Meet the founders' behind
Looking After Me.
Ruth and Claire became firm friends over 25 years ago whilst at university. A long time ago, before mobile phones and social media and the resulting pressures of living in today’s world… they used to chat on walkie talkies across the corridor to keep up to date on every aspect of each other’s lives.
They both feel very fortunate to have been confident (or brave) enough to make friends, but they know that university can be a lonely place for some. They have gone on to support one another in their respective careers and know the challenges of prioritising one’s health and wellbeing when busy working. These shared experiences lead them to founding Looking After Me.
Ruth used her passion (and degree) in Nutrition and Sport Science to set up a children’s cookery school in Oxfordshire, promoting healthy eating. In addition, she ran ‘survival’ courses to help students’ develop cooking skills before starting university.
Twelve years teaching science followed and her focus continued, lobbying and succeeding in providing health and wellbeing sessions for her pupils.
Her interest is still very personal, running three marathons, two ultra-marathons and raising over £70,000 for charity within the last 18 months.
Claire pursued a different career path, focusing on Human Resources, setting up a consultancy in Wales and launching the Institute of ‘Young Directors’ programme.
After moving to Devon in 2008, she launched another bespoke HR and lifestyle management consultancy; Coops & Co.
In the workplace, irrespective of age and experience, it is not uncommon to see staff feeling overwhelmed, alone and needing to reach out for help. She firmly believes that all employers have a responsibility to look after the health and wellbeing of their employees.
Claire pursued a different career path, focusing on Human Resources, setting up a consultancy in Wales and launching the Institute of ‘Young Directors’ programme.
After moving to Devon in 2018, she launched another bespoke HR and lifestyle management consultancy; Coops & Co.
In the workplace, irrespective of age and experience, it is not uncommon to see staff feeling overwhelmed, alone and needing to reach out for help. She firmly believes that all employers have a responsibility to look after the health and wellbeing of their employees.
Throughout 2020, Ruth and Claire saw, on both a personal and professional level, how dramatically the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns were impacting the health and wellbeing of so many.
Their interests and experiences in Education and People Management converged and the idea for Looking After Me was born.
Ruth and Claire believe that by looking after yourself, you can be the best version of yourself.