Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lochlann Scott, Founder and CEO of Helplink Mental Health, located in Galway, Ireland.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of Helplink Mental Health, an award-winning social enterprise and registered charity. Helplink Mental Health's mission is to provide accessible, free or low-cost mental health services locally, nationally, and internationally, seven days a week. The three types of mental health services that Helplink provides are counselling, information provision, and education.
Tell us about yourself
I am a social entrepreneur, and my main aim (in my work life) is to help provide mental health services that are accessible to all! I hold a degree and two postgraduate diplomas in Psychology and Health Psychology. Before founding Helplink in 2012, I worked in Social Care and Social Work departments for many years in the HSE West in residential and long-term family support. Previous to my time with the HSE, I held multiple management roles in the retail and hospitality sectors. I also co-founded the Health 2.0 Galway Chapter and was a voluntary Board Director/Trustee with Mental Health Reform (Ireland) for four years.
Furthermore, I am a multi-award winner and have been shortlisted in the areas of social entrepreneurship and radio show production/presentation. What motivates me each day to do what I do is when I see the impact our services are having on people with regard to improving and supporting their mental health, not just locally but also nationally and internationally.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far is to have developed our social enterprise's services to be market leaders in the mental health industry - which in turn has enabled us to support 1000s of children, young people, and adults to develop and maintain better mental health and to still be doing this over ten years later!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being an entrepreneur is the stress of possible failure hanging over you! Not only for yourself but also for those you provide livelihoods for and the people you serve.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in yourself but listen to others and seek help and support.
- Partnership is key to sustainability and growth.
- Self-care is one of (if not the most) the most important things when starting/running/growing a business. If you burn out, the business burns out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://helplink.ie/
https://mindhacks.ie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelplinkMentalHealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helplinkmentalhealth/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelplinkMH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helplink-mental-health/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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