lists and contacts. This scoping is driven by a recipient filter, most commonly mapping CustomAttribute1 to a division code, such as “Contoso”. Offline Address Book (OAB) Outlook’s cached-mode clients download the OAB every eight hours by default. When you create an OAB that points to the same filtered GAL and address lists (e.g. OAB_Contoso), offline users maintain the same segmented experience even when disconnected from the network. This is critical for remote or bandwidth-constrained environments where cached-mode Outlook is the norm. Room List Resource mailboxes (meeting rooms, hot desks, equipment) often clutter the global directory. By creating a Room List object filtered on both the RecipientDisplayType (e.g. ConferenceRoomMailbox) and your division tag, you surface only the relevant rooms in meeting-room pickers preventing double bookings and administrative friction across units. Custom Address Lists Under each GAL, you can present one or more Custom Address Lists for instance, “Finance Teams” or “Faculty Staff” using the same division filter. These lists appear as categories in Outlook’s address-book pane, enabling structured browsing rather than free-form search. Together, all four components weave a seamless, tailored directory experience for each business unit. Security & Compliance: Fortifying Your Boundaries Segmentation does more than improve usability – it underpins your security and compliance strategy with multiple, reinforcing controls. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) becomes markedly more precise With a monolithic GAL, DLP policies must blanket the entire tenant, triggering false positives when users legitimately email across divisions. By contrast, ABP segmentation lets you craft targeted DLP rules that apply within each directory silo. For example, exam results can circulate freely within an academy but are blocked when addressed outside its ABP, sharply reducing administrative overhead in policy tuning and alert triage. eDiscovery and legal-hold scenarios Segmented GALs shrink your search scope. Compliance officers can restrict Content Searches to a single ABP, slashing processing time and data volumes. In education trusts, this ensures that subject-access requests remain tightly confined to the relevant academy, a critical requirement under GDPR and UK data-protection regulations. Auditability improvement Exchange’s Admin Audit Logs record
Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma – Extract: The Garden Within Us
Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma – Extract: The Garden Within Us About This PostThis extract is part of my ongoing work on the book currently entitled “Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma”, featuring Chapter 1: Understanding Mental Health: From Perception to Reality. Please bear in mind that these words are still in draft form and may evolve as the manuscript develops. Thank you to everyone who first joined the conversation on LinkedIn – your messages and comments helped launch this project, and I’m delighted to have ticked “launch a website” off my bucket list. I hope this and future extracts will excite and inspire you. Thank you,Mark Tonks 🪴 Chapter 1 Extract: The Garden Within Us When it comes to understanding mental health, metaphors can be more powerful than definitions. They allow us to connect emotionally with something that otherwise feels abstract. And among all the metaphors used to describe mental wellbeing, none is more fitting, more visual, or more universally understood than that of a garden. Imagine your mind as a garden As a child, many of us were taught how to plant seeds, water the soil, and watch something grow. We felt the excitement of seeing the first sprout push through. Gardens were magical then – full of colour, bugs, smells, and potential. As we grow older, we often forget that magic, treating our inner world like a machine to maintain, rather than a living space to nurture. But a garden never stops being a garden, even when neglected. It doesn’t lose its potential, it just waits. Some days, your inner garden blooms with energy and hope. On other days, it may be tired, dry, or overrun with weeds like anxiety, self-doubt, or burnout. There are seasons when things flourish, and seasons when things feel still. That stillness isn’t a failure. It’s part of the cycle. Like a real garden, your mental health doesn’t thrive by accident. It requires attention. Regular check-ins. Time. Support. Sometimes, it needs pruning – letting go of thoughts or environments that no longer serve you. Other times, it needs shade and rest, not more sunlight and hustle. “A garden requires patient labour and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.” — Liberty Hyde Bailey, botanist and educator This metaphor gives us permission to be tender with ourselves. To recognise that thriving doesn’t mean blooming every day. It can mean holding steady. It can mean holding on. A child may understand this easily. They watch nature closely. They see that even the smallest seed needs time. Teenagers, who may be feeling the overwhelming pressure to be ‘okay’ all the time, can benefit from this metaphor, too. It says: You are growing, even when you feel stuck. Adults, caught up in routines and roles, often lose sight of their inner soil. We expect ourselves to function endlessly, to produce, perform, and cope without pause. But nothing in nature works that way. Everything needs downtime. Too often, we only notice our mental health when it’s in decline; when burnout takes hold, when anxiety chokes our breath, when we find ourselves retreating from the things that once brought joy. But a gardener doesn’t just water plants when they’re dying. They check the soil, feed it regularly, and pull out weeds before they take over. 