For Lisa Gilligan, becoming a Relax Kids coach began with a mother’s deep desire to support her daughter.
In 2015, Lisa was searching for a way to help her daughter Annie, then five, who was struggling with anxiety and had recently been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. “We were going through a really difficult time. Annie was having frequent panic attacks, and we were desperate to find something that would help her feel more secure, more confident.”
It was Lisa’s mum who first stumbled upon Relax Kids during a late-night internet search for local support groups. While the nearest coach was too far away to attend classes, something about Relax Kids resonated deeply. “The more I read, the more I knew this was what Annie needed,” Lisa says. “And so I made the decision to train as a coach myself.”
With a background as an Early Years Professional and an interest in mindfulness and yoga, Lisa was already on a personal journey of self-care. Relax Kids offered a natural next step – one that would soon reshape both her career and her life.
After completing her training in June 2015, Lisa threw herself into preparation. “I attended countless business training courses, planned sessions, and offered free workshops in local children’s centres and schools. I even ran a three-day festival to promote Relax Kids in Liverpool.”
Then in January 2016, a pivotal opportunity arrived. Lisa was invited to introduce Relax Kids strategies at a local school as part of a maternity cover. “It was scary,” she admits. “I had to leave my job and become self-employed. But the response was amazing. The school asked me to stay on – and I’ve been working there three days a week ever since.”
Lisa’s work has continued to grow and evolve. She runs weekly community classes, workshops for parents, and bespoke programmes for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. She’s also begun working with local organisations supporting families affected by domestic violence and trauma.
“The children I work with are incredible,” Lisa says. “One of the most exciting things recently is the partnership we’re developing with Addvanced Solutions. They invited me to take part in their World Mental Health Day event, and now we’re working on securing funding for a community project together.”
But perhaps the most meaningful impact has been at home.
“Annie is now 10 and doing so well. She’s more aware of her emotions, she uses breathing techniques when she feels anxious, and her confidence has grown. My youngest son Charlie is three and already has wonderful emotional literacy – he loves playing Real Kids at home and says ‘it’s just so fun!’”
Lisa’s vision is clear – to expand Relax Kids in Liverpool, connect with more local coaches, and one day bring her sessions to children at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
“I feel so grateful to be part of the Relax Kids family. The support from HQ and the coaching community is amazing. Becoming a coach has changed everything – for my family, for the families I work with, and for me. I get to wake up every day and do something that doesn’t even feel like work.”
Lisa’s story is a shining example of what happens when a parent’s love, passion, and purpose come together – and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to help your child is to become the change they need.
If you would like to become a Relax Kids coach – book a call here
