Mara Adhbhar Community Interest Company – Frequently Asked Questions

4 Oct 2026 · @Evonne Boyd

About Mara Adhbhar

What is Mara Adhbhar?

Mara Adhbhar is a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Scotland. The name is Gaelic for "Sea and Purpose". We bring people together to look after their wellbeing and to lead well, through community ear acupuncture sessions, ear seed kits and leadership coaching.

What is a Community Interest Company?

A CIC is a type of limited company set up to benefit the community rather than to make money for owners or shareholders. Any profit is mainly used for the company's social purpose. CICs are regulated by the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies.

Who is behind Mara Adhbhar?

Mara Adhbhar was founded by Evonne Boyd. For three decades Evonne has chosen to work in the public sector and volunteer in the third sector, and Mara Adhbhar brings that experience together. Read more about our founder

What does Mara Adhbhar do?

  • Coaching – leadership coaching for public and third sector leaders, and Neutral Buoyancy Life Coaching for the people organisations support (in development).

  • Living Well in Scotland – writing and stories about wellbeing and public policy, free to subscribe.

  • Anchor Points – relaxed group ear acupuncture and ear seeding sessions for unpaid carers and community groups.

  • Anchor Seeds – ear seed kits and downloadable factsheets so you can use ear seeds at home.

Coaching

  • Coaching – leadership coaching for public and third sector leaders, and Neutral Buoyancy Life Coaching for the people organisations support (in development).

  • Living Well in Scotland – writing and stories about wellbeing and public policy, free to subscribe.

  • Anchor Points – relaxed group ear acupuncture and ear seeding sessions for unpaid carers and community groups.

  • Anchor Seeds – ear seed kits and downloadable factsheets so you can use ear seeds at home.

Our leadership coaching is for managers and leaders at every level in the public and third sectors, from first-line managers stepping into their role to Directors and Chief Executives. Evonne has coached people across that whole range and adapts her approach to where you are and what you need, so you get space to think, grow your confidence and lead with purpose.

Are you taking new clients?

Yes. We have space for one or two leaders starting from December 2026. Please get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.

How does it work?

Coaching is delivered as a package of one-to-one sessions. Packages and prices are listed on our Services page. Coaching conversations are confidential.

What experience does Evonne bring?

Evonne has around 30 years of senior leadership experience in the public sector, including leading people and culture, leadership development and coaching programmes. She holds an ILM qualification in Coaching and Mentoring from the University of Strathclyde and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Where does the money from coaching go?

As a Community Interest Company, income from coaching goes back into Mara Adhbhar's social purpose, supporting our community work.

Do you offer life coaching?

We're developing Neutral Buoyancy Life Coaching, which organisations can arrange for their beneficiaries, service users or members. Get in touch to register your interest.

Living Well in Scotland

What is Living Well in Scotland?

Living Well in Scotland is our platform for writing about wellbeing, community and public policy. It brings together research and real stories, including what Scotland can learn from approaches elsewhere. Some pieces are commissioned by other organisations and then shared on the platform.

How can I read it?

Subscribing is free. You can subscribe on Substack or follow us on LinkedIn.

Anchor Points sessions

What is Anchor Points?

Anchor Points offers small group sessions using the NADA ear acupuncture protocol. People sit together comfortably while very fine needles or ear seeds are placed on a few points of the outer ear. Many people simply find it a calm hour to switch off, and value the time with others in the group.

Who are the sessions for?

Sessions are for unpaid carers, people who work with carers, and other community groups.

Where and when do sessions run?

Evonne volunteers every Friday morning at PKAVS Carers Centre in Perth, delivering sessions for unpaid carers and the carer workforce. To join, please contact PKAVS or get in touch with us.

What happens at a session?

A session lasts about an hour. You'll fill in a short consent form first. You stay fully clothed and sit in a chair. Up to five fine, single-use needles are placed in the outer ear, or ear seeds if you would rather not have needles. You then sit quietly for the rest of the session. Groups are kept to around six people.

Is it safe?

Sessions are delivered by a NADA GB trained practitioner who holds a current first aid certificate. Mara Adhbhar holds professional, public and products liability insurance. Please tell us about any health conditions, if you are pregnant, or if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, before your session. Anchor Points sessions are not a replacement for advice from your GP or other health professionals.

Can you bring Anchor Points to my group?

We'd love to hear from community groups and organisations interested in hosting sessions. Please get in touch to talk about what might work for you.

Anchor Seeds kits and factsheets

What are ear seeds?

Ear seeds are tiny pellets held on small adhesive patches, placed on points of the outer ear. You press them gently a few times a day. Anchor Seeds kits use gold-plated magnetic pellets.

What's in an Anchor Seeds kit?

Each kit is packed by hand in our own branded box. It includes ear seeds, a probe for finding points, branded tweezers for placing the seeds, and the Anchor Points Ear Seed Starter Kit Guide. The guide is a password-protected download, and the password comes with your kit.

What are the factsheets?

Our factsheets are £2.00 downloads that show which ear points to use for particular areas, such as knee pain. You can buy them in our online shop, and QR codes in the kits link to them.

Who shouldn't use ear seeds?

Don't place ear seeds on broken, sore or inflamed skin. Check with your GP before using them if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or other implanted device, or have a metal allergy. Remove the seeds if your skin becomes irritated. Ear seeds are not a replacement for medical advice or treatment.

Where does the money from sales go?

As a CIC, money from Anchor Seeds kits and factsheets goes back into Mara Adhbhar to support Anchor Points community sessions.

What about delivery and returns?

Please see our Terms and Conditions and Returns Policy for delivery times, costs and how to return an item.

Paying online

Is it safe to pay on your website?

Yes. Whether you're booking a coaching package or buying an Anchor Seeds kit or factsheet, payments are processed through Squarespace Payments. It meets the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), the security standard set by the major card companies.

  • Your card details are encrypted from the moment you enter them, and the whole site uses a secure connection.

  • Your card details go straight to the payment processor, so we never see or store your full card number.

  • We only keep the details we need to provide your order or service, such as your name, address and email.

We will never ask for your card details by email, phone or social media. If you receive a message like this claiming to be from us, please don't reply, and let us know.

Getting in touch

How can I contact you?

Email us at maraadhbhar@gmail.com. We aim to reply within 48 hours.

How can I support Mara Adhbhar?