New businesses aim to support community
Two entrepreneurs from the Stirling area have spent the last year developing their own social businesses.
Lorraine Isgrove from Callander and Cheryl Wilkinson from Kippen have just graduated from the Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme, which saw them benefit from start-up grants of £4000.
Through the programme they also worked with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and with a Lloyds Banking Group mentor.
Lorraine wants to establish Full Kelter Leisure to give young people aged 5 to18 in the Callander area a safe place to play and socialise, while also providing jobs for local people and training for school leavers.
She said: “The project will include parkour, high ropes and large softplay with a cafe, on-site camping and an outdoor, free-touse skatepark facility.
“I started the skatepark project in 2012 after moving to Callander. My kids and their friends were frustrated at the lack of facilities for their age group.
“They were also putting their lives at risk by playing with scooters, BMXs and skateboards in the town square, which is crossed by the A84 trunk road.
“The aim is to deliver the skate park, no matter what form it finally takes. If we get the go-ahead then we will deliver training and employment for young people.”
Cheryl started UK Prenatal Education Association (UKPEA) to provide support for families affected by perinatal mental health problems.
She said: “I started training as a midwife in 2009, although my career was cut short when I experienced birth trauma in November 2012, which led to me developing post traumatic stress disorder and chronic depression and anxiety.
“It was during 2013, when looking for help whilst recovering, that I realised there was no support for women, men and families affected by perinatal mental help problems.
“Therefore after a further two years of research I founded UKPEA.
“We take a preventative approach to supporting and educating vulnerable and stressed families in the first 1001 critical days of infant development.
“Our parenting programme is delivered by trained peer-to-peer volunteers, which is designed to instil trust and respect.
“UKPEA also educates both parents and healthcare professionals regarding prenatal and perinatal infant psychology.”
Paula Rogers, head of the social entrepreneurs programme, said: “Last year’s students have made significant progress since joining the programme and it is fantastic to see them developing their ideas and businesses first-hand with support from the programme.
“As part of our commitment to help Britain prosper we are proud to welcome this year’s intake of social entrepreneurs to the programme.
“I look forward to witnessing their businesses develop and seeing the impact these will contribute to their communities.”
Among those joining the programme this year is Indie Flynn from Bannockburn, who is starting a social enterprise called Square Peg.
This is an autism-friendly organisation offering support and creative outlets to people aged five to 25.