Social impact
Meaningful work making a difference
In 2008 we identified a significant gap in coaching that could bridge the divide between therapy, counselling and wellbeing. Illuminate Charity, a CIO was created, and we grew the non-profit to include a team of coaches and trainers dedicated to delivering high-quality professional coaching.
We created a trading arm of the charity to work with local businesses, delivering talks and training to diversify our income, helping us meet the increasing demand for our services. Our services were for people who were unemployed, low in confidence and managing poor mental health.​​
We closed the charity in 2024 after 15 years, having completed our mission: - ​
★ We worked with over 2000 adults, through courses, workshops and
coaching programs in-person and online.
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★ Delivered training, talks, Mental Health First Aid courses and coaching programs for the business community in-person and online, working with over 900 employees.​
​​Thanks for all the pioneering work you have done - helping us to talk about things, feelings and thoughts that were previously hidden, for fear of stigma. Your Confidence for Change courses were groundbreaking and I met many women whose lives were turned around by attending. Good luck to all your lovely staff for the future.​ Anna W
Mentoring
Running a small business whether a non-profit, social enterprise or CIO, isn't easy but you believe in the mission and making a difference. It's one of your core values.
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You've got the basics but you know it's not enough, at times it's overwhelming. You're working too hard, juggling, reactive decision making when you should be delegating more but to who and how.
You need to manage better and grow the team, plus get some money in, it's time to go from operational to more strategic, whilst working fewer hours - but how?
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I get it, I know what it's like. The early years are tough and there's so much advice but it can be overwhelming. I offer one-on-one bespoke support to work through your leadership, people management, and strategic challenges.
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You're not alone. Let's talk and see if we are a good match and if I can really help. There is huge potential to maximise the positive impact of the work you do and make a difference. ​
Just three sessions and even in that short time Maria was so helpful. I got clear on my focus and goals. I have the start of a communications plan and know what needs to happen next for my business. I'm so much clearer on where I need to focus my efforts and save time. Thank you Maria!​​
Schia Mitchell Sinclair, Medical Herbalist & Cranial Therapist
Just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Maria the session was absolutely superb and I very much look forward to referring people to you for coaching. The workshop had a really great energy to it, which was fully accepting and non-judgmental.
Emma Joy-Staines, CEO Steel Bones
Maria helped us design and implement our Practitioners Network for Wellbeing Champions and MHFA's. We found her very supportive, enthusiastic and professional. She improved our teamwork and helped me as a manager juggling extra responsibilities by creating the network to have a low impact on our workloads and can be managed easily by team members. I cannot stress enough how supportive she has been, not only creating the framework, delivering the training, then facilitaion of meetings. She has consistently supported me through our meetings. I've learnt lots, it's been an excellent experience and I highly recommend it to managers struggling everywhere.
S.L Peterborough
