Rising Minds reaches out to people in crisis
Two coaches have set up a social enterprise offering commercial quality coaching and mindfulness training to people held back by difficult circumstances or past experiences.
Rising Minds was formed by Michele Grant and Tim Segaller, who felt inspired to bring transformative tools to people without the means to pay – long-term unemployed people, social housing tenants, those recovering from addiction and ill health, and ex-offenders.
“We saw that there’s ample support for people in crisis – either through statutory provision like health or social services, or through third sector mentoring and counselling, but this support falls away when people are out of crisis but still lacking in direction,” said Grant.
“This is where Rising Minds comes in – to help people take control of their lives, build resilience, and carve out a fulfilling future – in work, education and training or in the community.”
Rising Minds will also work with public and third sector organisations in these fields, particularly supporting front-line staff to deal with stress, heavy workloads and the pressure of targets.
Segaller said: “We know from our experience of running pro bono schemes that coaching can be a powerful agent for change, regardless of someone’s background. So in offering these services to people who couldn’t otherwise access them, we feel we’re blazing a worthwhile trail.
“It’s central to our vision that our clients are agents of their own change – they get to choose a coach from our experienced associates, and the service mix. Alongside this, our unique blend of coaching and mindfulness training enables people to find deep internal resources to make skilful life choices, instead of having professionals ‘fix’ them.”
As a Community Interest Company, Rising Minds will contract with organisations for services to both clients and staff. But the company is also seeking grant funding for a bursary scheme for self-referring clients without the means to pay.
Rising Minds has already started work with clients of East London anti-poverty charity Quaker Social Action.
For more information, go to:
risingminds.org.uk, call 020 3475 2028, or email info@risingminds.org.uk