After an incredible amount of hard work, enterprising spirit and a helping hand from Leicestershire County Council Local Area Coordinator (LAC) Mary Flynn, Butterfly Beacons has developed into a thriving Community Interest Company (CIC) run by women, for women. Andrea McCullough also works hard behind the scenes as Co-Director, organising finances, assisting with funding bids and project development.
As part of her youth and communities work, Emma noticed that adults with caring responsibilities needed support and strong community networks to be their best selves for their families. This provided the inspiration for Butterfly Beacons, noticing the way women especially fly from one activity to another to keep a family running, just like a butterfly.
This CIC delivers creative, informational, supportive and sociable sessions on Rosa the bus, as well as a weekly creative circle at the Menphys Hub in South Wigston, where a network of women not only work on upcycling crafts but also find a sense of belonging and community.
South Wigston is Mary Flynn’s patch as a LAC. She works to improve health and wellbeing in the community by identifying those who could benefit from support through initiatives like Butterfly Beacons. She uses early intervention to help prevent individuals reaching crisis point and needing to rely on public services.
Mary supported Emma with securing the project’s initial funding, drawing on her connections with wider public health networks in Leicestershire and continues to seek out new avenues for funding and expansion. Having been involved with the group from its inception, she now serves as a trusted point of contact. Vulnerable members are often comfortable reaching out to Mary when they need support, as traditional health services can feel intimidating or overwhelming.
"As a LAC, it’s my goal to see as many people as possible in charge of their own life and choices. I walk alongside Emma in her work with Butterfly Beacons, supporting with funding bids and signposting to services where needed.
Over time, the transformation in several women I introduced to Emma’s group is truly astonishing. From struggling to leave the house, to making amazing new friends and even volunteering to help run sessions, it’s clear to see what a positive impact this tight support network has had.”
Person:Mary Flynn, LAC for South Wigston
Siobhan Hughes (pictured above, left) joins the group regularly and looked for their support after unexpectedly becoming a kinship carer.
“I’ve been involved with Butterfly Beacons right from the beginning because I needed a break from the demands of family life. The Friday group gives me a fantastic creative outlet, as well as a totally safe space to listen and seek advice from the other women. We all share a lot of lived experiences.”
For Katy Hughes (pictured above, right), Butterfly Beacons makes her feel supported in a way that suits her and means she can support others in return.
“I know when I go there, I am lifted into an environment that is creative and fulfilling. It’s my brave space and Butterfly Beacons now feels like family. There is no judgement and I can be 1000% myself. We look out for one another and have lots of fun along the way.”
Butterfly Beacons have a Facebook page.
Find out how to contact a LAC in your area on our Local Area Coordinator page.
Learn more about services available to you on Leicestershire County Council's mental health and wellbeing page.