Brave Starts is a career development community for people in midlife who want clarity, confidence and support to navigate their next career chapter.
We provide structured coaching workshops, masterclasses and range of interactive online and face to face events, a wide range of online resources and a supportive, professional network.
People join for a range of reasons: many feel stuck; some want to explore and future proof their career; others are ready for a change. The common thread throughout is a community of people who want to have fulfilling careers at this stage of life. Come and find out how we can help - attend our next free taster session, meet some members, ask your own questions and make up your own mind.
In the meantime, take our free career assessment and find out if you'd be a good fit for what we do:
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Brave Starts workshops are truly meaningful. In a sea of coaching/networking "suppliers", Brave Starts really stands out. Spot on, to the point - bringing in truly helpful experts that are also willing to give of their own time. Provides the opportunity to network with a great group of like-minded people across the careers and life spectrum.
I have found the Brave Starts events the most encouraging. therefore, the Brave Starts events have given me the most hope (and excitement for the future)? I am not alone in this situation. My age and experience are an asset, not an indication of decline and 'worn-out-ness'. I do have a value
Genuine and excellent, delivering evidence based support to those over 45+. If you are here, I guess you are considering joining Brave Starts. In a world of snake oil " cure all" weekend certificate NLP career coaches, Brave Starts is the real deal! The price is a bargain even for one workshop let alone an entire series! You will learn, network (not as bad as it sounds!) and get a far better handle on the " what next?" for your career.
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.
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....
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.
Most people in midlife have no structured guidance on how to manage career transitions. Recruitment systems often overlook older workers, and traditional career advice doesn’t reflect the realities of midlife or the rapidly changing nature of the work landscape. Brave Starts fills that gap.
How are we different?
Brave Starts is built on occupational psychology, community insight and evidence-based methods and we are recognised widely for our impact on midlife careers.
As a non profit, we are free to focus on impact and making a difference. We cut through the fluff and focus on what actually works (not what sells or pleases a shareholder)
Get clear on your next steps with a structured programme of coaching workshops
Masterclasses help address specific needs. Starting a business: Linkedin; imposter syndrome; age as an asset: using AI to be a personal career coach. Whatever the question - we have answers, support and guidance.
Our purpose and impact hubs help you build skills and networks in new sectors.
A professional community of supportive peers keeps you accountable, help you feel validated whilst also giving inspiration. Read more about our members
We believe in transparency and letting you ask your own questions by meeting some of our members and learning for yourself if joining us will be a good match for where you are currently.
Imagine Dragons den meets a careers fair with no jobs!
6 Start ups with business model established need skills and experience. They meet our members who have skills and experience. What mutual value can we create?... Come and find out.
The word it out! Brave Starts members are hot in demand and in a world where recruitment is broken for people 50+ we make space for you to meet, network and hear from the employers directly. Let's start January with a bang!
Fellow member Rob Alldis joined a few years back with the idea he wanted to retrain. His well paid city job gave him money - but the purpose piece was missing. This member to peer session will be useful for anyone exploring therapy or counselling as a retraining option. Warts and all reality....
Elizabeth is a recruiter but the market as we know is awful - so she's taken up being a Utility Warehouse agent to replace lost income. Is this an option for you? How much does she make? How easy is it to retrain to do? Come and ask all your own questions and learn more
These bi monthly meet ups are a great way for Brave Starts members and Portfolio Collective members to get together and exchange insights whilst building new connections. In one hour, you'll join 3 different break outs and meet 10+ new people. Enjoy!
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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.
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 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.
Get monthly ideas, stories and opportunities from the Brave Starts community, helping you live, work and age well. See an example newsletter
You’ll only hear from us once or twice a month and can opt out anytime.
Check out what we offer to support you on your journey to becoming clearer on
your next steps
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
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
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
Take our WHAT Next tool and get the results to understand where you are in your career journey
Attend a 1 hour session with other new Brave Starters to share your story and learn from others
Join our Brave Start Up programme to get the framework of achieving your goals and ambitions
Build your plan on how you will make your career dreams into a reality and take your next steps
Take things at your own pace with our fantastic online courses
Use our framework to build your bespoke career path
Sometimes people need 1 on 1 support. We have the best.
Meet your peers in informative and fun group meetings.
Monthly doses of content with events, articles, and research
Connect with our growing community of Brave Starters
Meet your peers in interactive, informative and fun group meetings.
Access our e-book: making your latter work years your best yet.
A directory of over 300 members giving you more chances to connect
Sometimes people need 1 on 1 support. We have the best.
Nothing beats practical insight from people who've been there and done that - (from £60 per meeting)
Get a monthly dose of content with events, articles, and research
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:
Focused on people mid life onwards
Meet each other and share insights and experiences
Small business idea? Feeling stuck? Come and learn
Never miss out on research, opportunities, and articles
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