This is not something that I would not ordinarily do, and actually it feels quite strange since I have always been a self-sufficient, hardworking and focused individual. I have always held senior management roles as well as high level sales roles, however due to the unfortunate fact that my father who is now 87 started his onset of dementia in 2018, and my mum also has a lot of ongoing health concerns I had to relocate to another city, giving up a full-time position. Looking after elderly parents especially those that have dementia etc really takes it toll emotionally, mentally, and physically due to the constant emotional stress of dealing with someone who has dementia as well as the constant liaising with doctors, health care workers, carers, nursing homes, it is exhausting, time consuming and very challenging having to repeat the same thing over and over again. I am now trying to get back into a work after so much time off, and I am finding it difficult just to get out there, even talk to people and I used to be so good at it.
I am really trying to get back in the job market but still need to look after my father, sometimes we put him in care but that is very costly and not having worked for so long it is really difficult trying to pay these bills.
Also due to my own realisations I strongly believe there is a need for services such as managing stress and anxiety, compassionate listening services for people that feel lonely and isolated, and I really want to develop these services both online and offline. I want to start a listening service for people that just need to talk in a safe non-judgemental environment, as well as hold sessions for people to manage stress and anxiety, offering tips such as mindfulness, breath work etc.
To develop these businesses and communities I am looking to raise at least £30,000 that will give me the chance to ease myself back into work, develop networks and form strategic alliances with organisations such as wellness centres, health services. I will also need marketing information such as flyers, leaflets as well as hire out spaces to hold these stress management events etc.
I really believe these are services that people in this day and age will benefit from immensely. With the advancement in tech and people feeling more and more lonely and isolated than ever as well as people going through transitional life changes like I did, people need friendships as well as the tools to manage stress and anxiety which is a huge growing concern. Also, with online sites such as ‘Cyberfriends’ ‘Rent a friend’ becoming increasingly popular where people are literally seeking friendships it is obvious that people require these kind of real human connections.
Any assistance, would be greatly, greatly appreciated.