landlord and council help single mother to become chimney sweep

A woman who swapped sewing for sweeping chimneys has proved there is no such thing as a “man’s job” after establishing her own successful business. 

Lydia Wharton used to be a self-employed seamstress, which suited her while her two children were very young and needed fulltime childcare. 

But she grew bored of sitting at the sewing machine and working alone so decided to pursue her dream of becoming a chimney sweep; a job she became interested in while talking to a chimney sweep who used to visit her parents’ home. 

With support from her landlord believe housing and from Durham County Council’s Employability Durham service she launched her own business, JJL Chimney Sweeping. 

The housing association’s Employability Team and Employability Durham guided Lydia to access support with her business plans, helped pay for training, and provided general support. 

Two years on, Lydia’s business is going well, she loves the work, and feels it is boosting her social and mental wellbeing. 

She says: “I absolutely love it, it’s great. 

“It is the best decision I’ve ever made, and I just love working for myself.” 

Now she is encouraging other believe housing customers who need employment support to ask what help is available, especially if they lack confidence or face doubters like she did when people said chimney sweeping was a man’s job. 

“I would have had to save up, probably for two years, and would just be starting now, so it helped massively,” says Lydia. 

“It is a bit scary ringing up, but it is worth it in the end; the support, the advice, they make you feel like you can do something.  

“They gave me confidence to do it, I felt like someone had my back.   

“Don’t listen to people when they say “you can’t do that, it is a man’s job” because there is no such thing now.  

“Proving people wrong along the way has just been like an added bonus as well.  

“You can do anything that you set your mind to so just go for it.” 

Hollie Chalmers, an Employability Coordinator at believe housing, said: “When I first spoke to Lydia, I could hear the determination in her voice and knew this was going to be a success for her.  

“We work closely with Employability Durham, and they referred Lydia to us so we could provide the support she needed together. This is partnership working at its best.  

“I think it is great to see a single mam succeed in her chosen profession and balancing both parenting and working; it can be hard, but it is possible when you have the right support and the will to do it.  

“I’m so pleased for Lydia and hearing how successful our customers can be is the reason I do this job.” 

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We’re proud to have played a part in Lydia’s journey to become a chimney sweep, and are delighted her business is thriving. 

“Lydia has shown that it is never too late to change career or get back into work, and that there is help out there.  

“Our Employability Durham service can provide tailored support to County Durham residents who are aged 25 and over, not in employment and not actively seeking work. Whether that be carers, parents of young children or those living with chronic health conditions, our aim is to help people to start thinking positively and realistically about their future by increasing their confidence and interpersonal skills, raising aspirations, upskilling, and supporting with access to health services if appropriate. 

“We would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to contact the team.” 

The Employability Team at believe housing can offer customers a range of support to access jobs, skills and training. Find out more on the website www.believehousing.co.uk, by calling 0300 1311 999 or emailing employability@believehousing.co.uk.  

Information about jobs and career support can also be found on Durham County Council’s website www.durham.gov.uk/employability, by calling 03000 262009 or emailing employability@durham.gov.uk.