This project (2014 - 2016) was funded under the EU Daphne Programme and was built around the development and delivery of life coaching and mentoring sessions to victims of gender violence. The implementation activities were supported by the design of training materials, the enhancement of the skills of mentors and coaches and the development of a Transnational Guide for Life Coaching and Mentoring that could be transferred to other organizations.

The project focused on two innovative methodologies. On one hand, life coaching was carried out to improve women's’ self-esteem and self-confidence. On the other, mentoring on entrepreneurship to help the women become independent, develop their managerial skills and, eventually, help them to re-enter the labour market and even to become self-employed and/or undertake entrepreneurial activity.

NEW START comprised a partnership of seven relevant institutions from seven European countries helping and providing specialist support and training to women victims of violence and designing a common methodology and transnational materials to be used for coaches and mentors.

The seven partners were:

• Women Institute, Regional Government of Asturias, Spain (Lead);
• Dimitra Institute, Greece;
• Le Monde des Possibles, Belgium;
• Sud Concept Cooperative, France;
• South Muntenia Regional Development Agency, Romania;
• Cork Institute of Technology (Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence), Ireland and
• Promidea Social Cooperative, Italy.