Yesterday we received the fantastic news that first year Hallam Psychology student Aimee Browes had been shortlisted for the Student Start Up Of The Year award for her enterprise 'The Happiness Bootcamp'. We had to talk to her to find out more. Here is what Aimee had to tell us:
“My name is Aimee Browes, I’m a 19 year old, first year Psychology student at Hallam University! I began The Happiness Bootcamp during my lowest years. I have always suffered with my mental health, having my first panic attacks at the age of 10. I spent many years in and out of NHS services and was diagnosed with Severe Anxiety Disorder. Between year 11 and my first year of sixth form I began dealing with Body Dysmorphic Disorder, I was following online popular diet plans, overexercsing and creating an unhealthy relationship with food. I dropped down to 6 stone and became so exhausted that I quit A levels 5 months in because I couldn’t handle the stress.
For a few months after leaving I spent days on end in bed because I could barely move, I was exhausted and there was no help being offered to me other than a 9 months waiting list and a few classes focusing on adult issues. Over time I began my journey to recovery, I did my Level 2 Fitness Instructor award and learnt how food is not a phobia and how to exercise correctly. I then began Pop Pilates and suddenly had an idea.
During my recovery there was nothing offered for teenagers or young adults that aren’t at the height of their career. There are insane waiting lists for people who NEED help now, there’s nothing.
I began The Happiness Bootcamp to give people a community of others going through similar experiences. The Happiness Bootcamp uses fitness to release endorphins and teach how much exercise can help with mental health. Through workshops I teach how to deal with anxiety, stress, depression, eating, body confidence and self-love, giving people the friendly advice they want, not just 4 white walls.
The Happiness Bootcamp has been seen on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Newsbeat, The Tab, The Sun, The Telegraph, led talks at the women in Leadership Conference 2018, as well as running a class at this years BE:FIT festival 2018 for REEBOK.
On the morning of the 28th February I found I’ve been shortlisted as a semi-finalist for the Student Start Up Of The Year 2018 by Enterprise Nation. The competition is powered by Enterprise Trust and provides young people and recent graduates with the opportunity to win a host of business prizes and £2,500 cash investment. Students and recent graduates from 200 colleges and universities across Britain entered this year's competition.
The winner wins:
- £2,500 cash investment
- Free office space for 12 months with The Office Group
- One year free Enterprise Nation membership and business support to all ten finalists, including the winner
- A month's free supply of Propercorn popcorn
- Profile on the Enterprise Nation blog and social media
This would be life changing for The Happiness Bootcamp, this would give me the funding to help more people nationwide with getting the immediate support they deserve, as well as giving me a permanent home to set up a studio and a safe place here in Sheffield for more people to come to.
On Friday 9th March, I’ll be heading to London to pitch in front of judges along with 10 other semi-finalists about why The Happiness Bootcamp deserves this opportunity. The judges will then decide who the 5 finalists are before public voting will open on 14th March until the 25th March."
You can read more about the competition here: https://enterprisenation.com/student
Keep up with the latest news and events from the Happiness Bootcamp on social media:
Facebook www.thehappinessbootcamp.com
Instagram: @thehappinessbootcamp