A Durham woman’s chimney sweeping business is thriving just two years after she undertook a huge career change. Lydia Wharton became bored of working as a self-employed seamstress, so she decided to start a very unique new job.
Lydia’s former job did suit her while her two children needed fulltime childcare, but after this point, she began to pursue her dream of becoming a chimney sweep, something she has been interested in since she spoke to the chimney sweep who used to visit her parent’s home.
As a result, she launched her own business, JJL Chimney Sweeping, with support from her landlord Believe Housing and assistance from Durham County Council’s Employability Durham service.
The Employability Team at Believe Housing guided Lydia to support for her business plans and helped to pay for her training. Now, Lydia is loving the work she does, and feels it is boosting her social and mental wellbeing.
She said: “I absolutely love it, it’s great. It is the best decision I’ve ever made, and I just love working for myself. I would have had to save up, probably for two years, and would just be starting now, so the support helped massively.
(Image: Believe Housing)
“It is a bit scary ringing up, but it is worth it in the end; the support, the advice, they make you feel like you can do something. They gave me confidence to do it, I felt like someone had my back.
“Don’t listen to people when they say “you can’t do that, it is a man’s job” because there is no such thing now. Proving people wrong along the way has just been like an added bonus as well, as you can do anything that you set your mind to so just go for it.”
Hollie Chalmers, Employability Coordinator at Believe Housing, also said: “When I first spoke to Lydia, I could hear the determination in her voice and knew this was going to be a success for her. We work closely with Employability Durham, and they referred Lydia to us so we could provide the support she needed together.
“I think it is great to see a single mam succeed in her chosen profession and balancing both parenting and working; it can be hard, but it is possible when you have the right support and the will to do it. ’m so pleased for Lydia and hearing how successful our customers can be is the reason I do this job.”
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, of Durham County Council, added: “We’re proud to have played a part in Lydia’s journey to become a chimney sweep, and are delighted her business is thriving. Lydia has shown that it is never too late to change career or get back into work, and that there is help out there.”
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/durham-womans-chimney-sweeping-business-30958616
