Courage in action – Carmen’s story

Real Women. Real Impact: Courage – Carmen

Courage is not always loud…

Courage doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s the quiet strength to keep showing up for others, even when life brings its own challenges.

During a time that brought significant personal challenges Carmen continued to show up for the people she supports at Waythrough. Many people would understandably have stepped back. Carmen chose to keep moving forward.

She is someone who speaks up when it matters. Carmen consistently advocates for our clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their wellbeing remains at the centre of conversations and decisions. She does this thoughtfully and respectfully, always guided by compassion and integrity.

Carmen has also brought creativity and initiative to the support she offers. She designed and delivered her own workshops, shaped around the needs of the people attending them. These sessions have created welcoming spaces where individuals can reflect, learn and build confidence together.

Carmen reminds us that courage is often found in the simple decision to keep showing up for others.

Recognising that some people would benefit from more personalised support, Carmen also introduced one-to-one coaching sessions. It was something she saw a need for and acted on — extending the ways people could receive encouragement and guidance.

Even when things have not gone quite to plan, Carmen approaches challenges with a solution-focused mindset. She adapts, learns and keeps going, always with the aim of finding what will work best for the people she supports.

Her warmth, determination and quiet leadership make a real difference to those around her. Carmen’s presence within Waythrough is a powerful reminder that courage is often found not in grand gestures, but in the decision to keep showing up for others, even during difficult times.

How we are celebrating International Women’s Day at East Surrey Community Connections.

Real women. Real impact. Quiet change.
How we are celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 at East Surrey Community Connections.