My village business group helps women pursue their dreams

By setting up a support group for local self-employed women, voice therapist Beth Ford has helped friends to flourish

- SOPHIE GALE

I live in the village of Undy in Monmouthshire, Wales, with a tight-knit group of wonderful women around me.

They give me so much support, I think of them as family. No matter how challenging my day as a single mum is, and all the instability that comes from self-employment, with their encouragement I always enjoy life with my two daughters – all-singing, all-dancing, strawberry blonde girls, Evelyn, nine, and four-year-old Cecilia. The only male energy in the house is our beloved cat, Bruce!

Through my work as a voice therapist, I have seen the transformational effect of friendly mentoring.

I have watched shy students emerge from their chrysalis to take lead roles in the choir I run. This has fostered my interest in mental wellbeing, and I do what I can to promote emotional good health in my community by organising free singing groups and concerts.