BE PART OF A COMMUNITY

Your age is your asset

Whether you’re seeking a fulfilling role, need to return to work after a break, or you simply have no idea what to do next, you've come to the right place.

Our Community Membership plan opens the door to interactive events, self paced development exercises, networking opportunities, and much more. 

£30 a year (the price of a coffee a month)

What Our COMMUNITY say about us...

trustpilot-star-rating
March 2023

This was a great opportunity to connect with like minded people in their 50's looking for support and inspiration to weigh up career options. Lucy and Alan's warm and structured approach to coaching was most conducive to opening up meaningful conversations amongst us. There is a great demand for this out there and thank you very much both for your important work in breaking down social taboos about older workers.

Jo-Ann
trustpilot-star-rating
March 2023

I joined Bravestart this week. Lucy has been excellent in her communication and support since our first interaction. Today I attended two sessions both different but equally informative. I really feel that this network and it's members will offer me the opportunity to move forward at the right pace to change my career direction and/or help me create a plan specifically for me. All this under the excellent support of the highly professional and knowledgeable Bravestart team led by Lucy.

Thomas Garside
trustpilot-star-rating
March 2023

I've just logged out of a brilliant hour talking with Lucy and 3 other members about age as an asset. Brilliant not just because it's exactly what I needed today but also because it was structured and delivered as an evidence based, empathetic examination of why and how the confidence and experience born of age IS and asset that we can leverage. Highly recommend

Lucy Unger
trustpilot-star-rating
March 2023

I can totally recommend Brave Starts to anyone looking at their working life who is that little bit older!The areas they help with are diverse and often seed ideas you never thought about. Open and approachable they deliver vast networking opportunities as well as practical support. Having been part of their entrepreneur network and business owner training course I keep an eye out for events that link to my 'portfolio' approach to work and have just been rejuvenated by the excellent 'Your age is your asset workshop' with great breakout discussion and fact-based evidence leading to practical application just when I needed it.

Guest

"The Brave Starts community allowed me to be open about what I needed out of my career"

Simon Long

"Getting clarity on my next steps was easier once I knew others were in the same boat as me"

Debbie Johnson

"The chance to connect and learn from  other people in the fashion sector gave me the boost I needed"

