This month as part of our work in developing social economy businesses in Tameside, we spotlight Karen’s Haven for COPD a compassionate and supportive space for individuals living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other life limiting conditions. Their mission is to empower local people with the knowledge and support needed to navigate life with COPD.
We hear from Emma Liston, Director of Karen’s Haven for COPD who contacted Action Together’s Development Worker, Dawn Acton with the aim of setting up a social economy business in memory of her mum Karen who passed away from COPD. Emma was a carer for her mum during her illness and subsequent death. As a former nurse and now an NLP Practitioner, Emma was equipped to deal with this but was surprised about the lack of support. This insight gave Emma an idea, she already had the name Karen’s Haven for COPD in memory of her mum.
Working with Dawn and following some brainstorming sessions a clear plan on how to develop the idea was formed. The first phase was to weigh up legal structures and governance for the group and recruit additional directors who shared the same passion for those living with life limited illness. Once Emma decided on a CIC structure, she has since been signposted to further to grow her social enterprise via the Our Business Programme.
Karen's Haven for COPD attended the 8-week 'Social Accelerator Programme' for social entrepreneurs, delivered by Mantle. The programme aimed to support new social entrepreneurs to enhance sustainability, diversify income streams, and develop robust business models.
The support through the Social Accelerator Programme has helped Emma to consider different trading options, understand the market and start to put together a business plan that will help her to grow the different elements of the business. They are hoping to develop a 75% income through trade, and 25% through grants and community fundraising.
Future plans include:
- Workforce training for residential care home staff to use breathing and relaxation techniques to support residents and reduce the number of ambulance call outs
- Delivering seminars and education workshops in schools and colleges to build confidence and reduce limiting beliefs among young people, to change their behaviour and make healthier life choices
- Developing a Respite Centre to reduce hospital read admissions for those living with COPD conditions and provide a space for people to receive holistic support, as well as respite for carers
Grant funding and sponsorship will help to deliver regular community support sessions to educate and support people living with COPD and their carers.
In March 2026 Emma was invited as a guest speaker for Tameside’s International Women’s Day Event | Give to Gain. The event gave an opportunity to bring together women from all backgrounds who understand the importance of giving back and how it builds communities, improves lives, and creates lasting partnerships.
Speaking of the day Emma states:
"Thank you all so much for including me in and allowing me to be part of such an empowering and heartfelt day. I’ve come away feeling very inspired and truly moved by everyone’s personal stories and I look forward to meeting you again.
Massive thank you to Dawn and the team at Action Together as I would never have known where to even start".
Support Action Together provided:
- Working with Emma to create a business plan
- Exploring different legal structures, and gathering the support from others who will grow the organisation with Emma has been an important step in this process.
- Connection with other “like minded” individuals who care about the health and wellbeing of our communities in Tameside and having the peer support to develop and test ideas
- Specialist programme of support, led by successful Social Entrepreneurs who have shared their expertise and insight to grow a Social Enterprise and a sustainable income through trade
Emma states:
“I am at the very beginning of the ‘limited company’ world and only previously worked as a sole trader so this area is brand new and somewhat daunting. I found the sessions (Accelerator Programme) very insightful, it has helped to make strategies clearer for me and understand the direction I want to go in to and I would love the opportunity for further support”.
Emma Liston | Director of Karen’s Haven for COPD
If you would like to find our more, we have a dedicated page with support and training information and updates: Support for Social Economy Organisations in Tameside
You can also contact the team: development@actiontogether.org.uk