Domestic abuse survivor sells bracelets to raise money for Lancashire trauma charities

Resilience coach Gemma Margerison is aiming to sell 5,000 resilience bands to raise money for three Lancashire-based charities who specialise in working with those who have been through trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Resilience coach Gemma with her resilience band - to raise money for Lancashire based trauma charities.Resilience coach Gemma with her resilience band - to raise money for Lancashire based trauma charities.
Resilience coach Gemma with her resilience band - to raise money for Lancashire based trauma charities.

The Preston based resilience coach helps critical illness and trauma survivors accept themselves and regain their confidence.

After suffering with trauma from domestic abuse at the hands of her ex partner, 32 year-old Gemma kickstarted one on one coaching service 'GLC Resilience Coaching' to help aid others suffering with life changing transitions.

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GLC Resilience Coaching, in partnership is with ESC Bracelets, is now hoping to sell 5,000 resilience bracelets in order to raise money for three Lancashire-based charities who specialise in working either within the military community or with those who have been through trauma and PTSD.

32-year old Gemma said: “The idea for this came from a significant breakthrough in my recovery in 2018. My counsellor at the time asked me what it was going to take for me to be able to draw a line under my experiences.

"What I had found most difficult was feeling like I had a hole inside me that I couldn’t fill. It ached constantly and sucked all the joy out of my life. I told my counsellor that I needed to find my missing piece.”

After walking into a jewellery shop and finding a necklace with a jigsaw puzzle charm on it, she says that 'everything immediately changed.'

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And now Gemma wants to help others in the same way by supporting Lancashire charities with the money raised from the sale of her new bracelets.

The coach hopes to sell 5,000 bands this yearThe coach hopes to sell 5,000 bands this year
The coach hopes to sell 5,000 bands this year

“I know it sounds silly, but that symbol had an incredible effect. I had my missing piece, I was whole, and there was nothing holding me back,” she said.

“As a coach I see so many people who, in moments of stress or anxiety, forget how strong they are, how much they have survived, and all of their healthy and helpful coping mechanisms.

“I wanted to create a physical reminder for individuals that they are resilient, something subtle but powerful, something wearable and durable, and something that has heart. That’s when I found ESC Bracelets.”

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After sitting through rounds of counselling to aid with her own trauma, she claims she decided to focus on looking forward instead of looking back.

And Gemma now has high hopes to hit the 5000-band target by the end of this year, donating to charities such as Breathe Therapies, Advocacy Focus, and HorseHeard.

She said: “I think given everything we have been through this year everyone deserves to be reminded of how resilient they are. Buy one for yourself or give one as a gift. The beautiful thing about these bands is that they not only help the wearer but also pay it forward to amazing charities and those who benefit from the services they offer.

"GLC Resilience Coaching aims to walk alongside individuals as they practically apply the techniques they have learnt in counselling and move towards their goals of being a stronger, healthier, and more confident individual.”

Those hoping to buy a band can do so from escbracelets.com

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