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Thanks to backing from the WEA, and through local and national government UKSPF schemes, we are pleased to be launching a wide range of 1 day courses, a digital series of support and our award winning Social Enterprise and Careers in Holistic Health programmes!

Express your interest now and find out more about courses, programmes and events running September 2025 to January 2026 in themes such as:

• Enterprise and Social Enterprise Development
• Health and Wellbeing
• Creative and Digital Skills
• Careers in Holistic Health (accredited L2 and L3 holistic therapy and natural beauty courses)
• First Aid in the Workplace (accredited L2)
• Electrical Equipment/PAT Testing (accredited course)

Follow this link to Express your interest:

https://forms.gle/qddx9LyDbHKbgzQx9

At Flourish, our mission has always been to support women to lead change they see needed! Over the past few months, we’ve been apart of something truly inspiring: the growth, transformation, and empowerment of a remarkable group of young women who have faced set backs and are not currently in education, employment or training.

The last 12 weeks marked the successful launch of our community based Beauty & Holistic Training Programme, designed to equip young adults with accredited qualifications, practical skills, and the confidence to pursue and explore their ambitions within the beauty industry. We’re proud to report that the pilot has exceeded all expectations.

Throughout the course, our learners worked towards and completed three nationally recognised qualifications:

• Level 2 Facials
• Level 2 Manicure & Pedicure
• Level 3 Indian Head Massage

Each participant showed dedication, professionalism, and a willingness to grow—both personally and professionally. With every week that passed, we saw confidence blossom and ambition take root. These women didn’t just complete a course; they embraced the start of a new chapter. Even asking for and turning up to extra sessions over the holidays and creating their own community event and socials!

Our trainers Fiona & Emma were continuously moved by the commitment these young women brought to each session. Many had never envisioned themselves stepping into a professional space like this before, and by week twelve, they were delivering treatments with care, skill, and confidence.

As the final stage of their journey, the learners will take part in a 2-part business enhancement course, focusing on entrepreneurship, helping them explore how to set up and sustain their own beauty businesses—from branding and budgeting to customer care and compliance. We believe that giving women not just the tools, but the know-how to build their own enterprises, is key to lasting impact.

We’re excited to say it has laid a strong foundation for future cohorts and expanded our vision for long-term, women-led training and employment pathways. To our learners: your courage and commitment have inspired us all!

Over 30 women from across the Flourish Together Network came together at The Space in Stockport, for a powerful day of wellness, growth, and connection. Following the themes of Spring renewal, change, and overcoming the Fear of the Unknown, the retreat offered a safe, supportive space for local women to inspire, collaborate and relax.

Inspired by a season of symbolic of new beginnings—the one-day retreat featured a carefully curated mix of mindfulness practices, creative workshops, and facilitated discussions. Each element was designed to help attendees explore their relationship with change and gently challenge the fear that often accompanies it. And true Flourish fashion, we couldn’t help but take the retreat as an opportunity to showcase the work, skills and talents of women across our Network, continuing our mission to invest in women as a force for social change.

The day began with a Mindfulness grounding circle, where Amna recited positive affirmations to calm the nervous system and set the tone for the day ahead. Followed by Erica McInnis – Nubia Wellness & Healing who gave us a taster of her Know Thy Self, Adinkra Cards, which prompted our attendees to think about how certain words and phrases related to their lives currently.

One of the most impactful moments came during the facilitative discussion where the ladies split in groups and shared their stories of change—from career pivots and relationship shifts to health challenges and rediscovery after loss. The vulnerability in the room was palpable—and so was the support. We paused for a hearty lunch before kicking off the second half of the day.

Clare Whittaker from H.E.A.R.T.S, reset the retreat with a Sound Bath, then Lucy from Calmer Yoga guided the group in a gentle yoga session offering a physical release to accompany the emotional work. We closed out the day, getting crafty with Andrea Young at Flower Therapy making Spring Peace Gardens. And we would like to extend a special thanks to Tamara & Pearline, our Therapists for the day who provided 5 star Indian Head and Neck, back & shoulder massages.

We love putting on the retreat because, for many who attended, the retreat marked a turning point—not because all their questions were answered, but because they were reminded they weren’t alone.

This retreat is the 2nd installment of our quarterly health and wellbeing retreat series following November’s Reclaim Your Calm event. With the success of this spring retreat, the social enterprise has plans to host future events that continue to explore personal growth, mental wellness, and community healing, so standby for dates around late summer.

As nature blossoms around us, so too do the women of Manchester—brave enough to face change, and wise enough to do it together.