Advice sought re a service I am considering offering

[beansprout]

Hi,

Hope this is in the right place, if not then sorry in advance.

I am thinking about offering my services to people who need abit of "me time" - this could be a new Mum who just wants a couple of hours to herself or just some help with general chores, tidying up, preparing dinner, walking the dog etc.

I am also thinking about offering my services to the more mature market who would like a friendly, mature person to help out - a general chat and make sure they are Ok, food preparation, accompanied appointment visits, accompanied walks etc.

I have a DBS check and can supply references.

Would love to be able to do this for free, but have to charge an hourly rate.

Just wondering what people thought.

Thanks for reading and all comments appreciated.

[Grok]

Sounds dodgy to me. Try a proper job, and provide the 'volunteer' type stuff for, er free.

[nxjen]

Ignore the previous foul post, I would have thought this would be a popular and worthwhile service to offer. Guess you'll just have to dip your toe in and test the water. Good luck!

[jacks09]

Will be difficult to market, but i think it could work! Good luck to you!

[lavender27]

Hi Beansprout

You could try AgeUk, they offer training and advice and if you came under their umbrella they would look after you for the service you are offering. They are based at Dulwich Hospital, their number is 0207 701 9700

[Robert Poste's Child]

Another option could be a role as a support worker or advocate for people with mental health problems. You could get more information from Mind or Rethink.

[Rob tolfts]

There was an article related to this the other day, similar to what you're talking about:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0ee8990c-76a5-11e6-bf48-b372cdb1043a.html?siteedition=intl#axzz4KsTC5UV7

Might be worth looking at

R.

[beansprout]

Thank to all who have replied.

[Robert Poste's Child]

lavender27 Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Hi Beansprout

>

> You could try AgeUk, they offer training and

> advice and if you came under their umbrella they

> would look after you for the service you are

> offering. They are based at Dulwich Hospital,

> their number is 0207 701 9700

Looks like Lavender's advice was spot on. There's a poster in the library advertising for Help at Home Workers for Age UK Lewisham & Southwark doing the kinds of things you mentioned and paying an hourly rate. More info here:

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/lewishamandsouthwark/about-age-uk-lewisham-and-southwark/careers/

Best of luck.