Hayley Stephens (Founder of IAmConfident) writes:
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"Welcome to IAmConfident, born from a personal journey. I initially worked in London as a Marketing and Product Manager.  When I moved to Poole in 2007, I struggled to find work, which effected my confidence and self-esteem. This led me to reevaluate my career. My experiences inspired me to create something that would support women of all ages and backgrounds to rebuild their confidence, belief, resilience, and sense of worth. My faith was instrumental to all my decisions and has impacted the journey IAmConfident has been on.
 
I prayed about all my ideas and wrote down my vision and my heart for running either a charity or business that would impact women so they feel supported and empowered. I researched, read, volunteered and worked professionally in the areas where I would learn, grow and discover what vulnerable women felt they needed.
 

When attending Gateway Church in 2015, I worked for the church and led the 'Oasis' project that supported women who were survivors of domestic violence and abuse. The project was struggling, and over time, I developed and recruited a volunteer team and led the project for many years, supporting many families in the Bournemouth and Poole refuge. During this time, I recognised how the women needed help to rebuild their lives, self-worth and confidence.

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I soon created a successful 12-week programme that discussed many areas of the women's lives they needed support with. I decided to call the course, 'IAmConfident'. I recognised that the power of words and what you say to yourself are very powerful, and this is how IAmConfident became what it is today, because it speaks the words. 'I AM’ confident and all the words God believes we are: Brave, Resilient, Loved and Valued.  These words are woven into all the sessions. I piloted the course a few times, and the feedback and impact were very positive. I then created more sessions and felt this could also support many women in the community. It became clear that this would be more fun and beneficial to do this with someone who would work with me on this journey. I stopped running the course and prayed that God would provide the right person if IAmConfident was to continue and grow. Two years later, after COVID, Catherine, who initially volunteered for me whilst I ran Oasis, became that person. I have since put together, with the support of Catherine, 39 sessions, which is now an all-year-round wellbeing programme, so people can come when they can. It is the most rewarding experience and an absolute privilege. I love it!​​​​​​ " In June 2025, we became an independent charity!
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Catherine Hunter (Co-Founder of IAmConfident) writes: 
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"My background is in school teaching, and I have been trained in helping children with their differing needs and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, there is always a limit to how much you can help those families in their communities. I have always had a heart for helping those who are struggling with life’s difficulties, and felt moved when I heard stories of those who were battling against the odds. My faith has meant that I wanted to help and to share God’s love with others.
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However, until I moved to Poole, I hadn't discovered any avenue to do this through. I had watched a programme on Channel 4 about those who were illiterate and their struggles, and this hardened my resolve to seek an avenue to help those who were vulnerable.​Then I met Hayley and heard about the work she was doing with the Oasis project, to help sufferers of domestic violence and this resonated deeply with me.  So, I joined the Oasis volunteers team and began to work with Hayley and found not only did we partner well together, but that we shared a similar vision and desire to reach those who were vulnerable. This shared passion subsequently led me to co-found IAmConfident. It has been an absolute pleasure to assist women as they rebuild and go from strength to strength. It remains the highlight of my week."