Thirteen ambassadors get behind self-defence CIC movement

It was little more than six months ago that Blossom Training and Development announced its inaugural ambassador, as the Community Interest Company ramped up its pledge to break the cycle of abuse and violence throughout Yorkshire.

But fast forward to March and the hard-working CIC has now attracted the attention of thirteen women – and counting – all committed to advocating for this life-changing development programme.

Huddersfield-based businesswoman Katie Mallinson was announced as Blossom’s first champion back in July. As the CIC’s first ever corporate client back in 2022 – and a communications specialist with more than 20 years’ experience – she was an obvious choice to help raise awareness of Blossom’s mission to create safer, stronger communities.

Since then, more female entrepreneurs, leaders and pillars of society have stepped forward to join the movement and empower change.

These include Youbee Media led by Rebecca Hopwood, bespoke bakery The Biskery, and director of Evolve3 CIC Diane Hall. They are joined by travel counsellor Charlotte Hall; founder of Three Islands Coaching and Development, Stella Bowdell; Queen’s Nurse Jane Eastwood; long-standing third sector advocate Natasha Early; Wakefield College lecturer Gemma Haigh; founder of Beyond Learning, Anna Masheter; registered charity Focus4Hope; director of The Yorkshire Planner, Rebecca Grace; and Sara Williamson, founder and chair of Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support Group.

Commenting on this growing board of support, Blossom co-founder Madeleine France said: “As Blossom ambassadors, these female powerhouses play a vital role in spreading our mission, supporting our work, and helping more people access life-changing training. And from day one, each of their pledges will have helped another woman from Yorkshire – who might not otherwise have had access – to take part in a life-changing course.

“These ladies have come on board for different reasons – with many having their own experience of violence and abuse. This shared passion for change is inspiring, but at the same time it sadly reminds us how common it is for women to find themselves in situations where they need to defend themselves.

“We’re delighted with the progress that our ambassador programme has made, and hope more women – and men – will join us.”

To date, Blossom has supported more than 5000 people across the region, but the CIC is heavily reliant on funding. Ambassadors can join with a pledge as little as £150.

“In return, we will kit them out with an exclusive hoody, pin and social media assets, to help them start more conversations on our behalf, and symbolise their commitment to our cause,” continued Madeleine. “The more ambassadors who join our movement, the more impact we can have.”