To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we’re celebrating Swindon & Wiltshire’s most inspiring women.
Through our website and social media channels, we asked our readers which women in our community inspire them and created a list of 20. The list will be featured in our Spring magazine and every weekday throughout March we are profiling and championing each of these fantastic women online and via our social feeds.
Today we put the spotlight on Laura Chamberlain and Suz McDonald from Wellbeing and Wonder Tutoring.
Tell us about you and your work…
We are experienced teachers who moved into private tutoring to work with children in a truly individual, needs-led way. We support children on Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) packages and offer child-led learning for those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profiles, ADHD and autism. We also provide academic tutoring for learners both in school and those currently out of a school setting.
Our work spans private and state schools, where we focus on supporting children’s wellbeing through anxiety support, self-esteem building and emotional literacy. We also run small after-school groups designed to boost confidence, develop social skills, encourage emotional expression and help children build their own wellbeing toolkit.
Each month, we host a free Tea & Talk session for parents and carers at a local café, offering a relaxed space for support, connection and advice.
Everything we do is tailored to the individual child – meeting them where they are academically, but most importantly, supporting their mental health and overall wellbeing.
What are you most proud of?
We are incredibly proud of what we offer, and of the time we dedicate to building genuine connections with each child. Unfortunately, schools don’t always have the capacity or staffing to provide this level of individual attention. We’re grateful that we can.
Over the past 18 months, we’ve created opportunities for children who previously felt unable to attend holiday clubs or after-school activities due to overwhelming group sizes or demanding environments. Seeing those children finally access experiences that feel safe, manageable and joyful has been one of the most rewarding parts of our work.
Our Tea & Talk sessions are a way of giving back. We know how challenging parenting can be, and not everyone has a strong support network around them. By offering a free, relaxed space for parents and carers to connect, share and feel heard, we hope no one ever feels they have to navigate things alone.
How does it feel to be recognised in the Swindon & Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women list?
We were genuinely amazed to receive the news. To us, we’re simply following our passion, doing what we love and what feels right for the families we support. Hearing that, in such a short time, we’ve already made a difference is incredibly humbling and it inspires us to keep going.
It’s wonderful to think that our work might encourage others to follow what they believe in too. When you stay true to your values and focus on what matters, the impact naturally grows.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day, to us, is about lifting others up – supporting women in their careers, in their family lives, and in their personal journeys so they can be the very best version of themselves. It’s about making sure no one feels alone.
It also means inspiring children to believe in themselves, to understand the power of talking openly, and to know that they never have to face challenges without support.
And, just as importantly, it’s about encouraging other women to take the leap and start something of their own. If our journey shows anything, it’s that following your passion can create real change for you and for the people you support.
This year’s IWD theme asks us to think about how giving benefits everyone. What’s an example from your work or community life where supporting another woman led to something meaningful in return?
One example that really reflects this year’s theme is the support we offer to mums who attend our Tea & Talk sessions. Many arrive feeling overwhelmed, isolated or unsure where to turn. By giving them a safe, welcoming space to talk openly and connect with others, we’ve seen women gradually rebuild their confidence and sense of community.
What has been meaningful in return is watching how that support spreads. Those same women often go on to encourage others, sharing advice, offering a listening ear or simply reminding another parent that they’re not alone. It creates a ripple effect of kindness and empowerment.
Supporting one woman has a way of lifting many, and being part of that chain has been incredibly rewarding.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
Follow your passion. Just go for it!
This feature is sponsored by Goughs Solicitors. The team at Goughs believe in championing ambition, celebrating achievement and creating opportunities for women to connect, lead and thrive.
