Gemma Stow

New week guidance: whatever you want to achieve, lean not only on your own understanding and actions, but ask for the Lord's favour and guidance to achieve it. What do you need to entrust to the Lord this week? Talk to the Lord and believe you will win.🙏 #CoachEnnie #lifecoach

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Empowering Women, Stitch by Stitch: A Journey of Strength and Determination" Today, I’m sharing a special moment that’s close to my heart. Aside from hosting my podcast, I also work as the director of Skilled Hands Organisation CIC, an organisation I founded in 2018. Over the summer holidays, I spent time with incredible women from the Refugees Forum in Nottingham, where we crafted 30 stunning garments for the runway. Our goal? To raise funds and continue empowering women through skills that help them build small businesses and thrive in life. Through artisan crafts like dressmaking, soap making, bag creation, and more, we provide women with tools not just for creativity, but for healing, confidence, and financial independence. Crafting offers therapeutic benefits that soothe the mind, provide focus, and build community. It helps women who have faced unimaginable challenges to rebuild their lives and find new paths to success. It’s been a long and challenging journey for me—being a mom, an entrepreneur, and someone passionate about seeing women thrive. But no matter how tough the road has been, I will never give up. I want to encourage someone out there today: Keep going, keep pushing, and don’t ever give up on your dreams. Success comes to those who persevere, even in the face of obstacles. Together, we can create a world where everyone have the power to rise, no matter their circumstances. I believe in this vision, and I believe in you. #KeepGoing #WomenEmpowerment #NeverGiveUp #CraftToThrive #SkilledHands #PodcastWithPurpose #WomenSupportingWomen #EntrepreneurLife #NottinghamStrong #ResilienceAndStrength** Motivational Words: - "Strength is born in the moments when you think you can’t go on but keep going anyway." - "Success is not the absence of obstacles; it’s the perseverance through them." - "Empowerment starts with the belief that you are capable of greatness." KEEP SHINING 💃💃 https://lnkd.in/eAmiFTi6

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As children, many of us played make-believe and took on different roles. My sister complains that I always made her play Flounder whilst I took the leading role of Ariel and that the experience has left her permanently scarred! It may seem like a harmless childhood game, but it's a reflection of a larger problem in our culture. We either become Ariels and use others to achieve our agendas or are stuck as Flounders supporting the vision of others. We're obsessed with the idea of the individual hero, achieving success and personal fulfilment. But what about the other characters in their story? This dangerous single story about leadership holds us back from creating a world where collective leadership is possible. We can all be more together than Flounders and Ariels! 🐠 Let's work towards a world where everyone can flourish and shape agendas. We need to recognize that there are many different kinds of leaders, and we all have the potential to be more than just supporting characters. It's time to break free from their limitations and tell stories of collective power and leadership instead. #diversityandinclusion #leadership #collectiveleadership

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KINGDOM COACHING Kingdom Coaching is the most recent niche within Javelin Success and something I’ve been thinking of for a while. It’s a particular type of coaching and mentoring programme aimed at supporting and encouraging Christians in the workplace. The coaching process is intentionally designed to affect people at the heart and mind level, but which actually makes a difference to the way we live and do life and work. Effective coaching is about actively listening and asking good questions. Jesus was the Master Questioner. And He often answered questions with a question. If Jesus had only told people what to do, they would just be getting more teaching. But by asking specific and appropriate questions, He allowed them to discover the answers they needed. In coaching others I don’t tell people what to do, but the questions and the space and time given in the sessions to reflect on the important matters of the heart, helps the individual to process and work out how they can live out their faith in practice. Biblical mentoring can also be a part of the programme. This is more directive and supportive when the individual needs more guidance in their Biblical knowledge or where the person wants to implement that knowledge in a practical way. If you would like to know more about Kingdom Coaching, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or complete this form https://lnkd.in/eUAM4Dge

