A retired doctor has used her 20 years of experience to launch a digitally accessible workshop that helps individuals take charge of their own mental wellbeing.
Former NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr Jacinta Tan, has overcome her own challenges following a long Covid diagnosis in 2021.
Seeking ways to improve her own well-being, she realised that many people could benefit from additional psychiatric services to supplement care available from the NHS.
While Dr Tan’s professional training and personal experience made her uniquely qualified to support clients, she sought guidance from Business Wales experts to effectively plan, develop and launch her company.
In 2023 Dr Tan, from Penarth, launched My Lighthouse Ltd, an online service that offers a personalised, creative, self-discovery wellbeing model designed to help people discover proactive ways to self-care.
Her online programme, My Lighthouse: Explore©, takes clients through a flexible three stage process at a convenient pace for each person. Stages emphasis self-discovery, reflection upon the individual’s life journey and creative tasks to inspire introspection.
Dr Jacinta Tan said:
“Having worked as a psychiatrist within the NHS, I understand the availability and range of support available. This was the case prior to the pandemic, and the demand keeps growing.
“I knew I had the medical qualifications and experience to create something that could make a real positive impact to people’s wellbeing and mental health. However, I had questions when it came to establishing a company, and realised I needed to consult an expert for advice.”
Business Wales Business Advisor Nicola Thomas suggested a series of workshops to help new business owners unlock valuable skills such as time management and creating a step-by-step business plan.
Nicola also referred Dr Tan to the ‘Small Business Britain’ group, which hosts networking events where business owners with disabilities provide support to those who are new to owning their own company.
Dr Tan continued:
“Consultations are key in medicine, and I’m discovering the same rule applies to business. Business Wales’ guidance was brilliant in developing the plan for My Lighthouse and they introduced me to contacts that have helped my progress. Without that guidance I wouldn’t be able to help others to overcome their personal struggles.”
Dr Tan’s Business Advisor also suggested funding sources, grants, and linked her with contacts at the Vale of Glamorgan Council who are assisted with a successful application for a start-up bursary. This allowed her to buy equipment and hire a web developer to design the online programme.
Working with Business Wales, Dr Tan hopes to access the global market and make her programme available worldwide. She is also pursuing additional business coaching and mentoring qualifications that will allow her to diversify, by offering support for fellow doctors and professionals.
Business Wales Business Advisor Nicola Thomas said:
“My Lighthouse is a great example of a business with the ability to help a wide range of people. Dr Tan should be applauded for her determination to channel her experiences into supporting others to improve their own wellbeing. The progress that she has made is proof that with the right guidance in place, many people can transition to create companies with great growth potential.”
