The Duncan & Toplis Foundation continues to support local charities and community organisations, providing grants that help deliver meaningful projects and services across the communities it serves.
Among the latest recipients is Esther Esteem CIC, an organisation dedicated to helping children and families build confidence, resilience and wellbeing through engaging life coaching workshops.
A grant from the Foundation has supported the purchase of a new tortoise, affectionately named Wanda, who will play a key role in future workshops delivered by the organisation. Alongside giant African snails, Wanda helps children explore important life coaching concepts such as confidence, mindfulness and self-care in a fun and memorable way.
Through its workshops, Esther Esteem CIC uses animals as powerful learning tools. Children are encouraged to reflect on how tortoises and snails retreat into their shells when they feel frightened, helping to open conversations around emotions, resilience and personal wellbeing. The sessions also promote the benefits of slowing down, being mindful and looking after both physical and mental health, while introducing children to new facts about the animals themselves.
The organisation delivers life coaching workshops to children and provides free support to families facing challenges. In addition to its wellbeing programmes, Esther Esteem CIC runs circus-themed workshops focused on bravery and confidence-building activities, including its popular “brick walk” challenge. The charity regularly works with schools, nurseries, youth groups and local libraries, helping young people develop skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
The addition of Wanda further enhances these sessions, enabling Esther Esteem CIC to continue delivering engaging experiences that leave a lasting impact on the children and families it supports.
Katie Epton, Founder and Director of Esther Esteem CIC, said: “We have a lot of fun in the workshops and we hope that children can take something away with them by building on their foundations, which will make them stronger in their futures.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Duncan & Toplis Foundation for their continued support to our cause. We cannot thank them enough.”
If you would like to support the continued work of The Duncan & Toplis Foundation, you can donate here. Alternatively, if you’re looking for funding for a local community initiative, find out more about our grant criteria and how to apply here.