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🚨 THE GOOD NEWS AND THE BAD NEWS....🚨 🙁 BAD NEWS .... one person who signed up to cohort 2 of the Insights 2 Impact programme has had to cancel their place due to unforeseen circumstances. 🙂 GOOD NEWS ..... This means there is now a space available for someone to sign up to ! Insights 2 Impact is an exciting and engaging online programme which will answer all the questions you’ve been asking about social impact measurement over 5 half days. 📏 👨‍💻 Cohort 2 is starting on 4th September and runs until the end of November. Sue Osborne and I have designed Insights 2 Impact to be a very practical, hands-on experience where you learn the theory but also have the opportunity to put the theory into practice in a safe and supportive environment. ℹ For more information, follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eXaaU8Q4 ✍ To SIGN UP to the programme please email us at [email protected]. The programme can also be adapted to meet bespoke needs, so if this is of interest to you or you have any other needs around impact measurement and evaluation, please get in touch at [email protected]. #evaluation #impactmeasurement #socialimpact #theoryofchange #socialvalue #charity #socialenterprise #socialentrepreneur #training #support #insights2impact #data

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CPD... Do you believe in it, do it or don't think you need it? Please don't read any further if you have any unresolved trauma around the topic of suicide 🙏❤. "Continuing, or continuous, professional development (CPD), can be broadly defined as any type of learning you undertake which increases your knowledge, understanding and experiences of a subject area or role." I couldn't imagine not learning, whether: ✔taking up a new course, ✔ reading a new academic research or book, ✔brushing up on existing knowledge, ✔taking up a new hobby, ✔learning a new language... CPD is necessary for me to keep myself up to date and current with all things coaching. CPD is necessary, in my opinion, for growth. CPD is necessary for my next credential. However, I sometimes also choose CPD for personal reasons and my latest choice sits close to my heart ❤. Attending "Navigating suicidality in Coaching" with Jayne Morris MCC and Jo Reeves PCC offered me not only confirmation of what I already knew but also an invaluable reminder of the powerful emotions linked to this topic. However much knowledge we have, our emotions can still take us by surprise and it is important to be as ready as possible. ➡️ Signposting resources, ➡️ Next of kins details, ➡️ Remaining calm even if it's hard, ➡️ Listening, connecting, not changing the subject and if concerned don't be afraid to ask if they have suicidal thoughts, ➡️ Encourage them to get help... I was shocked to learn that 1 in 5 people will have suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. Training, resources and preparation are all very important, but make sure to look after yourself too, putting your own mask on will help you manage your own emotions more effectively. #CPD #coaching #suicidalthoughts #askingsaveslives #signposting #empathy #resilience

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Have you made your Will yet? If not, get it ticked off the list by speaking to our expert team. Head to https://zurl.co/hrNW for information on how we can help you protect your assets after your death. #wevegotyourback #wills #willwriting #legaladvice #legalexperts

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Totally trilled that my new book 📕 Social Work & Beyond is featured in the BirminghamWorld The BASW UK 2023 survey revealed that most social workers have seen an increasing number of experienced colleagues leaving their jobs. At the same time, over 45% of respondents recognised the positive impact that peer support has on their workplace. This highlights a growing need for practical resources that empower social workers to go beyond simply surviving in their roles towards thriving in them. My new book 📕 Social Work & Beyond does just this. https://lnkd.in/eG6cafUZ

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There is a lot in the news about disabled people this week. At Citizens Advice North Lancashire, in April 2024, 69% of the clients we've seen have a long term health condition, or are disabled. The largest area of our benefits work is helping people with Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - with the applications, which are extremely complex, the mandatory reconsiderations, and appeals. PIP is not an unemployment benefit. I have and do work with a number of fantastic colleagues in receipt of PIP and I'm sure you do too. PIP is there to support people with the extra costs of disability, of which there are many. PIP is difficult to get. In face, around 41% of claims are granted and the application form is long and complicated which is why we run regular PIP clinics, information sessions and help people who can't fill the form in themselves. We are all one moment away from a disability or health condition that could have a devastating impact on our wellbeing and income, and the wellbeing of our loved ones. In our experience as a charity we don't have a 'sick note culture' but we do see an awful lot of people who are living in poor health, who need more help, more to live off, more timely benefit processing and faster access to good healthcare. Demonising disabled and unwell claimants, who add so many things to our society other than just economic metrics, will not help people get better. We really hope the government will listen carefully to the calls from charities (who know what they are on about) and act in the interests of those who are struggling with ill health or disability, and need additional support. Pictured - our amazing Advice Matters team who do so much to support people living with disabilities and health conditions. They are superstars!