📊 Surprising Thought: According to the Royal Horticultural Society, gardening has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve concentration, and increase overall feelings of wellbeing. This applies not just to physical gardens, but also to the metaphorical one we carry inside. Source: RHS, UK Gardening for Health studies (2021) Tending to our mental health is not a crisis-response activity. It’s an ongoing relationship; one that requires daily attention, even in small ways. It might be choosing rest over productivity. Saying no instead of yes. Reaching out before the silence becomes too loud. Or planting a new routine – no matter how small – that makes space for reflection or joy. In chapter 1, I explore how to recognise when your internal garden needs care, how to identify the weeds that may be draining your energy, and how to honour the unique ways your mental health responds to the seasons of your life. When we learn to tend our garden with intention, we don’t just survive – we begin to grow, and more than that, we create spaces where others feel safe to grow alongside us…………. Mark Tonks aka. SharePointMark Microsoft Solution Architect, Senior Project Manager, and Mental Health Advocate Mark Tonks My Personal Favourites Business Links Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe Assist companies in maximising their Microsoft 365 licenses while also inspiring individuals to improve their productivity, collaboration skills, and enjoyment at work. Visit their Website Counsellor who Cares Whether you’re struggling with eating disorders or other mental health challenges, our dedicated bespoke Eating disorder treatment will guide you on your journey. Visit their Website Saltaire Training Company Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses which are accredited by the Department of Public Health Visit their Website Thrive in Mind Our mission is to provide proactive, preventative, and evidence-based mental health solutions that empower employees and foster resilient, thriving workplaces. Visit their Website Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit
Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma – Extract: What Mental Health Isn’t
Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma – Extract: What Mental Health Isn’t About This PostThis extract is part of my ongoing work on the book currently entitled “Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma”, featuring Chapter 1: Understanding Mental Health: From Perception to Reality. Please bear in mind that these words are still in draft form and may evolve as the manuscript develops. Thank you to everyone who first joined the conversation on LinkedIn – your messages and comments helped launch this project, and I’m delighted to have ticked “launch a website” off my bucket list. I hope this and future extracts will excite and inspire you. Thank you,Mark Tonks 🧠 What Mental Health Isn’t For many, the term “mental health” immediately conjures images of crisis, illness, and breakdown. We associate it with therapy rooms, diagnoses, and medications. The media, too often, portrays mental health only in its most extreme forms: tragedy, dysfunction, or sensationalised celebrity struggles. And yet, this limited view couldn’t be further from the full truth. Mental health is not the same as mental illness. That distinction is not just semantic – it’s transformative. Every person, regardless of background, ability, age, or life experience, has mental health. Just as we all have physical health — ranging from moments of vitality to periods of illness. Our mental health exists on a spectrum. It includes our emotional wellbeing, our ability to handle stress, our relationships, our sense of identity, and our day-to-day functioning. To say that someone “has mental health issues” should not immediately imply disorder. It could simply mean they are tired, disconnected, overwhelmed, or grieving. These are natural human responses to life’s challenges. But due to longstanding cultural misunderstandings, we’ve internalised the idea that mental health is only worth discussing when something is broken. The silence that follows that belief — in workplaces, families, and schools — is what fuels stigma the most. Here’s the reality: Struggling with your mental health doesn’t mean you are weak. It means you are human. Being well doesn’t mean being happy all the time. It means being able to feel, to think, to relate, and to bounce back. Mental health is not about perfection or performance — it’s about presence, resilience, and responsiveness. “Mental health… is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” — Noam Shpancer, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Author This quote reminds us that mental health is a daily experience, not a one-time assessment. It shifts our focus from a label to a lived reality. If we only acknowledge mental health when it collapses, we miss the opportunity to nurture it in the everyday. 📊 Surprising Fact According to the UK mental health charity Mind, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year. But the wider truth is this: 4 in 4 people are affected — directly or indirectly — through relationships, workplaces, trauma, grief, parenting, caregiving, or community stress.📚 Source: Mind UK – mind.org.uk It’s also important to highlight that the language we use matters deeply. Saying someone “is bipolar” or “is depressed” can unintentionally reduce them to a diagnosis. In reality, they are a whole person living with a condition — not defined by it. These shifts in language may seem small, but they shape how we see others and how we support them. Words are not just descriptors — they are cultural tools that either open doors or shut them… The truth is: mental health affects us all — whether we recognise it or not. And if we begin by redefining what mental health isn’t, we start clearing away the fear, judgement, and silence that prevent so many from speaking up… Mark Tonks aka. SharePointMark Microsoft Solution Architect, Senior Project Manager, and Mental Health Advocate Mark Tonks My Personal Favourites Business Links Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe Assist companies in maximising their Microsoft 365 licenses while also inspiring individuals to improve their productivity, collaboration skills, and enjoyment at work. Visit their Website Counsellor who Cares