Steph launches her Blackpool counselling business after a helping hand of her own

Steph has worked in a variety of jobs from café worker and factory worker to studying full time for a new career in counselling.

She has now taken the step to become self-employed and launch her own counselling practice – A Way Forward.

She said: “I finished school and started working.

“I never had any specific goals or any burning desire to work in a particular job. I suppose I drifted around earning money, paying the bills, saving for holidays like most people do.

“Nothing made me feel like I’d done something ‘great’ at the end of the day. With a lack of formal qualifications it was particularly tough to find a more rewarding role. “It was while I was volunteering that I realised I enjoyed helping people.”

The Blackpool resident sat down and made a list of the things that she found most rewarding about volunteering and were she felt that she was making a positive contribution. Her reflections and research led her to aim to become a therapeutic counsellor to help people with their worries and issues by learning to truly listen.

Following five years of training at Blackpool and Fylde College she finished her course and passed with flying colours.

Fully qualified she is now able to provide volunteer counselling support in three areas covering bereavement, anxiety, substance misuse and sexual health – working with both children and adults.

Steph, added: “I love my work. I love helping my clients and I get so much out of my work now. For those reasons, I decided to set up my own small business and approached Blackpool Council’s Get Started service for advice and support.

“Setting up your own business is a big step and can be scary. I really appreciated the advice that the team gave to me.”

Her website can be found at https://teppy2inch.wixsite.com/thewayforward

The Get Started team is based in the Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road. Last year, it helped 66 individuals to start businesses and these entrepreneurs employed a further 18 people.

David Slater, business growth manager, Blackpool Council, said: “I am delighted that once again the Get Started team has been able to provide the support that a fledgling business really values. I wish Steph every success.

"Our Get Started team is here to help from developing a business plan to sourcing and securing funding. If you are thinking about becoming your own boss, or want some advice about how to make a success of it, our expert staff have a wealth of experience and knowledge.”