Born from grief, built with purpose - Wolverhampton social enterprise wins ‘Outstanding Business of the Year’

Magical Mind Coaching (MMC), founded by Jin Atwal in December 2020, supports young people aged 7 to 15 through its VoiceBOX Public Speaking programme and multi-sports wellbeing sessions. The organisation focuses on helping children build confidence, emotional resilience and strong communication skills - tools Jin says he desperately needed growing up.

Jin’s childhood was shaped by domestic violence, leaving him feeling scared, unheard and unable to express himself. He recalls a deep sense of silence that shaped much of his early life. “I never felt I had a voice,” Jin said. “There were so many things I wanted to say but didn’t have the courage to. As a child, I remember thinking that one day I would help other young people who felt the same fear that I did.” That unspoken promise stayed with him for years, resurfacing powerfully after the sudden loss of his sister.

In December 2017, Jin’s sister, Manjit Dhaliwal, passed away unexpectedly. She had been his mentor, guiding force and “second mother.” Her death left him devastated.

“Losing my sister broke me,” he recalled. “I was hurt, angry and lost. But that pain also pushed me to look at my life differently. I realised I could either let trauma define me or I could use it to drive something meaningful.” In honour of Manjit’s memory and the promise he made as a child, Jin founded Magical Mind Coaching.

He created MMC to give young people the emotional and communication tools he desperately needed growing up. What started as a small idea has evolved into a citywide initiative supporting hundreds of children each year, particularly in communities where confidence, communication and wellbeing challenges are most prominent.

The MBCC Awards, founded by community advocate Zoe Bennett, celebrate individuals, charities and businesses making positive differences in the UK. They highlight unsung heroes, community leaders and organisations committed to meaningful change. This year marked MMC’s very first nomination and its first win. “To be recognised is unbelievable,” Jin said. “This award belongs to every child who has stepped onto a stage with us, every parent who has trusted us, and every school and funder who believes in our mission.”

The ceremony was supported by sponsors Deloitte and Amazon, whose commitment to community impact Jin praised. He also expressed gratitude to The National Lottery, whose funding has enabled MMC to reach more families and deliver long-term programmes across Wolverhampton.

For Jin, the award is not simply an accolade but a pivotal milestone. “This win is not the end - it’s a turning point,” he said.

“It’s a powerful reminder of why Magical Mind Coaching exists: to empower young people with confidence, help them communicate with clarity and courage, break cycles of silence and fear, and create safe spaces where their voices truly matter, and build the next generation of leaders.”

MMC is now seeking continued support from schools, businesses, local authorities and community organisations as it expands its programmes in 2026. Jin emphasised that with the right partnerships, the organisation can reach even more young people who feel overlooked or unheard, just as he did as a child.

At the centre of MMC’s story is a promise and the person who inspired it. “Everything I do is in memory of my sister, Manjit,” Jin said. “She is the reason Magical Mind Coaching exists. I hope I’m making her proud.”

Judi Love, the well-known comedian and ITV Loose Women panellist; Stewart Cumberbatch, a senior leader at Deloitte; and Noreen Khan, award-winning BBC presenter and media personality, were among the prominent figures present at the awards ceremony, underscoring the significance of MMC's achievement.