Flourish Together

Investing in women as a force for social change

Flourish Together

A Year of Connection, Confidence and Community – Flourish Together’s 2025 Highlights

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As the year comes to an end, we’re looking back on 2025 and the growth, connection, and community impact it brought. Across Greater Manchester and beyond, Flourish Together has continued to support and encourage women’s leadership, well-being, enterprise, and personal development, and this past year’s achievements speak to the strength of our collective effort. From inspiring programme graduations to the launch of new initiatives, from community events to personal milestones, 2025 has been a year where women supported women, ideas took shape, and confidence flourished. See this year’s highlights shared by our team…

Anna Oliva, our Programmes and Evaluation Executive, shared that her most moving highlights of the year was the 2025 We Lead for Legacy Graduation, held on 27th November at the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University. The event brought together graduates, families, civic leaders, allies, and partners to celebrate what it truly means to lead with community and legacy at the heart. A special moment was welcoming Mayor Andy Burnham, who congratulated the graduates and recognised the inspiring reflections shared by speakers Noreen Shahzad, Martina Witter, Ehiz Odigie, and Rehaan Farrukh. Their stories highlighted the depth of learning and ambition nurtured through the programme. The Mayor also reaffirmed Greater Manchester’s commitment to developing diverse leaders who shape policy and reflect the communities they serve. We look forward to continuing our partnership with She Leads for Legacy in 2026 as we grow the Alumni Network and support even more women stepping into civic leadership roles.

Since joining the team in September, Esther Bruer, our Hub and Events support coordinator has helped bring new energy and connection to the Flourish Hub at Platform 4, Altrincham Interchange. Our second Hub and events space has become a vibrant space where creativity, wellbeing, and collaboration thrive. A major milestone this year was the launch of the Wellbeing Collective, a network of local therapists coming together to share ideas, collaborate, and support one another in growing their practices. Partnering with SPLASH has also been uplifting, offering women practical support and confidence as they take their next steps. The Christmas Bazaar brought festive joy to the Hub, showcasing local talent through arts, crafts, and wellbeing stalls, while the Soup Pitch added an exciting opportunity for local businesses to pitch for funding. Esther also highlighted the warmth and generosity of the Flourish team, a reminder that our impact is rooted in the strength of the people behind the work.

This year also marked the arrival of Genny Cotroneo, who joined Flourish Together in July as our new Enterprise and Learning Manager. One of Genny’s standout experiences has been running one of the Time to Grow programmes for the first time, supporting an inspiring group of women as they developed social enterprises and business ideas designed to bring real, lasting value to their communities. The Stockport group were incredibly welcoming and deeply engaged from the outset, creating a generous, thoughtful space where ideas could take root and grow. Genny also had the pleasure of meeting the Manchester‑based group, led by the brilliant Shamime Jan, and although she hasn’t yet met the Bury group in person, it’s been wonderful to hear that they are going from strength to strength.

The social enterprises emerging from Genny’s group reflect the care, creativity, and courage of the women behind them, from an organisation offering adventure‑based experiences for marginalised people who often feel excluded or unseen, to a catering business that blends great food with opportunities for participants to learn English as a second language, to a podcast exploring the complexity of life in all its messiness. With one more session together in January, there is still work to do, but it’s already clear that this group is ready to fly, and we can’t wait to see where they land.

Joining the team in November, as an Enterprise and Learning Manager Abby Taylor, Enterprise and Learning Manager, has already experienced some of the most inspiring moments of the year. Attending the We Lead for Legacy graduation offered a powerful introduction to the depth of transformation Flourish programmes create. Hearing participants share their journeys, lessons, and next steps left a lasting impression. Abby has also been energised by meeting women changemakers through the Time to Grow programmes and one-to-one sessions. Their commitment to identifying challenges in their communities, and taking action to address them, has been both motivating and humbling.

Lizbeth Sepulveda, our Stockport based Hub and Administration Coordinator, has found 2025 to be a year of meaningful connection and personal development. Working alongside so many empowering women has been a highlight, and witnessing the support shared within the community has been deeply inspiring. Lizbeth has enjoyed meeting new hub clients as well as connecting with the core tenants at our Heaton Chapel Hub. A key part of her year has been focusing on self‑growth and mindfulness, both personally through participating in the First Aid and the Careers in Holistic Health courses, and in the way she supports others. Seeing how these practices help women and men build confidence and resilience has been especially rewarding.

