A professional coach has been awarded a Coaching Impact Award for her work with spouses of UK armed forces personnel.
Tina Smith, pictured front right, coach and founder of Your New Wings, was selected by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in the Social Impact – Emerging Coaching Catalyst category for her work designing the coaching element of the UK Armed Forces Spouse Personal Development Programme.
The programme combines one-to-one and group coaching to help spouses rebuild confidence, clarify goals and create fulfilling futures. It has enabled participants to rediscover skills, challenge limiting beliefs and pursue new paths through employment, entrepreneurship, education or family.
FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE
Rebecca, one of the first participants in the programme, said: “What surprised me was the speed of change in everyone’s thinking and actions. Everyone on the course spoke of fundamental change to their lives in just 10 weeks.”
Beyond personal outcomes, many graduates now ‘pay it forward’ by mentoring peers and helping to sustain a supportive network of spouses.
Tina said: “Receiving this award is a tremendous honour. Coaching has the power to transform lives, and I’m proud to be recognised for work that empowers people, strengthens organisations, and contributes to thriving communities.”
The programme was originally designed as a collaboration between Warwickshire County Council and Your New Wings.
ONLINE OFFER
It was initially intended to be delivered face to face to support spouses of armed forces personnel in Warwickshire. Due to COVID, it had to be delivered online, and this allowed the offer to be extended to military spouses elsewhere.
Tina said: “We were astonished to receive applications from across the globe. Spouses from Brunei, Cyprus, the USA, Australia, Kenya, and right across Europe completed the programme.”
The scheme is supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.