Christine Stocker-Gibson MBA DipNLP DipPC: Director

I am a personal development coach and a MicroCoach supporting owners of small to medium businesses and social enterprises in the Eastern Region. I have over 15 years experience running charities, voluntary organisations and local government services. I am also Network Leader for LiveWiRE and Business Women Together business networks who have now become partners with St Johns Innovation Centre in Cambridge to create a programme of business seminars, surgeries and 1-to-1 mentoring for local businesses.

This Community Coaching Cafe has been set up as part of a new community interest company called Enterprise Pathways, to work with local people, enterprises and businesses within and across the Cambs/Hunts/Beds/Herts borders to support and develop young people and adults of all abilities through peer-coaching and self-development projects, cascading knowledge to strengthen our community, improve individuals’ feeling of worth, and have some fun!

I have always been active in my community and am a volunteer committee member for Pinpoint parent network, SNAP abuse project and the CCCs new Integrated Youth Leadership & Management focus group. I am a resident of St Neots, a mother to 3 strong and successful daughters who make me very proud, and have 6 very lively grandchildren and a black and white cat called Lulu!

The idea was conceived during discussions with young people currently supported by social care services or in temporary housing, who were taking part in SNAP's Break the Cycle, an action research project exploring levels of violence in the lives of young people in Huntingdonshire. Many did not live with their families, and had no supportive family members, or older close friends to turn to when personal crises occurred. All welcomed the idea of a free local, accessible, safe, independent, non-denominational drop-in coaching centre where they could socialise, get help for themselves and help others, and maybe learn new skills. Some from each of the groups were actively interested in exploring opportunities for training as volunteers, particularly in peer-coaching.

My co-director is Sharon Hartley, an equalities consultant and LibDem Councillor in Surrey. Our patron is Michael Norton, the founder of many established social organisations such as The Directory of Social Change, UnLtd, and CIVA, an innovation centre which develops, pilots & funds new ideas for addressing social problems.

Other supporters include Liz Linley, a semi-retired accountant who is our volunteer administrator & treasurer, Cllr. Julia Hayward, our fantastic volunteer website designer, and Susi Gutierrez, resident artist. Other members will be drawn from the local community to bring new skills and energies to our social company. If you would like to know more about us, I would love to hear from you!