Member Article

At-home counselling service opens in Sheffield

Melanie Bryan follows lifelong dream with support of UKSE grant

An experienced beautician with a passion for helping people has launched an innovative new business which encourages young women and girls to engage in counselling and therapy to help tackle the physical and mental impact of anxiety and trauma.

Qualified counsellor Melanie Bryan, who works in schools with children that have special needs, launched Compassionate Therapy in January of this year, fuelled by the impact that the Covid-19 crisis has had on peoples’ mental health - particularly those who are vulnerable.

Offering beauty treatments alongside traditional counselling, the entrepreneur said the unusual concept was borne from her own experiences living in a safe house as a teenager, and was intended to encourage other girls and young women to access therapy in a way that adapts to modern life.

Based in Swallownest in a dedicated, fully refurbished garden room, the launch of the new business was facilitated by a grant from UKSE, which enabled Melanie to invest in social media and Google advertising.

Commenting on the venture, Melanie said: “This is an incredibly important cause for me, and it’s great to be helping vulnerable young people across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire who may be struggling with their mental health.

“I am particularly experienced in working with those living with childhood trauma, as well as individuals facing issues such as anxiety and self-harm.

“The UKSE grant has helped greatly, allowing me to pay for advertising across Google, Facebook and Instagram, and ultimately reach those who need my help in a more effective way.”

Melanie added: “My goal for the next few years is to continue to grow and support as many young people as possible.”

Reflecting on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the business, Melanie commented: “I’ve seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries as the pandemic has grown. Naturally, this past year has greatly affected many peoples’ mental health, so ensuring that there are counselling services and different therapies on offer remains absolutely vital.”

Steve Lyon at UKSE said: “It’s great to support Melanie as she continues to grow Compassionate Therapy, providing an invaluable service to those struggling with their mental health in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.”

UKSE also provides loan and equity finance of up to £1m to existing companies which are growing, particularly those creating jobs – for further information please contact the team on 0800 915 1188.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Isabella Storey .