Whether you’re struggling with eating disorders or other mental health challenges, our dedicated bespoke Eating disorder treatment will guide you on your journey. Visit their Website Saltaire Training Company Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses which are accredited by the Department of Public Health Visit their Website Thrive in Mind Our mission is to provide proactive, preventative, and evidence-based mental health solutions that empower employees and foster resilient, thriving workplaces. Visit their Website Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe Assist companies in maximising their Microsoft 365 licenses while also inspiring individuals to improve their productivity, collaboration skills, and enjoyment at work. Visit their Website Counsellor who Cares Whether you’re struggling with eating disorders or other mental health challenges, our dedicated bespoke Eating disorder treatment will guide you on your journey. Visit their Website Saltaire Training Company Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses which are accredited by the Department of Public Health Visit their Website Thrive in Mind Our mission is to provide proactive, preventative, and evidence-based mental health solutions that empower employees and foster resilient, thriving workplaces. Visit
Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma – Extract: About the Author
Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma – Extract: About the Author About This PostThis extract is part of my ongoing work on the book currently entitled “Mental Health – Beyond the Stigma”, featuring a Foreword section entitled “About the Author” Please bear in mind that these words are still in draft form and may evolve as the manuscript develops. Thank you to everyone who first joined the conversation on LinkedIn – your messages and comments helped launch this project, and I’m delighted to have ticked “launch a website” off my bucket list. I hope this and future extracts will excite and inspire you. Thank you,Mark Tonks Mark Tonks is a Mental Health Advocate, qualified Mental Health First Aider, and experienced workplace consultant whose path into mental health support was forged not by choice, but by a profound personal transformation. In late 2022, Mark’s life was upended by a sudden and critical medical emergency — a brain abscess that nearly claimed his life. What followed was not just a physical recovery, but a complete mental and emotional reboot. With support from his partner and medical professionals, Mark rebuilt himself — cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually — into what he now calls MarkV2.0. This second version of Mark is defined by a mission: to challenge the stigma around mental health, to create meaningful conversations in both personal and professional spaces, and to ensure that no one walks the path of recovery or struggle alone. Mark draws from over 30 years of experience in the IT and business transformation sectors, now blending his technical expertise with a deeply human mission — embedding mental health awareness into workplace culture, leadership, and community values. His writing, meetings, posts, and training sessions are grounded in empathy, real-life understanding, and a relentless pursuit of making mental health a lived priority, not just a spoken one. His book Beyond the Stigma is the product of that mission — a practical guide designed not just to inform, but to inspire. Through his lived experience and professional lens, Mark brings clarity, compassion, and credibility to the conversation about mental health. He is a firm believer that mental health understanding and knowledge is not a “nice to have” — it is a must-have, and that every conversation can be the one that makes a difference. You can connect with Mark at🔗 linkedin.com/in/MarkTonks Mark Tonks aka. SharePointMark Microsoft Solution Architect, Senior Project Manager, and Mental Health Advocate Mark Tonks My Personal Favourites Business Links Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe Assist companies in maximising their Microsoft 365 licenses while also inspiring individuals to improve their productivity, collaboration skills, and enjoyment at work. Visit their Website Counsellor who Cares Whether you’re struggling with eating disorders or other mental health challenges, our dedicated bespoke Eating disorder treatment will guide you on your journey. Visit their Website Saltaire Training Company Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses which are accredited by the Department of Public Health Visit their Website Thrive in Mind Our mission is to provide proactive, preventative, and evidence-based mental health solutions that empower employees and foster resilient, thriving workplaces. Visit their Website Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe Assist companies in maximising their Microsoft 365 licenses while also inspiring individuals to improve their productivity, collaboration skills, and enjoyment at work. Visit their Website Counsellor who Cares Whether you’re struggling with eating disorders or other mental health challenges, our dedicated bespoke Eating disorder treatment will guide you on your journey. Visit their Website Saltaire Training Company Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses which are accredited by the Department of Public Health Visit their Website Thrive in Mind Our mission is to provide proactive, preventative, and evidence-based mental health solutions that empower employees and foster resilient, thriving workplaces. Visit their Website
The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365 – Extract: Foreword
