I have been on sabbatical for a couple of years and I am now wanting, no needing, to get back to work. My paradigm has shifted slightly due to my work experience and I want to give back and earn a modest income.So I joined Brave Starts. I am actually in awe of the Brave Starts' team members - they are professional and consistent and methodical and timely. In my 40 years, in my career, I have met only a few people like them.
Best £30 I ever spent. I've since been through the Welcome session and three workshops, and I'm getting immense value out of the guidance, support, and pragmatic advice around my CV, LinkedIn profile and job-hunting strategies.
After far too many months with no prospect of employment, I'm now in a position to choose which of the three offers in front of me I prefer. Much of the credit goes to Brave Starts, and the positivity and focus they helped me find. The community aspect is wonderful - getting to know others in the same boat, sharing challenges and strategies, and making friends. Above all, knowing that I'M NOT ALONE. Others are facing the same problems, and are there to offer support, encouragement, and useful advice.
Meeting Lucy at the Postcards from Midlife event was the springboard I needed - and I chose to bounce! And I'm still up here, being open to change and exploring conversations after the most inspiring Brave Starts programme with four workshops run by Lucy and Alan. Thought provoking meetings with both comforting and challenging conversations, lots of encouragement and support. I would highly recommend anyone to try bouncing on the springboard with Brave Starts - even if you don't know where you're going you'll get agreat overview!
I wanted to verbalise and explore some thoughts. I had been having about career and direction. It was a really valuable session with some sound, pragmatic advice and points to consider and follow up on. I would definitely recommend Brave Starts and think it's both a great concept and service for people over 50 exploring direction around work and their options.
I joined Bravestart this week. Lucy has been excellent in her communication and support since our first interaction. Today I attended two sessions both different but equally informative. I really feel that this network and it's members will offer me the opportunity to move forward at the right pace to change my career direction and/or help me create a plan specifically for me....
Thomas Garside
2024
An organisations genuinely wanting to help people over 45
I've done the core workshops and really like the refreshing take on how to approach things. There are more things coming up over the next few weeks which look exciting and I'm really enjoying being part of a community energised and engaged by what we're doing.
Cecelia Cheung
What We Do
This time of your working life offers huge potential. You want to feel purposeful and fulfilled. You're open to learning new things.
Until the world of work fully embraces the value of those 45+ we advocate a more proactive and evidence based approach. If you want to grow your network whilst being intellectually challenged then join us....
As people get older, their experience and value is not embraced. Until the world wakes up, we're helping people understand how age can be an asset and how there has never been a better time to achieve their ambitions.
Not for Profit
Research Based
Community
We care more about making a positive difference than making a profit. We educate and inspire but only if we can back up or prove what we share and we know all of this is more fun when you engage and interact with your peers.
your membership
With more than 600 members, 250 experts, 100+ events a year, you'll discover many people and experiences to inspire you. Brave Starts membership is focused on helping you find the next step. Which option is best for you?
Community
Community membership unlocks our workbook series, 12 months of unlimited access to our fantastic community to develop relationships and build your network through our events
We all know two heads are better than one, but what about four or five? At the heart of your Explorer membership is series of lively small-cohort workshops led by Brave Starts professional experts.
Perfect for when you need a 100% tailored solution to exploring, plotting and acting on your next steps. Choose your mix as we create a fully personalised approach for you.
This open letter outlines 4 calls to action which seek to address the root issues allowing ageism to flourish unchecked.
We ask for the UK government to investigate and instigate action on these main issues.
Read our letter by clicking on the image, and if you agree, sign your name and provide your email address.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Free News and Tips
Our popular, monthly newsletter pulls together useful stories, articles, events and interesting opportunities you’ll not want to miss.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
We have some awesome benefits
Check out what we offer to support you on your journey to becoming clearer on your next steps
Member Events
You aren't alone: interactive meetings, workshops and monthly events support our growing community of people wanting to learn new skills and develop new networks and opportunities to improve their working lives
Community Based
Growing community of people between the ages of 45-70 offering a wide range of professional insights and experiences. Teachers, doctors, bankers, lawyers: the one thing we all have in common is a desire to work and help each other
In-built Expertise
Advice & guidance provided across all of our events by trained career coaches, psychologists and development experts specialising in supporting this community to appreciate age as an asset
START YOUR JOURNEY HERE
Complete our research backed survey
Take our WHAT Next tool and get the results to understand where you are in your career journey
Attend New Members Welcome
Attend a 1 hour session with other new Brave Starters to share your story and learn from others
Go through our programme or courses
Join our Brave Start Up programme to get the framework of achieving your goals and ambitions
Take Action on your next steps!
Build your plan on how you will make your career dreams into a reality and take your next steps
Meeting others in the same boat builds connection and confidence. Our members share a desire to work and make a difference: some work full time and are exploring options to build a portfolio of skills; others are building 'side hustles'; most have no idea what to do next and others are starting something completely new.
Whatever you are thinking, we can help in various ways:
our career guidance e-book
Focused on people mid life onwards
chances to learn and connect
Meet each other and share insights and experiences
monthly & quarterly events
Small business idea? Feeling stuck? Come and learn
Curated MONTHLY UPDATEs
Never miss out on research, opportunities, and articles
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Some of the People We've Helped
Ideas Refined
After nearly 15 years raising 3 children, Rosetta wanted to get into the fashion world, but without a network, she was ignored and mass online marketplaces offered no support for the money they took. Through our help, we introduced her to shadow one of the UK’s leading luxury fashion designers. She now runs her own fashion business - and is finally getting the attention she deserves!
Rosetta
Fashion Designer
Business Plan Sorted
Mary was an accountant, but after years of dreaming of running her own accessories designer business, we set her up to shadow Susannah – a top handbag designer with revenues of over £3million a year. Mary has now moved country, she owns a factory and employs 10 staff. Oh and she’s been featured in the FT!
Mary
Designer
Reality Checked
Antonio had planned to open a wine bar until he shadowed one! The reality didn’t match his dream and for him, the work involved didn’t justify the profits made. In his own words:
‘This is a risk free way to understand how the business you’re thinking of running actually works.”
Antonio
Wine Enthusiast
MEET SOME OF OUR EXPERTS
Shadow a successful master craftsman
Jay Blades is a master craftsman - recognised as a leader in the field of upcycling - where his work is frequently showcased in TV shows as well as upmarket furniture places such as Heals and Liberty
Jay Blades
Master Craftsman
Shadow a highly regarded psychoanalyst
David is very well established psychoanalyst. He is an authority in the profession and regularly contributes to BBC radio programmes, as well as consulting privately for the NHS
David
Psychoanalyst
Shadow an Award Winning Voice Actor
Liz is an established Voice actor having started out as a project manager. She has won voice as well as small business awards. She has had clients ranging from HSBC, BMW, and Bvlgari to name just a few
Liz
Voice Actor
Your friendly cookie reminder :) By continuing navigating, we assume your permission to deploy cookies as detailed in our Privacy Policy.