Women from across Blackburn have been celebrated for reclaiming their confidence, resilience and sense of purpose after completing a six-week holistic wellbeing programme designed to support personal transformation.

The second cohort of the Holistic Reset Programme, a National Lottery-supported community initiative led by Nigerian-born, UK-based practitioner and community leader, Dr Victoria Olatunde, culminated in a Graduation and Confidence Showcase in Blackburn on July 30, 2026.

Delivered by Awero Care & Crafts CIC, founded and directed by Olatunde, in partnership with ARC Blackburn and supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, the programme equipped participants with practical tools for self-care, confidence-building, communication and personal empowerment.

Throughout the six weeks, participants engaged in culturally sensitive sessions covering confidence, posture and presence, relaxation, self-care and communication, before showcasing their personal growth at the graduation ceremony.

The women also reflected on their journeys, speaking of renewed confidence, stronger connections with peers and a greater sense of purpose.

Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, Councillor Salim Sidat MBE, commended the initiative and paid tribute to Olatunde for developing an approach that helps people turn difficult life experiences into renewed strength and confidence.

“A special tribute must go to Dr Victoria Olatunde, whose passion and vision have inspired this programme,” Sidat said.

He praised Olatunde’s Vestige to Valour methodology, describing it as an innovative approach that helps individuals transform experiences that may have diminished their confidence into renewed wellbeing, resilience, confidence and purpose.

Sidat urged the graduates to build on the lessons from the programme and use their renewed confidence to positively influence their families, workplaces and communities.

He subsequently presented certificates to the women in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.

Also speaking, Mary Sharples of ARC Blackburn, which hosted the programme throughout the six weeks, reflected on the participants’ progress and encouraged them to continue building on the confidence they had gained.

The ceremony attracted representatives of Blackburn with Darwen Council, ARC’s chairman and board of trustees, community leaders, partner organisations and other supporters.

For Olatunde, the transformation witnessed among the women underscored the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces where people can reconnect with themselves.

“Holistic Reset was created to provide women with a safe, nurturing space to reconnect with themselves, rebuild confidence and recognise their own value,” she said.

“Watching these graduates stand taller, speak with confidence and celebrate how far they have come has been the greatest reward. I hope this is only the beginning of their journey.”

The programme also provided a practical demonstration of Olatunde’s Vestige to Valour methodology, a community-based approach that combines holistic personal development with wellbeing and empowerment.

Through Awero Care & Crafts CIC, Olatunde’s work focuses on holistic wellbeing, creativity and community development, particularly by creating accessible opportunities that strengthen confidence, connection and personal empowerment.

Awero Care & Crafts CIC expressed appreciation to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for supporting the programme, as well as ARC Blackburn for its partnership, hospitality and support.

The organisation also acknowledged Sidat, Sharples, ARC’s chairman and board of trustees, Blackburn with Darwen Council representatives, community partners, volunteers and guest facilitators for contributing to the success of the second cohort.