Watlington woman launches new business to improve community's wellbeing
A former assistant museum curator who has struggled with mental health issues in the past is so passionate about helping others that she has launched her own business in West Norfolk as a wellbeing advocate.
Lauren Ephithite, 30, of Watlington, previously worked for ten years at popular museum Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, before being made redundant earlier this year.
This triggered a breakdown and a realisation that she could do something different.
She said: "I have struggled with my mental health since I was a teenager. I’d kept it a secret for a long time but over the last couple of years found blogging a good way to be open about what I was experiencing and that I wasn’t alone."
She has built up a following on social media and still runs a popular wellbeing Facebook page.
She said: "I know that as a young woman it’s quite unusual to be starting a business, but I decided to take this opportunity to make a difference to people’s mental health and wellbeing."
She has connected with supportive people through the East Anglian Women in Business group and the breakfast networking sessions in Lynn organised by Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. "‘I’m excited to move forward with my ideas and help more people to feel well," she said.
She offers social media coaching to wellbeing businesses to enable them to reach more clients. "I’m not a boring business coach and want to show others how to work with more people with an individual social media plan."
She is currently developing wellbeing in the workplace training and would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in hosting this training for their team.
"‘Stress, anxiety, depression and general wellbeing can have a huge impact on our ability to do our best at work. Employers have a responsibility to look after their staff and improving wellbeing can mean good things for your business," she said.
She is organising a health and wellbeing fair at Downham Town Hall on Saturday, September 14, an event designed to help the community boost their physical and mental health.
Members of the community are encouraged to attend to find out what support they can receive for food, fitness, self-care and mental health.
Miss Ephithite will also be selling mental health booklets that she has created. There are still stalls available. For more information contact Lauren via email hello@laurenephithite.com
More details about her business and services she offers can be seen on her website www.laurenephithite.com
