InBiz Helps Hexham Woman Give Ramblers a Rest

InBiz helps deliver Hexham woman from unemployment to entrepreneurship

Patricia Wilson, 53, from Hexham, has overcome agoraphobia and a nervous breakdown to achieve her dream of opening a ramblers’ cafe on Hadrian’s Wall.

Following the collapse of her marriage, Patricia went to work as a residential warden in a sheltered housing complex with her two teenage children. Patricia’s divorce had left her feeling stressed and anxious. This, coupled with the strain and responsibility of caring for others, resulted in agoraphobia and eventually, a nervous breakdown.

Patricia was desperate to get back to work and underwent counselling and cognitive therapy. The breakdown had left Patricia with severe emotional trauma and she was unable to maintain a role in the care industry.

Patricia was feeling lost and unsure about her future when she came across an old friend, Barry Dodd, 46 from Corbridge. As she and Barry reminisced about the past, Patricia’s thoughts turned to the future, and she revealed her ambition to open a ramblers’ cafe along Hadrian’s Wall

Barry knew the area, and thought this was a great idea. With the help of friends and relatives, they were able to locate a small layby on which to position the cafe, a catering trailer and equipment.

Although they had set the wheels in motion, Patricia and Barry needed business advice. Patricia contacted InBiz, an organisation specialising in the development and promotion of self employment and entrepreneurship, for help.

Patricia received advice with the practical elements of business such as bookkeeping, tax and marketing. Patricia’s personal business adviser, Ron Gordon, was aware of her personal circumstances, and was always on hand to encouraging her to remain positive and focused. Patricia and Barry’s business, Ramblers Rest, is now up and running at Halton Shields lay by.

Patricia said, “Running my own business has helped me become more confident. I thought running my own ramblers’ cafe would remain a dream, but InBiz have helped me to turn it into a reality.”

Karen Kenmare, Area Manager at InBiz, said, “Patricia is a good example of the work that InBiz does in Hexham. Patricia had experienced some emotional difficulties and couldn’t return to her role in the care sector. She had a great business idea, but needed practical help to turn it into a reality. InBiz provided that help, and she is now a successful businesswoman feeding the many ramblers who visit Hadrian’s Wall.”


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