Big Society Already Alive and Well in Newcastle

The government's big society initiative aims to mobilise active citizenship, volunteering in the community and activate grass roots entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurial volunteer from Newcastle is already making an impact within the ‘big society' by putting her experience to good use by setting up her own business with assistance from FIN, part of the Entrust Group.

Lara Trevor has spent the last nine years volunteering at the General Hospital in Newcastle offering free reflexology, aromatherapy and massage treatment to stroke and cancer patients.

Even though registered blind, Lara has not let this stop her helping others and now she is using her determination and volunteering experience to open her own private practice on Denmark Street in Byker. Lara and her husband Ken spotted the opportunity to develop a private practice as a way of making the move from unemployment to employment.

The practice, Aroma Haven, opened in May and is already developing a large number of regular clients who are impressed by Lara's skill, passion and dedication to her work.

Lara admits that she was scared about starting her own business but was helped by FIN, a service for ‘would be' entrepreneurs in Newcastle which is part of a wider package of support funded by Newcastle City Council and the European Union's ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-2013.

Lara's FIN adviser worked with her and Ken to put together a business plan, help market the business and develop the pricing structure. They also advised on tax matters.

Lara said:
"The biggest challenge was having the courage to go ahead and give it a try. Jill, my adviser from FIN, was very supportive from the very beginning and is always there when we need her. I would give her 10/10."

FIN start up support adviser Jill Markwell said:
"It was clear from the very beginning how passionate Lara and Ken are about their business. FIN provides intensive support to people just like Lara and Ken to give them the confidence to start up their own business."

Lara has never let her disability get in her way and hopes to be an inspiration to other disabled people.

Lara continued:
"I'm proud of who I am, what I do and am so happy I have been able to turn something I love to do into a business. It's so motivating when a client gets up after a massage and says ‘that was wonderful, I feel so relaxed'!"

Patients need not worry though; Lara is still continuing to volunteer and provide her services for free.

FIN advisors operate from offices in both the West and East end of Newcastle, and from outreach points across the City of Newcastle.

For free and impartial advice about how to get a business idea off the ground call 0191 278 1855 or visit www.finewcastle.co.uk .