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Are you Indigenous and have been out of work or school for over a year? Are you considering returning to the workforce and want to improve your workplace skills first? If so, join one of our Info Sessions on the Indigenous Workplace Wellness Circle. #careerplanning #jobsearch #Aboriginalfutures

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It’s always interesting what comes out of the Listening Partnerships with Rebecca Daniel (ICF PCC, EMCC Snr Practitioner, ESIA) and Sarah Bramall PCC, Senior Prac EMCC, and last week was no different. I posted recently about aligning my services and pricing with my values, but realised I missed out a big one: comfort! Comfort is a massive deal for me - not just in business, but in life. I’m all about pyjama days, fluffy slippers, and prioritising comfort over fashion (though I’m sure I could have both if I dedicated some time to it). I’ve dealt with eczema for years, and leaving clinical nursing where I was often dehydrated, constantly handwashing, and eating erratically, did wonders for my skin. But since the birth of my kids, I’ve developed psoriasis, and that brings a whole new level of discomfort. I’ve thrown emollients, steroids, vitamins and all sorts of weird and wonderful things at it over the past six years and it has been frustrating. But last Friday was the final straw: I realised I needed to change something significantly when showering made me cry. I was in so much pain and I needed to take back some control. I made a drastic decision and decided to reset. I decided to cut out some of the things reported to be linked to flare-ups: caffeine, added sugar, and alcohol. Just for a week. It was harder than I expected. I don’t drink much alcohol, but cutting out 3–4 cups of sweet coffee a day hit me like a tonne of bricks: headaches, muscle pain, exhaustion. My body screamed for caffeine, and I felt ridiculous. How did I let myself get so dependent on something that my body rebelled without it? I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel a bit embarrassed! Here’s the thing though – as you all probably guessed, my psoriasis improved drastically in just five days. So now I need to work out my priorities: keep up the caffeine or slowly reintroduce it and see what happens? I’ll work it out, but what struck me was that constant cycle of frustration and discomfort led me to just keep adding things to my body and lifestyle in a hope that the combination would make things better; sometimes all we need is to just go back to basics. My body craved comfort, fought back when I removed what I thought was comforting it, but is now healing and feeling so much better. What tells you you’re missing something vital? How do you reset to focus on getting to the source of the problem? ________________________________________ 👋 I’m Kat, and I’m here to help. Together, we can use language and communication to cut through the noise and find your voice in a world that looks different after loss. Book a call to find out more: https://lnkd.in/eda4vjhj 🌐 lostwordscoaching.com 📧 [email protected]

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*** 2024 GRANT FUNDING NOW OPEN *** Cornwall Women's Fund is now accepting applications for our 2024 grant funding! We aim to support community projects in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly supporting women’s mental health. For this round of funding projects with a focus on perinatal mental health will be given preferential consideration. In 2021, a team from Oxford University undertook in-depth research into the needs of women and girls across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They considered existing research where it was available and interviewed charity and community leaders, and women from across the county to get a true picture of what really mattered to them and which areas it was difficult to find funding for. (Read the report here: https://bit.ly/3QLpgdv) One of the 4 key areas in their report “Understanding what matters to women and girls in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly” was women and girls mental health, identifying a particular lack of support for those accessing perinatal mental health services. Our Members have voted the area of Women and Girls Mental Health for our 2024 grant funding and we are now accepting applications. Grants range from £500 to a maximum of £1,000 Our grants are administered by Cornwall Community Foundation and you can find more information and details of how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/gY3Ryzy

