We Did It — Branches Community Wellbeing CIC Is Official!
There are moments in the life of a community where everything feels like it gathers into one big, beautiful exhale — and this week, Branches had one of those moments. After months of graft, learning curves, paperwork marathons, cups of tea, pep talks, and more than a few “oh my goodness, are we really doing this?” moments… we are officially registered as a Community Interest Company.
And honestly? We’re thrilled. Properly thrilled. The kind of thrilled that makes you grin at random points in the day.
The Overwhelm — and the Magic Inside It
Let’s be real: building something meaningful is rarely tidy. There were days when the admin felt endless, when the forms blurred together, when we wondered if we’d ever reach the finish line. There were moments of overwhelm where we had to pause, breathe, and remind ourselves why we were doing this.
But here’s the thing that makes Branches… Branches:
We didn’t do any of it alone.
Every wobble was met with a steadying hand. Every “I’m not sure I can do this” was met with “You don’t have to — we’ll do it together.” Every moment of overwhelm became a moment of connection, of humour, of shared strength.
That’s the heart of Branches. That’s the heart of community. And that’s exactly why becoming a CIC matters so much.
A Milestone That Belongs to All of Us
Being registered as a CIC isn’t just a legal status. It’s a commitment — a promise — that Branches exists for the wellbeing of our community, now and always. It means our values are protected. It means our purpose is recognised. It means we can grow, expand, and offer more of the gentle, grounded support that people have already begun to trust.
It’s a milestone built from:
countless conversations
shared vision
lived experience
courage
compassion
and a whole lot of teamwork
What Comes Next?
Now that we’re officially a CIC, we get to dream bigger — and act on those dreams.
More spaces to pause, connect, and belong. More support for people who care for others. More wellbeing activities, community gatherings, and gentle pathways forward. More opportunities to show up for our community in ways that feel real, human, and hopeful.
A Celebration of Us
So today, we’re celebrating — not just the registration, but the journey. The overwhelm we navigated. The laughter that carried us. The shared determination that kept us moving. The belief that community wellbeing matters, and that we can build something beautiful together.
Branches Community Wellbeing CIC is official. And we couldn’t be prouder.
Here’s to what comes next — and to walking it together.