A NEW Kidderminster enterprise has been set up to help people with disabilities to learn fundamental skills in their local community.

Fundamentals, an organisation created as part of the Worcestershire Micro-enterprise Project, will deliver basic hairdressing skills in a fun way.

The sessions will be taught at Simply Limitless Wellbeing Centre, in Puxton Lane, by enterprise founder Karren Arrowsmith.

Karen said: “Transitioning from childhood to adulthood can be a difficult time, especially if disability is thrown into the mix, and as a mum of a profoundly disabled daughter I can vouch for this.

“It's not about teaching someone to be a hairdresser - it's a care salon. I just use the salon environment for meaningful day opportunities where the emphasis is on fun and being part of the community.

“I am very excited and know there is a real need for more projects like mine as disabled people are being given their own budgets and the ability to choose where to buy their care.

“I am nervously excited about the future for my daughter and look forward to developing this project for our community.”

The venture got off the ground thanks to a grant of £4,000 from the West Midlands School for Social Entrepreneurs in association with Lloyds Bank.

Karen added: “With the love and support from Simply Limitless Wellbeing Centre and generous donations of equipment, I have been able to establish an enterprise that will hopefully benefit my daughter and other members of our community with additional needs.”

The Micro-enterprise Project is an initiative delivered in partnership between Worcestershire County Council and Community Catalyst to support small local enterprises which provide a range of care and support services.

County councillor Sheila Blagg, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We aim to stimulate the development and growth of micro-enterprises within the health and social care sector - just like Karen's business Fundamentals and we offer support across the county.

“We have been able to offer Karen support with information on policies, procedures and with marketing, as well as access to a wide range of funded training through the council.

“We wish Karen and her daughter Megan every success in the future.”

Micro-enterprises provide a range of care and support services including activities that help people to gain a new skill, make new friends, lead a healthy life or enjoy a leisure activity.

They are offered by a wide range of people and organisations in the community, including by people who themselves need some support and by family carers.

Anyone who would like to take part in a free Fundamentals taster session can contact Karen Arrowsmith by calling 01562 751144 or emailing karen.arrowsmith@simply-limitless.org For more information about micro-enterprises visit worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20148/micro-enterprise