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Fabiola Doano

(Fabby-o-la Do-anno)

Originally from Peru and now based in Bristol, I have lived in the UK for over 20 years and am the Managing Director of Apoyo Courses.

 

My professional journey began in Perú, where I worked in tourism as a tour guide and tour leader. After moving to the UK, I trained as a secondary school teacher of Spanish and French.

 

These experiences eventually led me to my purpose: helping people and organisations create healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

My passion for mental health, wellbeing, belonging, diversity, equity and inclusion is shaped by both professional and personal experience.

 

As a migrant, a native Spanish speaker, and someone who has experienced depression and anxiety, I understand the importance of feeling seen, supported and valued.

Through Apoyo Courses, I help organisations build cultures where people can thrive, have honest conversations and feel they truly belong.

About APOYO Courses

Apoyo means "support" in Spanish, and support is at the heart of everything we do.

Apoyo Courses helps organisations create healthier, more inclusive and more human-centred workplaces through practical training, meaningful conversations and lasting cultural change.

We provide training in:

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • Inclusive workplace / DEI / Belonging / Allyship

  • Anti-Racism

  • Wellbeing and Employee Support

 

Our courses are designed for businesses, charities, schools, public sector organisations and community groups that want to create environments where people can do their best work and feel they genuinely belong.

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How I Can Help

My approach is different because it combines professional expertise with lived experience.

 

I help people and organisations have real, honest conversations about mental health, race, inclusion and belonging. This is not about box-ticking exercises or theory alone. It is about creating understanding, building confidence and helping people take meaningful action.

 

What clients can expect:

 

  • Practical, engaging and interactive learning experiences.

  • Honest conversations that encourage reflection and growth.

  • Safe and brave spaces where people can ask questions without fear of judgement.

  • Clear, accessible language without jargon or unnecessary complexity.

  • Sessions tailored to the specific needs of each organisation.

  • A balance of professionalism, warmth and empathy.

  • Facilitated discussions that help people learn from one another, not just from the trainer.

 

I bring both professional knowledge and personal insight to every session. I understand what it feels like to be "the only one in the room", to face barriers that others may not see and to carry challenges silently. This perspective helps me create learning experiences that are relatable, compassionate and impactful.

How This Benefits Organisations

When organisations invest in wellbeing, inclusion and belonging, the benefits reach far beyond the training room.

My programmes help organisations:

Build Healthier Teams

People become more confident recognising signs of stress, supporting colleagues and prioritising wellbeing.

Strengthen Trust and Communication

Open and respectful conversations improve relationships, teamwork and collaboration.

Develop Inclusive Leaders

Managers gain practical skills to handle sensitive situations with confidence, fairness and empathy.

Address Issues Earlier

Teams become more comfortable discussing difficult topics before they develop into larger problems.

Improve Engagement and Retention

People who feel valued, respected and supported are more likely to stay, contribute and perform at their best.

Turn Values Into Everyday Actions

Training helps organisations move beyond statements and policies by embedding inclusive behaviours into daily practice.

Create Lasting Cultural Change

The impact extends beyond a single workshop, influencing workplace culture, leadership and employee experiences over time.

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Awards and Recognition              

I am proud that both my work and Apoyo Courses have been recognised through a number of business and industry awards.

 

These awards reflect not only professional achievement but also a commitment to creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces and communities where people can thrive.

 

Recent awards and recognition include:​

⭐ Solo Entrepreneur Award Finalist | Woman Who Awards | 2026

⭐ Health & Wellbeing Award Finalist | EntreConf Awards | 2026

🤝 Allyship Award Sponsor | Women's Academy Wales Awards | 2026

🥈 Diversity & Inclusion Award Runner-Up | Small Business Growth Awards (HSBC & FSB) | 2026

🏆 #SBS Small Business Sunday Winner | Theo Paphitis | 2025

🏆 Mental Health First Aid & Inclusion Training Provider of the Year | Prestige Awards | 2025

🏆 Rising Star Award | Mastering Diversity Awards | 2025

 

While awards are appreciated, the greatest reward is seeing individuals, teams and organisations create positive change that improves people's lives.

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