Nickala Torkington, our Managing Director has been proud to lead such an impactful year with growing Enterprise, Leadership and Wellbeing programmes. Particular highlights have been our Time to Grow programmes running across Stockport, Bury, Manchester, Salford and Trafford during the year. Nickala also enjoyed working in partnership with local grass roots and infrastructure agencies. Partnerships with Happy Me Community CIC, Bollyfit CIC, ITC and Salford CVS, as well as local councils, and the WEA, have been beneficial and a way to capacity build organisations led by diverse women to become part of our delivery team, aiding their sustainability as well as reaching wider communities.

About to enter its 3rd cycle led by She Leads for Legacy and Flourish Together, the We Lead for Legacy campaign is going from Strength to Strength. A particularly proud moment was at this past year’s graduation event where Andy Burnham attended saying that the programme had become everything he had hoped that it would!

Plus with the departure of Fiona Jones as lead tutor in September on our Careers in Holistic Health work (Fiona stays on as Director), it has been great to expand the team on our accredited courses and wellbeing programmes and support Emma Harrop, Christina Egeonu, Clare Whittaker and Claire Ferguson to deliver this work which continues with a diverse programme into 2026 ranging from First Aid training to L2 and L3 Natural Beauty and Holistic Therapy courses from our Altrincham and Stockport Hubs. Supporting over 50 women across Stockport, Salford, Bury and Trafford to upskill on our community-based courses has been a real highlight, especially where it is building the skills of young people and those out of work when they access our courses.

A special mention goes out to Soniya Iqbal who joined courses at the start of 2025 and is now running her own therapy business and operating out of our Stockport Hub and wider Pop Up Spa events including a new partnership with Stockport Signpost for Carers who are commissioning a monthly spa for their carers locally.

As we close the chapter on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of our journey, programme participants, partners, collaborators, funders, and the incredible women who continue to inspire us every day. 2026 promises even more opportunities to grow, connect, and create lasting impact. We look forward to expanding our programmes, strengthening our networks, and continuing to champion women’s leadership and well-being across Greater Manchester. Here’s to another year of flourishing together!

Celebrating Civic Leadership in Greater Manchester

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Flourish Together CIC celebrates 33 leaders who graduated from the Greater Manchester Civic Leadership Programme, we deliver with She Leads for Legacy CIC and GMCA.

The programme was designed to open doors into civic and public life, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to step into governance roles and influence decision‑making spaces. For Flourish Together CIC, this work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that leadership across Greater Manchester is inclusive, representative, and rooted in lived experience.

Less than six months after graduation, four programme participants shared inspiring highlights of their journeys. They spoke about how the programme gave them the confidence to step forward, the tools to navigate civic systems, and the networks to build momentum. Today, they are making progress in a range of civic leadership roles, from board positions to community governance, while demonstrating the real impact of the programme in action.

One graduate reflected: “I never imagined myself in these spaces before, now I feel equipped and supported to step up.” Another shared: “The programme gave me the courage to apply for roles I thought were out of reach.”

Programme evaluation shows strong outcomes:

  • Over 80% of participants reported increased confidence to pursue civic roles
  • Three‑quarters said they now feel ready to contribute to governance and decision‑making
  • Many highlighted the value of mentoring and peer support in sustaining their progress

As one participant put it: “It’s been transformative. I now see myself as a leader, and I know my voice matters.”

Throughout the programme, Flourish Together supported participants in developing practical knowledge and confidence, while fostering peer connections that will last beyond graduation. The organisation has seen how these leaders are now better prepared to:

  • Navigate governance structures and civic responsibilities
  • Champion fairness and inclusion in public spaces
  • Bring fresh perspectives to decision‑making tables

Graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter. These 33 leaders are now part of a growing alumni network, ready to influence civic spaces and drive positive change across Greater Manchester. Flourish Together looks forward to continuing its work with partners to expand opportunities and strengthen representation.

Flourish Together congratulates all graduates on their achievements and celebrates the collective impact they will bring to Greater Manchester.

CHANGEMAKER OF THE MONTH – December

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Celebrating Val Hogan of Verve Community CIC and Leigh’s Tearoom & Community Hub

Val Hogan is the founder of Verve Community CIC and Leigh’s Tearoom & Community Hub, organisations built on kindness, community, and a determination to reduce vulnerability.

Her career began in the Television and Broadcast industry, working with major manufacturers such as Sony and Panasonic during the transition from analogue to digital systems. This experience sparked her passion for digital technology and the importance of data sovereignty, ensuring that individuals’ stories and information remain protected.