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Marriage is More Important Than The Wedding https://lnkd.in/gyE9HBez Read Mark 10:1-12 https://lnkd.in/g22meCkD #parenting #christianparenting #biblicalparenting

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How do you welcome people into the spaces you create for your sessions? What would you like people to feel or notice in the first few minutes? We've been exploring this question this morning on a facilitation skills programme. Those first few minutes of a session are integral to its success. They set the tone, the atmosphere; give people an insight into what to expect. We can switch people off or bring people in, all in those early moments. Whether it's a virtual or face to face space and whether you're facilitating, training or coaching. I often use landscapes at the start of my sessions. They're a gentle way to help people settle in and introduce themselves, I often ask people to think about where they'd like to be or where they'd feel most relaxed, inspired or energised. It creates a gentle, purposeful energy and helps build connection as people choose similar places or find things they have in common. It also gives me an insight into what’s important or what helps someone feel relaxed, calm, energised or curious. Where would you be right now? How do you welcome people into your sessions? #TheFacilitationSpace #Facilitation #FacilitationSkills #Facilitator #VirtualFacilitation #VirtualFacilitator #WorkshopDesign #Creativity

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Charites need trustees During #Trusteesweek it is troubling to see a NCVO report https://lnkd.in/d6mV8uuF that #trustee vacancies are a widespread issue. Their survey shows: - 4 out 5 (79%) respondents have a least one vacant board position. - Over half of respondents (62%) had two or more vacancies. - 1 in 10 (8%) reported at least four board positions open. Becoming a trustee of a charity is a rewarding role with many benefits. It is  a great opportunity to make an #impact, develop new skills, and gain leadership experience. As a trustee, you have the chance to guide a charity’s #mission, helping create real, positive change. By overseeing the charity's #strategy and decisions, you can directly contribute to its success and its broader impact. A recent blog https://lnkd.in/ewuGjAbj from David Holdsworth the CEO of the Charity Commission for England and Wales sums it up well. He says: “It’s my belief that charities are at the beating heart of our nations, our communities, providing services that accompany us through our lives, cradle to grave, supporting the most vulnerable, protecting our heritage, environment and animals, strengthening communities and our society as a whole. “And as trustees, you are the ones tasked with ensuring that these charities thrive, rising to meet the great variety of internal and external pressures they might face." There are many organisations and resources that help trustees and charities fulfil their role. These include: CFG : Charity Finance Group ACEVO Directory of Social Change Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Charity Excellence - a FREE one-stop-shop for everything a non-profit needs. Honorary Treasurers Forum BRITISH OVERSEAS NGOS FOR DEVELOPMENT (BOND), Association of Charitable Foundations Institute of Directors (IoD) Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) ACCA Association of Chairs Charity Tax Group The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Charities Internal Audit Network @charities @Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) Civil Society Media Ltd Third Sector Charity Times National Council of Nonprofits Charity Intelligence #trustee #charity #nonprofit #boards #leadership #countmein The NCVO report has some useful pointers on what can be done to encourage people to become trustees

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Please do join me this Thursday ... Are you feeling fit for the future? If you are looking for a bit of inspiration and motivation then please do join me on Thursday 19th September at 3pm (BST) for a 55-minute webinar. I will be sharing lots of tips on ways that we can prepare ourselves well for the future. The content of the webinar is based in my “Mindfit” model and will cover the following: ·     Empower and motivate yourself to be fit for the future ·     Build and sustain your overall wellbeing and resilience ·     Cultivate a growth mindset through curiosity and continuous learning ·     Adapt well to rapid change by being flexible and resourceful ·     Unleash fresh thinking and use creativity to solve problems ·     Practise kindness by seeking out ways to make a positive difference The webinar is free to join and even if you can’t make the date then please do register for a digital goody bag of resources. https://lnkd.in/g9PfVnR9 hashtag #webinars #webinar #resilience #lifelonglearning #wellbeing #future #fitforthefuture #lifeskills #empowerment

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