I’d like to share a little about my journey of setting up Her Place, which many of you will know originally began as Motherwell Cheshire.
Like many ideas that grow into something much bigger than expected, it started with a very simple intention. I wanted to support mums.
When I first had the idea, I was thinking about the realities of motherhood. It can be joyful, fulfilling and life-changing — but it can also be incredibly isolating. Many women quietly struggle with mental health challenges, financial pressures, relationship difficulties, or simply the feeling that they’ve lost a sense of themselves.
I kept thinking about how many mums fall through the gaps in services. And I believed there had to be something more we could do within our communities to support them.
That belief was really the seed that grew into Motherwell Cheshire, which has now evolved into Her Place.
Now, people sometimes assume that when someone sets up a charity they come from a background in social work or healthcare. But my background was actually in retail.
And I absolutely loved retail. I loved the pace of it, the people, the creativity, and the challenge of building something and seeing it grow. But there was always one aspect that didn’t quite sit comfortably with me.
At the end of the day, all that hard work was ultimately lining someone else’s pocket.
At the same time, I had studied for a business degree, and I realised something important about myself — I was quite business minded. I enjoyed strategy, development and building organisations.
So I started asking myself a question:
What if I used those business skills to build something that actually made a difference?
Something that didn’t just create profit, but created impact.
And that’s when the idea of running a charity really began to take shape.
From the very beginning, my aim was simple:
I wanted to create an organisation that supported women and reduced inequalities.
Women face many barriers — in health, in employment, in confidence, in safety, and in opportunity. And those inequalities can become even more pronounced when women become mothers.
I didn’t want to just talk about those inequalities.
I wanted to do something practical about them.
Of course, starting a charity sounds wonderful in theory. But in reality… it’s a huge learning curve.
And along the way I’ve learned a few things that I’d like to share.
The first thing I’ve learned is this:
Every no leads to a yes.
Well… at least I think so!
When you start something new, you hear the word “no” quite a lot.
No to funding.
No to partnerships.
No to ideas that people don’t quite understand yet.
At the time, those moments can feel discouraging. But what I’ve realised is that every “no” usually redirects you somewhere better.
Sometimes the timing isn’t right.
Sometimes the opportunity isn’t the right fit.
And sometimes that “no” pushes you towards the yes that really matters.
Another important lesson I’ve learned is never forget your vision, your mission, and your sole purpose.
When you start an organisation, that vision is what drives everything you do. It keeps you focused and it guides your decisions.
Long term, it’s incredibly helpful.
But I’ll be honest — in the early days it can sometimes be tricky.
When you’re trying to secure funding or get projects off the ground, there can be a temptation to move slightly away from your core mission in order to fit a funding opportunity.
And while flexibility is sometimes necessary, staying connected to your original purpose is what ensures the organisation grows in the right direction.
Another practical thing I learned early on is how important it is to get the wording of your constitution right.
At the time, it might just feel like paperwork, but it actually shapes what your organisation can do and how it can grow.
Having a constitution that allows flexibility and reflects your long-term ambitions can make a huge difference as the organisation develops.
So if you’re ever setting something up, take time with that part. It really does matter.
Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of listening to people who have been there before you.
When you start something new, it’s easy to think you have to figure everything out yourself.
But the truth is there are many people who have walked similar paths before you.
Their journey might not be exactly the same as yours, but their experience can still offer valuable insights.
Over the years, I’ve had conversations with other charity leaders, community organisers and social entrepreneurs, and every one of those conversations has given me something useful to reflect on.
Sometimes it’s practical advice.
Sometimes it’s encouragement.
And sometimes it’s simply reassurance that the challenges you’re facing are completely normal.
So my advice is always: listen to your peers.
You don’t have to follow every piece of advice, but it’s always worth taking note.
Another lesson I learned very early on was something quite simple:
Do a little bit every day.
In the early days of Motherwell Cheshire, the organisation didn’t suddenly appear overnight. It was built slowly through small steps and consistent effort.
Some days that meant sending an email.
Some days it meant writing a funding application.
Some days it meant having conversations with people who might support the idea.
Those small actions gradually build momentum.
And the funny thing is — even now, I still work like that.
Even as the organisation has grown and evolved into Her Place, the principle remains the same.
Just keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Another thing I’ve learned is to explore every opportunity.
Sometimes when you’re building something, opportunities appear that might not feel like the perfect fit at that exact moment.
But I’ve learned not to dismiss things too quickly.
Just because something isn’t right right now doesn’t mean it won’t become important later.
Some of the partnerships and projects that have shaped our work started as small conversations or ideas that didn’t seem particularly significant at the time.
I’ve also learned how important it is to understand your local community and local trends.
Know your subject. Know the issues affecting the people you’re trying to support.
For founders, this is often easier because we’re passionate about the cause. That passion usually comes from lived experience or a deep connection to the issue.
But combining that passion with knowledge — understanding what’s happening locally and where the real needs are — helps you build something that truly responds to the community.
And finally — perhaps the most important lesson of all — find your tribe.
Running a charity and building something from scratch can sometimes feel lonely.
There will be moments when things feel uncertain, overwhelming, or exhausting.
That’s why finding the right people around you is so important.
Your tribe might be colleagues, volunteers, mentors, partners, or friends who believe in the vision.
They are the people who support you when things feel difficult.
They celebrate the wins with you — even the small ones.
And they remind you why you started in the first place.
Her Place would not exist without the incredible community of women, supporters, volunteers and partners who have been part of this journey.
So when I look back at the journey from Motherwell Cheshire to Her Place, I realise it was never just about setting up a charity.
It was about building a community.
A place where women feel seen.
A place where women feel supported.
A place where women can grow, connect and thrive.
And that original intention — supporting mums — has grown into something much bigger.
Today we support women and girls across many areas of life, helping to tackle inequalities and create opportunities.
But at the heart of it all, the mission remains the same.
To create spaces where women feel valued, supported and empowered.
So if there’s one thing I’d leave you with today, it’s this:
If you have an idea that could make a difference — even a small difference — don’t ignore it.
Take one step.
Do a little bit each day.
Listen to those around you.
Stay true to your vision.
Keep going through the no’s.
And most importantly…
Find your tribe.
Because when the right people come together around a shared purpose, incredible things can happen.