Two women from Tenbury Wells who had been designated as ‘long-term unemployed’ but were then helped by The Prince’s Trust to start up in business have won a prestigious award.
Claire Van Looy, 26, and Kate Trussell, 28, who own Teme Valley Care, won the Federation of Small Businesses Enterprise award at The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success ceremony, at Aston Villa Football Club.
The future of the two women had looked bleak – Kate had lost her job and home resulting in her having to temporarily live with a friend as she had nowhere else to go.
Claire had suffered bullying and harassment in her former job and had low confidence.
With few job prospects in Tenbury Wells the two women decided to start up in business to set up a future for themselves.
They contacted The Prince’s Trust and were granted a low-interest loan and a business mentor to support them to set up Teme Valley Care.
The ambitious duo saw a gap in the market to offer a care service to the elderly and disabled at good prices. The strength of the business has been on the referrals and word of mouth.
They have recently been thanked by a woman who took up their services when she could not look after her husband and thought she would have to send him to a nursing home. With the support of Claire and Kate the man had been granted his wish to die at home with dignity.
Claire said: “We are very grateful to the support we have been given by The Trust as we would not be where we are today without their help.”
The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards honour the achievements of disadvantaged young people supported by The Trust who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.
All the finalists have been selected from the 4,000 young people supported by The Trust in the West Midlands over the past year.
The dedicated support provided by Prince’s Trust volunteers, partner organisations and staff throughout the West Midlands will also be recognised at the ceremony.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “Kate and Claire’s success is an inspiration to us all. The Prince’s Trust does Trojan work in encouraging young people to become enterprising, build on their skills and realise their potential.”
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps change young lives. It gives practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation.
It works with 14- to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.