Louise Coker

Louise Coker is the Founder and CEO of Take Part Wellbeing CIC. With over 30 years of experience across education, community programmes and family support, Louise works with children, young people and families to overcome barriers to learning, wellbeing and school engagement.

Louise founded Take Part in 2014 as a community interest company focused on creativity, confidence and belonging. What began as a performing arts programme quickly evolved into a wider wellbeing service supporting children and families facing emotional, social and educational challenges.

Today Louise leads Take Part’s work supporting SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health), SEND, EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) and EOTAS pathways, working closely with schools, parents and local services across Derbyshire and the High Peak.

Family Support, SEND and School Engagement

Louise provides practical, relational support for children and families who may be struggling with anxiety, behaviour, school attendance or emotional wellbeing.

Her work bridges the gap between home, school and support services, helping families feel understood and helping schools respond effectively to children’s needs.

Her areas of work include:

Family Support

Providing one-to-one support for parents and carers navigating challenges such as behaviour, anxiety, parenting pressures, school difficulties, separation, bereavement and SEND. Sessions provide a safe, non-judgemental space to explore concerns and develop practical strategies.

EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)

Supporting children experiencing anxiety around school attendance. Louise works alongside schools and families to rebuild confidence, develop emotional regulation skills and create realistic pathways back into education.

SEND and Neurodiversity Support

Supporting children with additional needs including ADHD, autism and emotional regulation difficulties. Louise helps families navigate SEND processes while working with schools to promote inclusive and supportive learning environments.

EOTAS and Reintegration Support

Working with children who are temporarily outside mainstream education, Louise provides personalised support that helps rebuild confidence, emotional wellbeing and readiness for learning, supporting successful reintegration wherever possible.

Creative Curriculum and Therapeutic Learning

Drawing on her background in performing arts and creative education, Louise uses drama, storytelling and creative activities as therapeutic tools to help children explore emotions, build resilience and reconnect with learning.

A Relational and Trauma-Informed Approach

Louise believes that behaviour, anxiety and school refusal are often signals that a child is struggling rather than simply being “difficult”.

Her work focuses on understanding the root causes of emotional distress, helping children and families develop practical strategies for emotional regulation, resilience and positive relationships.

By supporting the whole system around the child — family, school and community — Louise helps create sustainable change that allows children to feel safe, confident and able to engage in learning.

Community Roots

Louise grew up in New Mills and continues to work closely with schools and families across the High Peak and Derbyshire. Through Take Part Wellbeing CIC she supports a network of local primary schools, providing early intervention, family support and wellbeing programmes that strengthen relationships between children, families and schools.

Having overcome significant challenges in her own life, Louise understands the power of encouragement and belief. Her work is about helping children, parents and communities rediscover confidence, hope and direction when life feels difficult.

Through Take Part Wellbeing CIC, Louise continues to champion children and families — helping them feel supported, understood and able to move forward.