Rosetta Ahmed

come join our events

Many events to support you on your career journey

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GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Thinking of starting a business?
Meet one of the best connected people in the start up world and join a cohort to help get your start up off the ground!
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: LinkedIn Masterclass
Learn how to use LinkedIn like an expert in your job search + how to target your actions and time towards things that will serve your needs most.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Moving Abroad: Making a Brave Start Overseas
Making a Brave Start Overseas: Explore what’s involved in contemplating, planning for and then executing a move overseas for work or retirement.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Death is Part of Life
To help demystify and talk about the death sector, we are delighted to have Poppy Mardell, Founder of Poppy’s Funerals, come and talk to us.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Boosting Your Creative Confidence
An interactive workshop to empower you to engage creatively with the challenges you face, and foster creativity in yourself and others.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Want to Get a Book Published?
Meet Matthew Smith, an experienced publisher and book agent, to learn more about the publishing industry and how to get a book published.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: A Creative Pursuit: a Career, Hobby or Side Hustle?
A candid conversation with film makers Chantelle de Carvalho and Liz Smith to explore how pursuing a purpose can mean different things to different people and what success looks like to you.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Your Age is Your Asset Workshop
An interactive workshop for up to 10 people exploring the psychology of how we age and how this makes you a better employee.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Process for Changing Career at 50+
We take you through the practical steps and expectations you should have for making a career change at this stage in life.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: LinkedIn Masterclass
Learn how to use LinkedIn like an expert in your job search + how to target your actions and time towards things that will serve your needs most.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: A Career Change into the Public Sector – Metropolitan Police
We invite you to come and meet the officer working within Outreach in order to learn more about why the police is something you should consider.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50 Copy
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Process for changing career at 50+
We take you through the practical steps and expectations you should have for making a career change at this stage in life
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Over 50 and thinking about a job in consulting?
Over 50 and thinking about a job in consulting? Meet David Powell - Founder of Evolution Partners.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Dealing with Discrimination
In this session, we’ll hear your stories and coach and discuss how we can better handle rejection and discrimination when applying for jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Your age is your asset workshop
An interactive workshop for up to 10 people, exploring the psychology of how we age and how this makes you a better employee
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Process for changing career at 50+
We take you through the practical steps and expectations you should have for making a career change at this stage in life
GO TO EVENTS
PEER TO PEER NETWORKING: Building Our Creative Community
Meet your network peers, strengthen connections and explore how we can support each other across our different creative interests.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Now Teach Career Change Programme
​Join Deborah Mills, the CEO of Now Teach, and find out the reality of a career change into teaching and if it's right for you.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Job Sharing
In this webinar, Nicola Earle, the Community Manager at Roleshare, will talk you through how to get started with job sharing
GO TO EVENTS
PEER TO PEER NETWORKING: How intuition can help boost creativity
In this session, we’ll be trying out some creative exercises – both drawing and writing – to explore how it feels to use intuition.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Growing old gracefully: leading self in the age of no retirement
A workshop exploring the implications of increased longevity and demographic trends in an era where retirement is less likely.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
PEER TO PEER NETWORKING: Kick Start Your Creative 2023
Join us as we look at the year ahead and kick start your creative 2023.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Thinking of a Job in the Charity Sector?
We’re delighted to have 3 amazing panelists to answer your every question about life in the charity sector.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Finance Surgery
This is a a safe space to come and ask your financial planning questions to an independent financial advisor, and get specific detail and ideas on what to do next.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Getting Ahead in Your Job Search: Presenting Yourself with Confidence
Strategies and techniques to help you focus your job search on the right role, and interview with confidence and impact. 
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Career Development for Neurodivergent Professionals
​Meet Marc Crawley, the Director of Diversita, and explore career development for Neurodivergent professionals.
GO TO EVENTS
PEER TO PEER NETWORKING: Free Your Creativity with the Written word
Join us for this fun peer to peer creative writing session with Mish Apter. Practice free writing and get tips on finding daily inspiration.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Thinking of starting a business? Have you considered franchising?
Find out about franchising and how it's different to setting up your own business, the pros and cons, and what you need to consider.
GO TO EVENTS
BRAVE START UP: Have you got a business idea you’ve been thinking about?
Have you got a business idea you’ve been thinking about? Think the idea of a ‘side hustle’ sounds good? Hear from the founders on our Brave Start Up programme.
GO TO EVENTS
PEER TO PEER NETWORKING: How can creativity help self-discovery and healing?
Join us for this peer to peer workshop, and find out from Eleni Zevgaridou how creativity can help self-discovery and healing. 
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Working Wise - Helping experienced workers find fulfilling jobs
Meet Mandy Gale, the Managing Editor of Working Wise, a job and community site specially focused on older workers looking for improved work-life balance.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: The Breadth & Reality of Call Centre Work
There is a perception about call centres not always borne out by reality. Meet Michael King and discover the breadth and reality of call centre work.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Peer to Peer interest Group: Creative and Artistic Sectors
Join our first ever peer to peer networking and interest group - a chance to connect with like minded people who share your interests
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: Getting Ahead in Your Job Search: Presenting Yourself with Confidence
Strategies and techniques to help you focus your job search on the right role, and interview with confidence and impact. 
GO TO EVENTS
MEMBER EVENT: LinkedIn Workshop with Chris Frederick
Explore how to improve and develop a strong personal brand on LinkedIn, and receive personalised feedback on your LinkedIn profile.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
Wellbeing workshop on retirement planning
Interactive workshop going through what you can do today to help you achieve your retirement goals in the future
GO TO EVENTS
Carving Out Your Own Creative Career
Explore what it means to craft your own creative career, with upholsterer Kerry Rutter, who has crafted her own career around the things she loves.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
Why is the train sector interested in people over 50?
Meet Emily Hocking, Recruiter for Arriva Trains, to find out why the train sector is interested in people over 50.
GO TO EVENTS
Finance Surgery
This is a a safe space to come and ask your financial planning questions to an independent financial advisor, and get specific detail and ideas on what to do next.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Monthly Member Meet Up
Meet other Brave Starts members, share your story, make new connections, and get support from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
Getting Ahead in Your Job Search: Presenting Yourself with Confidence
Strategies and techniques to help you focus your job search on the right role, and interview with confidence and impact. 
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
Small Business Networking Group
Thinking of or already running a small business? Join our monthly small business networking event. Get advice and tips on running a successful small business.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Career Development Drop-In Session
Get support and guidance on any career development issue from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
Brave Start Up Information Evening
Are you thinking of starting a business? Find out about our plans to pilot a programme for our members who are exploring the idea of starting their own business.
GO TO EVENTS
Boomer or Bloomer - What's Next?
A 3-Day Online Summit: Listen to and engage with some of the most impressive speakers in the world of ageing better.
GO TO EVENTS
Small Business Networking Group
Thinking of or already running a small business? Join our monthly small business networking event. Get advice and tips on running a successful small business.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Career Development Drop-In Session
Get support and guidance on any career development issue from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
The Over-Qualified Myth – Busted
Find out why employers ‘get away’ with citing over-qualified as an excuse and what benefits ‘being over-qualified’ actually bring.
GO TO EVENTS
Presenting with Confidence and Gravitas
Join experienced Communication Skills Coach, Natalie Forkin, to learn how to present with confidence and gravitas.
GO TO EVENTS
Getting Involved with Brave Starts
Bring your ideas and enthusiasm to this meeting about how you can be more involved with the Brave Starts mission.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Career Development Drop-In Session
Get support and guidance on any career development issue from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS
The Factors Predicting a Good Retirement
What is the better retirement we should be aiming for and what steps can we take to get there?
GO TO EVENTS
Thinking of becoming a coach? What is involved?
In this session we invite Dr Yvette Ankrah MBE to come and share her insight and thoughts about what it takes to be a great coach.
GO TO EVENTS
Thinking of starting a business? Have you considered franchising?
Find out about franchising and how it's different to setting up your own business, the pros and cons, and what you need to consider.
GO TO EVENTS
Finance Surgery
This is a a safe space to come and ask your financial planning questions to an independent financial advisor, and get specific detail and ideas on what to do next.
GO TO EVENTS
The Part-time and Flexible Jobs Market
Discover how to find your dream part-time or flexible job with the UK's most forward-thinking employers.
GO TO EVENTS
Working at the Wildlife Trusts
Discover what it's like working at the Wildlife Trusts - with Steve Davis, Head of HR at Dorset Wildlife Trust
GO TO EVENTS
Small Business Networking Group
Thinking of or already running a small business? Join our monthly small business networking event. Get advice and tips on running a successful small business.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: How to Find a Job When You’re Over 50
Did you know that only 40% of available jobs are found on job boards? The other 60% are “hidden”. Join this session to find out how you can access these jobs.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: New Members Welcome
Meet fellow new members, hear about what is coming up and understand how to make the most out of your membership.
GO TO EVENTS
FREE EVENT: Career Development Drop-In Session
Get support and guidance on any career development issue from your peer group facilitated by a highly qualified coach.
GO TO EVENTS

