Demonstrating allyship in action through coaching

By Eve McIlmoyle

We marked Black History Month in Reading with a ‘speed coaching’ event on 21st October, co-ordinated by Coaching Reading, Berkshire Black Business and Connect Reading and attended by the Mayor Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles.   

I took part in this as a member of Coaching Reading, a network of local professional coaches who volunteer their time to offer free coaching to the local voluntary and community sector. I joined Coaching Reading whilst undertaking my Coaching Professional apprenticeship and it’s been a valuable way to not only develop my skills but also to do something of value to support the local community.  

At the event, over 20 delegates were coached confidentially for 20-30 minutes on something they want to achieve, do differently or progress - whether in their work or personal life. There was a real buzz with lots of great conversations.

Coaching Reading also offers a series of free 1:1 confidential coaching to people working for the local community and voluntary sectors, so if you work with organisations who may be interested check out how to apply on our community work page.