Shirley's Wellbeing CIC is a people-first community organisation created to support the wellbeing, confidence, connection and recognition of people working in retail.
Shirley's Wellbeing CIC takes its name from Shirley, Denise Sutherland's mother. Her story and values form part of the heart behind the organisation, representing the importance of seeing the person, recognising their experiences and creating opportunities for people to feel supported, valued and connected.
Founder Denise Sutherland brings more than 20 years of experience in retail, including management, alongside experience in fitness, counselling training and supporting people through domestic violence. These experiences have shaped a whole-person approach to wellbeing.
What happens to the person afterwards?
You are more than your job.
Why Shirley's exists
Why people in retail?
People working in retail can experience verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, aggression, harassment and physical violence at work. These experiences can arise through interactions with customers, as well as through situations and relationships within the workplace itself.
Whatever the source, Shirley's focus is on the person and the impact these experiences can have on wellbeing, confidence and sense of safety.
But difficult experiences are not the only reason someone might engage. People may also want movement, connection, appreciation, confidence-building or general wellbeing support.
Beyond the role
Shirley's looks beyond the workplace role and considers the whole person. The organisation is particularly interested in what happens following workplace violence, abuse and other difficult experiences.
We are not here to investigate incidents or assign blame. We aim to complement existing employer and specialist provision, not duplicate it.
We offer multiple ways to engage because one route into wellbeing will not suit everyone.
Our values
PEOPLE
See the person first.
TRUST
Earn it. Build it. Protect it.
RESPECT
For yourself. For others.
COMMUNITY
Bringing people together.
Our approach
We bring together movement, conversation, support, confidence, appreciation, community and advocacy.
We start locally, build trust, listen to people in retail, test what works, learn from the experience and refine what we do.
Our approach is shaped by lived experience, professional practice, research, consultation, participant feedback and evaluation.
A future where people feel seen, valued and supported in the workplace and beyond.
Shirley's long-term ambition is to build a sustainable, respected and influential people-first wellbeing organisation recognised for supporting the person behind the workplace role.
Retail will always be part of Shirley's story. Over time, the organisation may adapt successful approaches for other workplace communities where evidence supports it, without losing its origin or the evidence developed with people in retail.