YOUR member benefits

Join our fantastic community of professionals, primarily 45 – 75, who are exploring their future work options.

Kick start your route to inspiration and action by attending our members welcome. Complete our evidence based mini-course which will get you clearer on your next steps.

Community

Your opportunity to network with professionals on the same journey

Mini-Course

4 workbooks over 4 weeks packed with tips and exercises

Events

Bounce ideas off others, discuss breakthroughs & share frustrations

Newsletter

Get the latest jobs, research, insights, and articles in your inbox

Get started

We have some amazing members too!

Come and network with our awesome community of professionals

Simon

From the Sports world to the Recruitment Sector

Debbie

New career path after going through our programme

Alan

New path after being a board director and consultant

Mike

Now CEO of ProAge after learning what he enjoys

How it works: step by step

WHAT are THE ALTERNATIVEs?

Career coaching is the main 'competitor' or alternative to what we offer. As career coaches ourselves, we're in a good place to say how we differ from a typical career coaching service:


If you have your heart set on hiring a career coach, (and don't want to use ours) there are things you should be aware of to best avoid a potentially expensive or disappointing experience. Read our overview and summary.

Newsletter

Want to stay in touch? Once a month, we  share links, events, job opportunities, research, articles and more. We don't accept advertising or sponsorship: we only share what we think is useful and valuable.

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