About us
Who we are
A London charity supporting unemployed mothers who often carry the responsibilities of parenting alone and want to build a more secure and independent future.
Our mission
To relieve financial hardship and promote inclusion for mothers across London through advice, training and practical support.
Our vision
A London where no mother's circumstances define her future.
Why we exist
Too many mothers in London are held back by lost confidence, isolation, small networks, gaps in work history and money worries. We exist to change that.
We help mothers rebuild their confidence, build new skills and take clear steps into work, education/training or business. That creates lasting stability for them and their families.
Our people
Shabina Ahmed
Founder and CEO
Shabina was born and raised in London. She left home at sixteen and became a mother at seventeen. She rebuilt her life with no resources or support network. In 2017 she was expecting her third child and was hit by the two-child benefit limit. That year she founded Mothers’ Springboard on International Women’s Day. For nine years she has helped mothers build confidence, develop new skills and create fulfilling futures for their families. Her own journey drives her passion for helping mothers move from surviving to truly thriving.shabinaahmed.com
Kathryn Strachan
Trustee
Kathryn is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, former CEO and founder of CopyHouse, who has spent over a decade scaling organisations and building inclusive teams while raising her daughter. She has mentored women through programmes including Money20/20 RiseUp, CHIEF and BIMA, and brings strategy, governance and fundraising experience to the board.LinkedIn
Diana Flemming
Trustee
Diana is a Chartered HR professional, transformation leader and coach with more than 20 years’ experience helping people and organisations navigate change and build cultures where people thrive. As a Trustee and advisory board member, she helps women recognise their strengths, build confidence and make purposeful choices about their careers and lives.LinkedIn
Katie Gunstone
Trustee
Katie is a Digital Product and Leadership Lead with over a decade of experience driving innovation and business transformation. A certified coach, she founded Mums Achieving More to support mothers returning to work. Based in Surrey and a mum of two young boys, she loves sunny family adventures, coffee and running.
Our advisory board
Our advisory board brings together experienced coaches, psychologists and educators who help design and shape the programme.
Sophie Abell
Holistic Wellbeing Coach and Mentor
Sophie is an accredited holistic wellbeing coach and mentor, an EMCC Senior Practitioner, with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an ICF-accredited Diploma in Transformative Coaching. With a background in mental health and brain injury rehabilitation, she combines psychological insight with a compassionate, holistic approach. Inspired by becoming a mother, Sophie empowers women to strengthen their wellbeing, reconnect with themselves, develop greater self-awareness, and build confidence and self-belief to create positive change.Website
Alexa Kenmuir
Educator and Career Development Coach
Alexa is a Senior Lecturer, Senior Teaching Fellow and Course Leader for the MA Publishing programme at the University of Lancashire, with over 10 years’ experience in higher education. Her work in curriculum design, employability and student development informs her practice as a certified coach specialising in women’s career development, underpinned by a commitment to social mobility and equitable workplaces.LinkedIn
Jade Bennett
Business Psychologist and Coach
Jade is a Business Psychologist, EMCC Accredited Practitioner and ICF-certified coach with experience across the private and public sectors, including Sky and PA Consulting. She holds an MSc in Occupational Psychology, specialises in leadership, mindset and career coaching, and supports women and working parents to progress their careers alongside family life.LinkedIn
Our voices
In mothers’ own words
“It is absolutely superb. A much needed resource and support for mothers. The modules are all relevant to the challenges mothers face.”
“After the first class, I left feeling so motivated and determined to follow my passion, and have now started my own business in beauty therapy.”
“This programme has made me more confident, helping me let go of the old and make space for the new. I don’t want this to end.”
Our impact
Confidence that turns into action
100%
reported increased confidence
Average confidence rose from 4.2 to 7.5 out of 10.
92%
said the programme was inclusive
They found it culturally sensitive and relatable.
85%
attended all or most sessions
Strong commitment from mothers juggling family life.
+69
Net Promoter Score
Participants rated how likely they were to recommend us at 9.2 out of 10.
Figures are from participants who completed our 2025 programme.
Real steps towards independence
62%
chose employment
54%
chose self-employment
38%
chose education/training
38%
chose employment and self-employment together
Pathways mothers chose by the end of the programme. Every mother (100%) chose at least one pathway. Many chose more than one.
Who we reach
Mothers who registered in 2025. Figures are rounded.
How we measure our impact
Mothers complete a survey when they register and again at the end. In between they track their life satisfaction. We measure confidence, connection and clarity. Six months later we follow up on their progress.
What is next
We will keep building confidence, skills and clear plans. We are also planning Springboard Grants to help mothers with the practical costs of taking their first step. We will share more once they are ready.
Help mothers take their next step
Your gift funds free workshops and support for mothers across London.