A HEXHAM-BASED life and sober coach has converted part of her home into a retreat.
Alex Brown launched business Start Here in August of this year with the aim of helping people to lead a better life.
When Covid hit, the dental hygienist of 27 years spent more time in nature, meditating and walking, and became interested in mental health. She has since completed a diploma in positive psychology life coaching and sober coaching.
"It's about focusing on solutions rather than problems", said Alex. "Coaching is about coming and saying 'these are my issues' or 'this is my goal'.
"I would say I'm a 'stuck' coach for people who are stuck in any way. I absolutely love it. It's so rewarding.
"I try and think 'if I only help one person in a whole month, that's one person and made a difference'. It's nice when people say thank you."
Alex has helped clients with issues including illness, work, and health and wellbeing.
As well as in-person coaching, Alex also offers virtual sessions - with clients as far as Birmingham - and runs a private, free-to-join Facebook group Better you, Better me, Better life, which runs monthly challenges linked to themes like movement, drinking and nutrition. She also uses Whatsapp to keep clients accountable.
Alex, who believes there's still a stigma around some issues - like drugs and alcohol - explained her one-bedroom, self-contained annexe is a former kitchen and holiday let.
She said: "The thought was if people were really stuck with something, they could come and it's a lovely little space. I've got a huge garden.
"It'll be somewhere where I coach them then they would go home after a few days back on track.
"I've got an extensive library of books for all different things that can help in terms of mind and body.
"When I felt really stuck in my life, I thought 'I wish I could just get in my car and drive away somewhere on my own and have someone help with all these issues and go home feeling better."
Alex, who is due to start running workshops, signposts to other services where it is needed.
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