An Innovative Coaching Program Empowering Unpaid Carers

236: An Innovative Coaching Program Empowering Unpaid Carers with Pam Thomson and Penni Norris

In this Episode

Did you know there are 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK? These individuals dedicate their lives to supporting loved ones, often at the cost of their mental health, physical well-being, finances, relationships, and self-esteem. But what if coaching could help?

Join host, Julie Flower and Pam Thomson, Carer Community Manager and Penni Norris, Coach Coordinator, to explore an innovative coaching programme funded by the National Lottery, making a real difference to unpaid carers in West Sussex, UK. Discover the inspiration behind this ground-breaking coaching initiative. Learn how the pilot programme developed and was assessed for impact, the biggest challenges faced, and how the programme currently runs.

Listen to real-life success stories that have empowered carers across the region. Pam and Penni share how carer feedback and involvement has shaped the programme and why this work is a shining example of coaching for social good. Be inspired by the passion and commitment of Carers Support West Sussex and your ability as a coach to have real impact on communities.

You Will Learn

• The values that are the foundational blocks of the scheme
• The incredible positive outcomes for carers
• Their future goals for the coaching programme, including sustainability and outreach improvements

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Guest Bio's

Pam Thomson, an unpaid carer herself, began her journey with Carers Support West Sussex in 2005 as a volunteer. Her role quickly transitioned into a staff position, and over her 20-year tenure, Pam has held various roles dedicated to supporting carers. She is currently a Community Service Manager.

Pam’s personal experience as a carer allows her to connect deeply with others in similar situations, fostering a strong sense of empathy. This connection fuels her passion for supporting, listening to, and advocating for family and friend carers. She firmly believes that every carer deserves a voice and respect, a principle that has driven her throughout her career to champion the cause of unpaid carers. Having witnessed the positive outcomes from the initial pilot project of the service, Pam is proud to be part of an organization that values Coaching for Carers.

 

Penni Norris has over 20 years of experience as a qualified coach. Coaching has been a way of life for Penni, with it becoming a core part of who she is. Coaching has successfully guided her through some of her life’s challenges. This ranged from navigating health and education systems while supporting her daughter through school, college, and university, to caring for her late father from a distance, and now supporting her neurodiverse granddaughter.

Penni’s lived experience inspired her career in supporting unpaid carers. In 2024, Penni decided to formalise her coaching skills by achieving the IAFPD Certificate in Coaching from the Centre for Coaching. To complement her previous qualifications in career, youth, and group coaching, she also achieved an ILM-endorsed program in wellbeing. Penni feels privileged to use her personal experience and skills to lead on this life changing coaching programme for unpaid carers.

 

Connect with Penni