About Zoe Clark-Coates MBE
Passionate about making a difference, dedicated to making it happen!
Zoe was raised in Staffordshire, the second daughter of a Counsellor Therapist mother, and an IT Consultant father, and was educated in Royal Sutton Coldfield.
When Zoe decided to train as a counsellor as a hobby, little did she know that those skills would combine with 20-years working within the business and the charity sector, to allow her to set-up and lead the Mariposa Trust, which in just 7-years has become one of the leading support charities in the UK.
But before we get too far ahead, let’s backtrack a little.
Following finishing education, Zoe’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged, and she established her first business. She split her time between this business and working with a global youth charity on various national projects, where her skills in planning and communication, led to her overseeing a wide range of events and becoming a nationally recognised speaker at conferences.
It was during this time that Zoe met and married Andy, who was himself a project manager for this international charity. They quickly decided that they wanted to work together, and so established an events and marketing agency, called CCEM, which fully utilised their combined skills in event and project management.
The company carved a niche as a forward thinking events agency, and built a clientele that included BUPA, Barclaycard, Fuji, and Coca-Cola, as well as developing its own prestigious events portfolio. Zoe’s creativity and leadership are key strengths that can be seen in all of her roles, and these allowed their company to flourish and develop a solid reputation for delivering exceptional and unique events, projects and PR campaigns.
In 2007 Zoe and Andy lost their first baby, a deeply traumatic experience for anyone to go through, but sadly it was followed by a further four losses. To read more of Zoe’s personal story, please visit the Saying Goodbye website. Having worked through the pain of their losses, and seeing how little support was available to people, Zoe wanted to use their experience, to help others.
Since the organisation’s launch in 2012, it has grown under Zoe and Andy’s leadership into an international charity, providing global support that reaches over 50,000 people each week, and has been given stakeholder status with the Department of Health. Zoe’s ability to integrate social media and online platforms with real world support, has led to a real breakthrough in the care and support of people going through loss, a fact that has won her numerous accolades. Awards include the DSC ‘Influencer of the Year’, a Prime Ministers ‘Points of Light’ award, and the honour of a ‘British Citizen Award for services to Health’ to name a few. In 2018, Zoe was appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, to chair the National Review into Baby Loss.
During the last 7-years, Zoe has become a leading voice on subjects including loss, grief, bereavement, family, relationships and other issues. Her skill as a writer was noticed by Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post, who personally asked Zoe to write articles for the Huff. Zoe conducts numerous TV and Radio appearances each week and has become a regular guest and commentator on the BBC, ITV and other stations, as well as hosting her own TV show aired on Sky TV and Freeview.
Zoe’s debut best-selling book ‘Saying Goodbye’ was released in September 2017, and is available from Amazon via this link – ‘Saying Goodbye Order‘ and all good bookshops. This book has been embraced by the medical profession, and many NHS Trusts across the UK are now providing this as a fundamental resource in helping people through grief.
Zoe’s second book ‘The Baby Loss Guide’, was released in April 2019 and is already proving to be a vital resource to thousands of people. In the Baby Loss Guide, Zoe provides a supportive and practical guide to walk people through their darkest days of suffering and gives them hope for the future. The first half of the book answers the many questions those who encounter loss ask themselves and others, and until now have resulted in people spending hours exploring the internet, to gain answers and insight. The Baby Loss Guide is interlaced with personal stories from both men and women who have been there, and tackles the many myths, taboos and assumptions around loss. It also provides clear guidance and advice on how to navigate life following your world imploding, such as: How do I return to work? How do I know if or when I should try for more children? How do I communicate with my partner about loss? plus much more. The second half of the book offers 60-days of practical and compassionate support. Whether someones loss be recent of historic, the support in this book will be a wonderful gift. The book is also a vital training manual for those working with the bereaved, or for family and friends who want to educate themselves on how to support people well. This is available from all good bookshops and via this Amazon Link – ‘The Baby Loss Guide Order‘
Zoe’s third book ‘Beyond Goodbye’ was released in November 2019 and became an instant best seller. Beyond Goodbye guides people through their darkest days of suffering, and offers hope for the future. Grief can leave people feeling alone and lost in the world, not knowing where to turn for help. In Beyond Goodbye, Zoe examines the different losses people may endure in their lives, and provides much needed support to help people navigate their own path through the loss. From losing loved ones – parents, partners, children, siblings, family members and friends – to answering the most common questions that are asked in this time of mourning and beyond, Zoe tackles topics that are rarely discussed but essential to address. Beyond Goodbye balances practical advice with personal stories and emotional support. It explores common myths around loss, and offers advice for those supporting the bereaved. This caring and compassionate guide also includes a unique 60-day support plan and journal to guide the bereaved. This book will be a beacon of hope to all who read it. This is available from all good bookshops and via this Amazon Link – ‘Beyond Goodbye‘