WHEN Elizabeth Howe returned to England from the United States to be closer to her grandchildren she brought with her many skills. From teaching physics at a Los Angeles high school, to supporting children and adults with special needs - her CV was full and varied.

But it was her love of music and her qualifications in musical therapy that she wanted to pursue once she was settled in Durham City. Elizabeth started out singing and playing the Lyre as a volunteer in hospitals but with bills to pay she was keen to set up her own business. However, she had no experience in this area, and in her early sixties she was at an age when most people are thinking of retiring.

Struggling to access support and unsure where to turn her confidence started to ebb.

Fast-forward to March 2018 and Elizabeth’s business Stellar Music is up and running, and she credits Reaching Out Across Durham (ROAD) and CDC Enterprise Agency with helping to make her dream a reality.

ROAD is a social-inclusion programme aimed at helping County Durham residents who are out of work and aged 25 and above overcome barriers to employment.

A Building Better Opportunities Programme, it was launched in November 2016 and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund until July next year.

Twelve different partner organisations are involved, with Groundwork North-East and Cumbria hosting the project and special navigators directing people to the training and support best suited to their needs.

This could be improving digital skills, accessing vocational courses, help with job searches and interview skills, or advice on how to set up in business.

Navigators pay attention to Durham’s labour markets, focusing on advice and skills which are relevant and timely, and working with local employers to provide volunteering placements.

Craig Drummond, ROAD partnership lead at Groundwork, explains: “The needs of many people aged 25 and over in County Durham are still to be met, and by working closely with these individuals, ROAD aims to provide a positive experience, with a full and personalised package of support in a way which overcomes barriers and challenges perceptions.

“Participants receive tailored, one-to-one support from our partners and specialists, who via ROAD, compliment and add value to existing services by working with the long-term unemployed and economically inactive who need support the most.

“We engage with those who have chaotic lifestyles, face deep-rooted obstacles, have continuing health issues and focus on the hardest to reach. Where applicable, we refer participants to the range of excellent programmes already delivered in County Durham, or if specific gaps are identified, provide bespoke delivery around the themes of health and wellbeing and financial and digital inclusion.”

After meeting with ROAD navigator, Alasdair Hill, Elizabeth was directed to CDC Enterprise Agency to hone her business skills with free support from enterprise coach Jane Anderson. Here the grandmother-of-two accessed marketing support and financial advice, and developed a business plan. Most importantly, however, her confidence was restored.

Elizabeth says: “Having someone who believes in you is huge when you are trying to break into a market. In many ways you are a nobody in that market and it is very daunting. Having someone on your side gives you confidence, which is so important when you are starting out in business. If you don’t believe in yourself why should potential clients?”

Last week, Elizabeth paid a visit to CDC Enterprise Agency’s Chester-le-Street office to catch up with Jane, and treat staff to a special performance on the Lyre. The calming harmonies, shown to relieve anxiety, reduce blood pressure and more, drifted through the building and were especially moving for Jane.

“Elizabeth is so talented and if there was ever an example to show you are never to old to try something new she is it,” says Jane.

“Her confidence has grown tremendously. We run courses showing people how to turn their hobbies and passions into a business, it is a really good option for some people.”

To find out more about ROAD, contact ROAD@groundwork.org.uk or 01207-524833. To find out more about Stellar Music, visit elizabethfhowe.wixsite.com/mysite or call 078437-07232.