Later, Val moved into foster care recruitment, working with a large Independent Fostering Group. She quickly recognised the challenges Local Authorities faced due to high agency fees, which strained essential support networks for families. Determined to find a better way, she shifted her focus to the not-for-profit sector, combining foster care recruitment with digital innovation to safeguard children and their information. In 2018, she made the bold decision to cash in her pension to pursue this vision, creating Verve Community CIC.

Val’s relationship with Flourish Together CIC began when a colleague introduced her to co-founder Nickala Torkington. After their first conversation, Val attended a Flourish meeting in Manchester, where she connected with a range of inspiring women and also joined our Resilient Leaders programme.

Flourish Together provided Val with networking opportunities, also offering solidarity, confidence, and practical support. “We were all at the beginning of our journeys, and Flourish Together gave us the confidence to connect with each other.” Val shared.

Through Flourish Together’s events and mentoring, Val discovered that others shared similar challenges and had solutions she could learn from. This collaborative environment gave her the encouragement to keep building her vision.

Over time, Val has become an active contributor to Flourish Together CIC. She has mentored other women, hosted events including a Soup community pitching event and partnered on projects, sharing her skills and expanding Flourish Together’s reach into her own community. Flourish Together has helped amplify her voice, strengthen her organisation, and connect her with a wider network of changemakers.

Val’s work today centres around Leigh’s Tearoom & Community Hub, a welcoming 1920s-themed space on Bradshawgate in Leigh. The tearoom is a place where people gather to share skills, enjoy homemade food, and connect through music and conversation.

The tearoom also operates as a Community Fridge, distributing donated organic produce to care leavers, veterans, and homeless residents. Elderly visitors, particularly women who may feel isolated, find comfort in the tearoom’s warm atmosphere. Many contribute to Val’s Knitting for Babies campaign, which has generated thousands of knitted clothes, blankets, and toys for children in hospitals, foster care, and struggling families.

Val’s day-to-day work includes cooking, teaching young people to prepare meals, and equipping them with skills to become changemakers themselves. The young women she employs have grown in confidence, learning to cook with donated produce and host community events. As one team member, Sarah, reflected:

“When I started working with you, Val, I was shy and unsure of how to do anything. Now, I’m at the front of house, crafting a mean quiche and so much more. I know I could take care of myself if needed, and, most importantly, I’ve loved every moment of it.”

Through catering at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club, Val generates income to sustain the tearoom, while also hosting events such as Burns Night suppers and luncheons for older residents.

Val’s mission is to bring foster care recruitment to the high street, encouraging communities to take an active role in supporting children and care leavers. She works closely with homeless residents in Leigh, listening to their stories and highlighting the gaps in support that many face after leaving care.

Her partnerships with organisations such as Charms Technology, CDD Services, and Leigh Means Business CIC, alongside local leaders, are helping to build digital systems that protect data sovereignty and amplify the voices of those most in need.

Leigh’s Tearoom has become a hub of kindness, resilience, and hope. It is a place where conversations about foster care and community support happen naturally, where young people step forward as leaders of the future, and where everyone’s voice is valued.

Flourish Together CIC is proud to recognise Val Hogan as our Changemaker of the Month for December.

Her dedication to protecting children, empowering women, and building a stronger, kinder community is an inspiration to us all.

Follow Val’s socials fore more details and check out https://ververecruitment.org/.

CHANGEMAKER OF THE MONTH – November

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Claire Ferguson of Wild Lotus Wellbeing

This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Claire Ferguson, a passionate educator, therapist, and community builder whose journey through multiple careers has led her to create spaces of healing and connection.

A Journey of Many Lives

Claire’s path has been anything but conventional. From hospitality to teaching design and technology, to travelling the world and managing events, each chapter has shaped her purpose. Through it all, she’s navigated her own mental health journey, fueling her passion for wellbeing and ultimately inspiring the birth of Wild Lotus Wellbeing.

“I’ve always known I’d work for myself and support others,” Claire shares. “I just didn’t know what that would look like. Now, I’m using everything I’ve learned, personally and professionally, to help others heal and grow.”

Flourishing with Flourish

Claire first connected with Flourish Together CIC while exploring co-working spaces at the Heaton Chapel hub. A conversation with Nickala sparked a collaboration that’s since blossomed.

She now teaches Indian Head Massage and Reiki courses through Flourish, participates in the Time to Grow programme, and will soon launch her eight-week Introduction to Mindfulness course at the Altrincham Hub.

“Teaching again has been so refreshing,” Claire says. “Flourish has given me space to plan, grow, and reconnect with my passion outside the traditional system.”

