Getting support

Mental health support

Running a business alone can be isolating and stressful. If you are experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, professional support can make a real difference. Here are the most effective routes:

Starting with your doctor

Your general practitioner (GP) or primary care doctor is usually the fastest route to assessment and support. They can:

• Assess your symptoms and discuss treatment options
• Refer you to NHS mental health services or equivalent in your country
• Provide a sick note if you need time away from work
• Discuss medication if appropriate

Therapy and counselling

Talking therapy can be particularly valuable for business owners dealing with stress, burnout, or difficult decisions:

• NHS (UK): Talking therapies are free through your GP. Wait times vary by region. Visit NHS talking therapies
• Private therapy: BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) maintains a therapist search directory at BACP’s therapist directory.
• Online therapy: Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Rethink offer remote counselling with qualified therapists.

Support specifically for business owners

• Mind: Free information and support for mental health. Visit mind.org.uk
• Samaritans: Free, confidential emotional support. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Business in the Community: Offers mental health support for business owners. Visit bitc.org.uk

Money, debt and tax support

Financial stress is one of the biggest pressures solo business owners face. If you are struggling with cash flow, debt, or tax issues, professional advice can help you navigate the options. Early action almost always leads to better outcomes.

Debt advice

Free, independent debt advice charities can help you understand your options and negotiate with creditors:

• StepChange (UK): Free debt advice and support. Call 0800 138 1111 or visit stepchange.org
• National Debtline (UK): Free, confidential debt advice. Call 0808 808 4000 or visit nationaldebtline.org
• Citizens Advice (UK): Free advice on debt, benefits, and consumer issues. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk
• National Foundation for Credit Counselling (US): Free credit counselling. Visit nfcc.org

Tax and accounting support

Tax authorities usually have hardship or time-to-pay arrangements. Contacting them early is almost always better than waiting:

• HMRC (UK): If you cannot pay your tax bill, contact HMRC to discuss payment arrangements. Call 0300 200 3822 or visit GOV.UK’s Self Assessment tax-return guidance
• IRS (US): Offers payment plans and hardship relief. Visit irs.gov/payments
• Qualified accountant: Essential for viability questions, insolvency options, and tax planning. Find one through your professional body or local business support services.

Business finance support

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): Membership includes access to financial advice and support. Visit fsb.org.uk
• British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association: If you are considering funding. Visit bvca.co.uk

Business and legal support

Legal and business advice is important for protecting your business and making informed decisions about contracts, disputes, and closure. Professional guidance can save you money and stress.

Business advice

Many organisations offer free or low-cost business advice for solo entrepreneurs:

• Regional business support (UK): Contact your local authority or Growth Hub to find current business-support, mentoring and funding-advice services in your area.
• Small Business Administration (US): Free counselling and resources. Visit sba.gov
• Business support organisations: Many regions have local business support services offering free advice on strategy, marketing, and operations.
• SCORE (US): Free mentoring from experienced business advisors. Visit score.org

Legal advice

A qualified solicitor should review contracts, disputes, and closure obligations:

• Law Society (UK): Find a solicitor through their directory at lawsociety.org.uk
• American Bar Association (US): Find a lawyer at ABA’s Find Legal Help directory
• Free legal advice: Many areas have free legal advice clinics. Search for "free legal advice" plus your location.
• Trade bodies and professional associations: Often include legal helplines or discounted legal services in membership.

Insolvency and business closure

If your business is not viable, professional advice is essential. Do not try to navigate this alone:

• Insolvency Service (UK): Information on insolvency options. Visit gov.uk/insolvency
• Licensed Insolvency Practitioner (UK): Required for formal insolvency procedures. Find one through the Insolvency Practitioners Association at insolvency-practitioners.org.uk
• Accountant: Can advise on the best closure route for your specific situation.

Employment and workplace support

If you are an employee as well as a business owner, or if you are considering employment, these resources may help:

• ACAS (UK): Free advice on employment rights and workplace issues. Call 0300 123 1100 or visit acas.org.uk
• Citizens Advice (UK): Advice on employment rights. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk/work
• Department of Labor (US): Information on employment rights and protections. Visit dol.gov

Getting in touch with Hayley Duster

If you have questions about the content on this site, want to contribute a founder story, or have other enquiries, you can reach out through the contact page. We reply to most messages within a few working days.

If your enquiry is urgent or health-related, please use the appropriate support routes listed above instead of contacting us.