I'm Jem Friar, and I help environmental Change Makers to live in more balanced and healthy ways, so that they can be more effective in their work and happier in their lives.
With over three decades in the health and wellness field, I've had the joy of guiding many thousands of people as a physical therapist, naturopath, author, and coach. It's been fulfilling to help people rediscover balance and happiness in their lives.
In recent years, my heart has also led me to work on important World issues like climate change, nature care and renewable energy transition, where I've experienced firsthand the struggles change makers face. This unique journey has shaped my compassionate approach to supporting those who want to make a positive difference while also caring for themselves. I'm here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support to help you thrive, both in your work and in your life.
Supporting Our Planet's Conscious Caretakers
As I am passionate about protecting our nature and responding to climate change, I am particularly keen to support others who are actively working or would like to work in this field.
Whether you are a conservationist working to protect natural habitats, an activist campaigning for climate policy, an educator enlightening others about sustainability, or an innovator developing eco-friendly technologies, we all share a common mission: to safeguard our environment and tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
My intention is to support you to stay healthy and balanced in your life, whilst also being positively inspired and more effective in your work.
My Bio and a bit more background
I originally started my career in alternative health back in 1989, when I began training in various bodywork skills, including McTimoney Chiropractic, Thai Massage, Spineworks, Sports massage, Remedial massage etc. In 2000, I began facilitating health and detox retreats and trained as a Naturopathic Consultant. (I still run a few personal detox retreats every year).
One of the most important parts fo running health retreats was been that of education and inspiration. To that end, I provided coaching, talks and workshops to support people to adopt new healthier habits and make the positive changes that they need to. I also taught meditation, yoga and chi gung to support clients to find greater balance and wellbeing internally.
I have studied and been very inspired by positive psychology (the science of what enables people to live more happy, content, resilient and fulfilled lives) and wrote and published a book in 2017, called “Choosing Happier” to support and enable its readers to become happier just by adopting simple happiness habits and new perspectives.
Since 2018, I have been coaching online using my experience in health coaching and positive psychology, combined with life coaching, resilience coaching and Strategic Intervention coaching. I no longer do bodywork treatments and instead focus on coaching, running workshops, mentoring and creating online courses.
Planetary Care
I am very passionate about making positive changes on a planetary level, in the realms of environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. I trained as a “Be the Change Symposium Facilitator” back in 2006 (for more info go to: bethechange.org.uk/symposium.cfm) and I have been actively involved in supporting local communities to prepare for and adapt to climate and ecological breakdown in the UK. This has included working with the brilliant Transition Towns organisation on various projects. Presently, I am involved with setting up an Energy Local club (where people can trade renewable energy locally) and educating our local community about how to reduce their energy waste/bills. This local level of response is both effective and rewarding.
I have a keen fascination and delight in other countries and their cultures, having spent 14 years travelling and working my way around the world when I was younger. During my time as a World traveller I was regularly inspired by and in awe of the incredible beauty of this planet and it's biosphere. I also discovered how similar, wonderful and kind humanity generally is and have a genuine sense of belonging to the human family. I suspect this experience is why I find myself so drawn to be involved in actively caring for our planet, it's peoples and the biosphere.
These days, I live with my wife, amidst the beautiful green rolling hills of Devon, in SW England. I find my daily joy through meditation, keeping fit, being out in nature, and working on my allotment and in the garden. I also find opportunities to dance and appreciate spending quality time with good friends in my community.
Creating A Better And Sustainable Future By Living And Working In More Regenerative And Sustainable Ways!
