When Shannon Taylor founded Louie’s Trust in November 2023, it wasn’t born from strategy—it was born from experience. After losing her son, Louie, following a six-month hospital stay, Shannon and her husband decided to channel their grief into something that could ease the burden for other families going through similar hardships.
But running a charity isn’t just about compassion—it’s also about capability. That’s where training through EMS came in.
Why Training Wasn’t Optional
Shannon’s background was in finance, administration, and insurance claims—not exactly a direct match for running a charitable organisation. Still, she’d managed teams before, and she knew that effective leadership and empathetic communication would be essential in building a team of volunteers and supporting vulnerable families.
She signed up for two courses through EMS: Leading Smarter and Start Counselling.
What the Leadership Course Added (and Confirmed)
While Shannon already had team management experience, she wanted to know if there was more she could learn—or even just validate what she was already doing.
“A lot of it was a refresher,” Shannon admits, “but hearing different perspectives and learning how people with different personalities respond in group settings—that was the real value.”
She also appreciated being able to learn from others working in similar sectors. “Hearing from other charity professionals facing the same challenges, especially with volunteer recruitment, was incredibly helpful.”
But she also noted that the group dynamic on the leadership course varied—some learners were more engaged than others. “You can’t force people to contribute,” she says, “but the people who do share always bring value.”
The Supporting People Course: A Game Changer in Perspective
The Supporting People course took Shannon by surprise—in a good way. She expected to learn a few techniques for conversation and listening. What she didn’t expect was the emphasis on personal well-being.
“One of the first things we learned was that you need to look after yourself before you can help others. That was a huge lightbulb moment.”
Another revelation came from the course tutor, Penni, who brought real-life examples from her counselling work. Her approach wasn’t clinical—it was authentic. “Penni was passionate, relatable, and she shared without being patronising. That made everything click.”
More than that, Shannon realised something crucial: you don’t have to wear a mask to support others effectively.
“I always thought counsellors had a ‘work self’ and a ‘home self.’ Turns out, the best ones are just consistent, trustworthy, and real. That stuck with me.”
What’s Stuck Since the Course
Though Shannon doesn’t lead a big team day-to-day, the insights from the leadership course help her shape interactions with volunteers and plan for future growth. The Supporting People course has impacted how she supports families—and even how she checks in with herself.
“I don’t use these skills every day, but they’re there when I need them. It’s made me more confident—not just in what I do, but in knowing I was already doing a lot right.”
And for someone who’s balancing the raw emotion of lived experience with the practical demands of running a nonprofit, that kind of confidence matters.
Final Thoughts for Those on the Fence
Shannon has clear advice for anyone considering a course like this:
- Know why you’re doing it. “If you don’t have a goal, you won’t get much out of it.”
- Be ready to engage. “You’ll learn more from the people in the room than any slide deck.”
- Stay open. “Even if you think you know something, hearing it from someone else can flip your perspective.”
Where to Next?
Louie’s Trust is still growing, and Shannon’s considering the Supporting People course when the time is right. “If there’s a need—and we’ve got the capacity—I’d love to expand what we offer families.”
For now, she’s focused on helping people in the most human way possible: by showing up, being herself, and using every bit of knowledge she’s gained to support others.