Business Startup

FORMER soap star Rachael Lindsay has teamed up with her sister Nikki Lindsay to launch their own drama business.

Face 2 Face which provides drama therapy workshops to companies, schools, homes, probation services, un-employed and other organisations, aims to build confidence, self esteem and self awareness, and through their workshops Rachael and Nikki help attendees to improve communication skills, empathy, listening skills and personal development.

Mum-of-two Nikki, who has worked in television casting and as a drama teacher for more than 20 years said: “this is an excellent opportunity for both myself and Rachael to combine our skills and expertise, using drama as a means to help people gain a better understanding of themselves and those around them. We use role play, listening skills, debating and many other techniques in our workshops that are both lively and interactive and seem to be very much enjoyed by everyone who attends.

“We hope to help change learned negative behaviour into positive. We encourage the individual to become aware of their true potential and to not only have regard for themselves but also for society and diversity.

37-year-old Rachael, who played ‘Sammy Rogers’ in the popular soap opera Brookside, is now studying to become a counsellor said: “Face 2 Face is here to help young and older people gain confidence and self awareness through using drama as a therapy. We are not about teaching people how to act; we are more concerned with empowering individuals.”

Rachael and Nikki came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where they received help and support under the ISUS (Intensive Start-up Support) programme in starting up their business. They worked on a one-to-one basis with an adviser who met with them regularly to help put together their business plan.

Nikki added: “Our adviser Rhian was extremely helpful and we had a number of meetings with her where she sat down with us and gave us ideas and support.

“Being self-employed is extremely hard work, but it does have a lot of rewards and it would be very difficult to go back now and be employed by some one else.”

Both Rachael and Nikki are based in the Formby area of Merseyside but will offer their workshops throughout the region. Between them they have worked with young offenders and children in the past and have gained qualifications in counselling.

“We are really excited about our new venture” added Nikki, “people are already taking up our workshops, we did one earlier this month at a children’s home, it went really well and it was great to see the children getting so much out of it. We are also working with lone parents and unemployed people to help build confidence and communication skills for when they attend job interviews. It is extremely rewarding when you see people develop and move forward in a more positive way.”

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Face 2 Face should call Rachael or Nikki on 01704 831235 or email them at face2face1@btinternet.com

Train 2000 offers FREE support to women in the Merseyside and Greater Manchester areas. For further information visit www.train2000.org.uk or call 0800 587 0383.