Wild Lotus & Collective Wellbeing

Claire runs her holistic practice under Wild Lotus Wellbeing, offering treatments, workshops, and courses. She also founded Collective Wellbeing, a one-day festival that brings together Manchester’s best in holistic health, live music, and community.

Her week is a vibrant mix of roles: therapist, teacher, event manager, and part-time charity bookshop manager. “Every day is different,” she says. “I juggle clients, teaching, running events, and all the admin that comes with building a brand.”

Her mission is simple yet powerful: to build community and hold space for people to heal and grow.

What’s Coming Up

  • Collective Wellbeing Festival: November 29th at Stretford Public Hall, 10:30 AM–4:30 AM. Use promocode FLOURISH for £8 off → Book here
  • Holistic Treatments: Fridays 12 PM–7 PM at Heatons Studio → Book online
  • Mindfulness Course: Launching soon at Altrincham Hub—stay tuned!

Stay Connected with Claire

CHANGEMAKER OF THE MONTH – October

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Changemaker of the Month: Mary Olanrewaju

This October, we’re proud to celebrate Mary Olanrewaju—an extraordinary SEND educationist, counsellor, life coach, and community trainer—whose work is transforming lives across the UK and Nigeria.

Mary is the founder of Equal Education Chances (EEC), a charity committed to inclusive education and social change. Her journey began with a deep passion for justice and a belief that no child should be left behind due to disability, poverty, or circumstance. Through EEC, she’s built bridges between communities, schools, and faith spaces—empowering families through education, creativity, and wellbeing.

Her flagship initiative, the Faith and Neurodivergency (FAN) project, is a powerful example of inclusive innovation. FAN creates compassionate spaces where faith and neurodiversity meet, helping worship communities become more accessible and understanding of neurodivergent experiences.

Mary’s impact extends beyond the classroom. As an author, her book The Bridge: Inclusive Educational Resources equips teachers and parents with practical tools to support SEND learners. Her ambitious goal? To distribute 50,000 copies across Nigerian schools—raising awareness and building capacity for inclusive education on a national scale.

Flourish Connections

Mary first connected with Flourish Together CIC and our vibrant network of women changemakers when she joined our ELLI programme post Covid, which was a programme supporting ‘Women’s Support Organisations’ to help build their capacity, leadership skills, and enterprise thinking. Mary has also benefitted from our Time to Grow programme, participated in mentoring, networking, and development workshops that helped refine her leadership and expand EEC’s reach across Greater Manchester, plus accessed Flourish seed funding opportunities. We’re honoured to support her journey and celebrate her unwavering commitment to progress, purpose, and impact.

Mary has also been a key attendee at our Multicultural Christmas showcasing and celebration events and we look forward to welcoming EEC again this year at our event in Longsight on 16th December.

What’s Next?

Mary and EEC are preparing for:

  • A Winter Holiday Club for children from low-income families
  • Community inclusion workshops exploring culture, disability, and belonging
  • Continued promotion of The Bridge to educators worldwide

🖤 Black History Month Reflections

For Mary, Black History Month is a celebration of resilience, excellence, and unity. It’s a time to honour Black contributions to education and community—and to amplify stories that inspire hope.

🤝 Get Involved

Support Mary’s mission by volunteering, collaborating, donating educational resources, or simply spreading the word about inclusive education and wellbeing.

Find out more at: http://equaleducationchances.org/

Happy Me, Happy Futures: Flourish and Happy Me Community Join Forces Again in Bury!

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This summer, Flourish Together CIC is proud to partner for the second year with Happy Me Community to launch Happy Me Happy Futures. This will be a free, community-led programme supporting women across Bury to explore wellbeing, build confidence, and take steps toward personal and professional growth.

Running from August 2025 to January 2026, the programme offers a rich mix of holistic health training, self-care workshops, and enterprise support. Whether it’s learning Reiki and natural beauty therapies, taking time to reflect through journaling and mindfulness, starting an enterprise, or exploring new career paths, each session is designed to meet women where they are and help them move forward.

Flourish has co-designed and will co-deliver this initiative alongside Tik and Donna at Happy Me Community, supporting the development of this evolving social enterprise whilst ensuring it reflects real needs and lived experiences. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to investing in women as a force for social change by creating spaces where peer support, practical learning, and personal development go hand in hand.

Click here to learn more.

Please email us at info@flourishtogether.org.uk for more details about this programme happening in Bury or our wider programs in Stockport, Manchester and Trafford.