The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365 – Extract: Foreword About This Post This extract is part of my ongoing work on the book currently entitled “The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365“, featuring introductory content extracts. Please bear in mind that these paragraphs, chapters, accuracy and logic are still in draft form and will almost certainly evolve as the manuscript develops. Some people might say “Mark – Why are you doing two books?” Simple really, often I just need to park work on the Mental Health side of my Bucket List (when the content/topic is emotionally challenging) and move onto the Technical side – It helps me focus, unwind and relax knowing I can do both of these challenges; this means my brain, my own Mental Health, benefits me in ways I did not imagine. Thank you,Mark Tonks (aka SharePointMark) Introduction Welcome to “The Atmosphere,” your comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering Microsoft 365. Whether you’re a business owner, a new employee, an educator, or simply someone curious to explore the potential of cloud computing, this book is designed to navigate you through the intricate world of Microsoft 365 with clarity and confidence. Historical Context and Evolution: Microsoft 365, which evolved from Office 365, was officially launched on 28 June 2011. It marked a significant shift towards cloud-based applications and services, initially offering a suite of tools including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Lync Online. On 21 April 2020, Office 365 was rebranded to Microsoft 365 to signify a broader vision for integrated productivity solutions, now encompassing a wider range of tools beyond the traditional Office applications. Understanding Software as a Service (SaaS): Microsoft 365 operates under the Software as a Service (SaaS) model, a form of cloud computing that provides users with access to software applications over the internet. This model enables ease of access, scalability, and seamless updates and maintenance, making it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes seeking flexible and efficient productivity tools. Microsoft 365 today stands as a transformative ecosystem designed to facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and productivity in the cloud. With its comprehensive array of applications such as Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and more, grasping Microsoft 365 is now essential for anyone looking to thrive in a modern workplace. This book is meticulously structured to unfold the layers of Microsoft 365 systematically. It begins with the fundamentals – what Microsoft 365 is, what it includes, and how it can revolutionise the way you work or manage your organisation. From setting up your own Microsoft 365 Tenancy to mastering advanced tools, the journey will be detailed and guided at every step. Empowering Small to Medium-sized Businesses: In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) require robust, scalable solutions that can adapt quickly to changing needs. Microsoft 365 offers just that – a suite of tools that not only streamlines workflows but also enhances security and compliance. This book focuses particularly on empowering SMBs to configure and harness Microsoft 365 to its fullest extent, thereby driving business enhancement and productivity improvements. Through detailed explanations, you’ll learn how to optimise these tools for your business, integrating them seamlessly into your daily operations. From establishing a compliant, efficient intranet with SharePoint to fostering dynamic, real-time collaboration with Teams, the strategies presented here are tailored to elevate your business’s operational efficiency and digital prowess. Technical Mastery with a Practical Touch: For those inclined towards technical details, the book delves into the use of PowerShell to automate tasks, thereby enhancing efficiency and precision. Each section includes practical examples and step-by-step guides, complemented by high-quality images, diagrams, and tables to aid understanding, and application. Moreover, the exploration of different Microsoft 365 tenant types – such as GCC for government entities, EDU for education institutions, Enterprise solutions for organisations, and special non-profit offerings – ensures that you can make informed decisions best suited to your organisational needs and contexts. As you embark on this journey through “The Atmosphere,” expect to transform from a novice to a proficient user, equipped with the knowledge to leverage Microsoft 365 to its fullest potential. Whether your goal is to improve your productivity, enhance organisational communication, or secure your digital environment, this book will serve as your roadmap. “The Atmosphere – Administrators Guide to Microsoft 365 – Extract: Foreword” – Mark (June 2025) Embrace the journey ahead with “The Atmosphere.” Let’s demystify the world of Microsoft 365 together, making it an accessible, understandable, and essential part of your digital literacy… Mark Tonks aka. SharePointMark Microsoft Solution Architect, Senior Project Manager, and Mental Health Advocate Mark Tonks My Personal Favourites Business Links Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes not just from what we do, but how and why we do it. Visit their Website iThink 365 Building great solutions that solve business problems and tackle the productivity crisis Visit their Website 365Tribe Assist companies in maximising their Microsoft 365 licenses while also inspiring individuals to improve their productivity, collaboration skills, and enjoyment at work. Visit their Website Counsellor who Cares Whether you’re struggling with eating disorders or other mental health challenges, our dedicated bespoke Eating disorder treatment will guide you on your journey. Visit their Website Saltaire Training Company Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses which are accredited by the Department of Public Health Visit their Website Thrive in Mind Our mission is to provide proactive, preventative, and evidence-based mental health solutions that empower employees and foster resilient, thriving workplaces. Visit their Website Primary Technology Ltd Helping customers to succeed through the use of IT, connectivity and communication tools. Visit their Website Vantage 365 Ltd To unlock the full potential of organisations through the implementation and exploitation of Microsoft technologies Visit their Website Cielo Costa Our success comes