A TRAINING programme to help people with hidden and fluctuating conditions to become entrepreneurs has started in Bolton.

The programme is being run by the UK Forum for People with Hidden and Fluctuating Conditions (Fluidity) and Bolton Fibromyalgia Support Group.

This is a 10-week programme that gives people the opportunity to develop the skills they need to become a self-employed entrepreneur.

The support group was founded by Bolton-based businesswoman Jacqueline Winstanley in 2005. It provides support to people who have a range of medical conditions that are not immediately visible.

“People with hidden and fluctuating conditions face multiple barriers in life,” said Jacqueline. “The hidden nature of their disability usually means employers find it difficult to understand the challenges the person faces on a day-to-day basis.”

The launch of the programme coincided with Global Entrepreneurship Week. It will introduce participants to the concept and practical tasks involved in being self-employed.

The question of how people can overcome the challenges of hidden and fluctuating conditions while running their own business will also be covered.

This course is an adaptation of the Workforce retention Programme.

During the programme, participants will have the chance to discuss their business ideas with successful entrepreneurs who will mentor them during the 10 weeks.

The participants will be encouraged to work with each other to share ideas and develop their team-working skills.

They will also have access to counselling and other forms of therapeutic support to help them prepare for self-employment with increased confidence, assertiveness and self-esteem.

Jacqueline added: “I developed a hidden condition at the height of my career, so I feel I have a detailed understanding of the challenges people face alongside my expertise in Inclusive working practice.

“I never envisaged becoming disabled while in work. Despite repeated attempts I was unable to return to mainstream employment, in large because of the practicalities of managing a chronic health condition in the workplace alongside the perceptions of employers."

In addition to the training, the programme will prepare a briefing paper on proposals for inclusive economic growth which takes into account the needs of entrepreneurs with hidden and fluctuating disabilities.

Once finalised, the paper will be presented to the Minister for Disabled People, the United Nations, the Global Centre for Gender Economics, Pink Shoe Club and other national or international organisations that represent or have an interest in disabled people.